About
This is Golden Valley – a community of future changemakers, shaping the world. An ecosystem rooted in rich heritage, supporting forward-thinking minds and a growing, connected community.
How it all began
Golden Valley was born in 2017, when Cheltenham Borough Council stepped in to purchase land that might otherwise have been bought by a volume housebuilder. The Council saw potential for something more, a nationally significant tech cluster where people wouldn’t just live, but play their part in shaping the future.
The acquisition ensured any future development would foster innovation and complement existing activity at GCHQ. The Council then began the search for a long-term development partner to bring this bold vision to life.
Arrival of HBD
That partner came in 2022, when HBD, part of Henry Boot and one of the UK’s most respected and active developers, was appointed. HBD brings decades of experience in delivering complex, impactful regeneration schemes.
Since then, HBD has showcased Golden Valley on the global stage, positioning it as the home of UK cyber. In autumn 2023, a planning application for the wider scheme was submitted, with detailed proposals for IDEA, the £95m Innovation Centre to follow in 2024.
The future
HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council are now delivering a flagship £1bn GDV development which is a cornerstone of the UK’s cyber strategy; somewhere that will strengthen national leadership in cyber, AI and quantum technologies.
Golden Valley offers a unique opportunity to build a high-performing tech cluster adjacent to GCHQ, leveraging Cheltenham’s established skills base to attract talent, investment and innovation.
This will be a place where academia, government, global industry and start-ups collaborate – supported by specialist environments traditional offices simply can't match.
Golden Valley will create thousands of jobs, new homes and green spaces, alongside community amenities including sports facilities, a new school, dining venues, event spaces and more. It’s also a platform for learning, with skills hubs and new apprenticeship programmes ensuring local people benefit from long-term opportunities.
Project programme
Autumn 2023 →
Outline planning submitted
Summer 2025 →
Outline planning forecast determination
Summer 2025 →
Detailed planning to be submitted for IDEA and ROUTER
Winter 2025 →
IDEA and ROUTER construction commences
Spring 2027 →
IDEA and ROUTER doors open
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A heritage of innovation
Golden Valley is deeply rooted in Cheltenham’s rich heritage, home to the UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency for decades. The presence of GCHQ has created significant economic impact, from thousands of staff in the Doughnut to spin-out companies and multi-million-pound contracting services.
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A cultural heart that’s bonded to history and nature
Golden Valley, a community of future changemakers shaping the world, is located in Cheltenham, adjacent to GCHQ. Well-connected to the town and surrounding area through cycle routes, enhanced public transport, and walkways, it seamlessly links new neighbourhoods with the existing network, reducing the need for private vehicles.
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Golden Valley is a place for everyone
Home to over 1 million sq ft of commercial space for businesses across tech sectors including cybersecurity, AI and more, all just 100 metres from GCHQ’s iconic Doughnut.
It’s also a place for people to live - more than 1,000 new homes will offer a diverse mix of types, tenures and sizes to meet a wide range of needs.
A place for future changemakers
Golden Valley is more than just a place. It’s a purpose-built ecosystem where innovation, community and ambition converge. Designed to nurture future changemakers, it will make a lasting impact.
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For local people
Golden Valley is creating a better experience everyday for local communities, delivering thousands of high-quality jobs, new homes, green public spaces, and community amenities including a new modal hub – making sustainable travel the natural choice.
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For start-ups
At the heart of Golden Valley lies IDEA, a flagship innovation centre opening in 2026 that will unite government, business, academia, start-ups and the wider community under one collaborative roof. Alongside IDEA, INPUT has been designed with the flexibility and growth of start-ups in mind, offering adaptable floorplates and an open, interactive layout ideal for ambitious entrepreneurs, scaling ventures, and research-led teams.
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For global businesses
OUTPUT is where leading global companies will shape the next era of technology. Positioned within the dynamic Golden Valley ecosystem and just moments from GCHQ, it offers a unique opportunity for pioneering businesses to collaborate, innovate, and thrive within a world-class tech and cyber cluster.
Community Impact
Golden Valley is transforming lives locally, delivering new jobs, homes, green spaces, community hubs and sustainable transport. It's a place designed to support healthier, more connected living for all.
Discover how Golden Valley is shaping a thriving future for the community; explore the area today.
Who’s involved?
Golden Valley is made possible by leading partners. Cheltenham Borough Council and HBD, part of Henry Boot and one of the UK’s most respected developers, are joined by Cynam, Gloucestershire’s cyber-tech hub, and Plexal, the innovation company uniting government, start-ups and industry to solve society’s biggest challenges through technology.
