HBD unveils phase two plans for Golden Valley at Cyber UK
Golden Valley was brought to life last week at Cyber UK, where HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council unveiled plans for the second phase of the landmark scheme, including the launch of the newly named 'I/O Buildings'.
Cyber UK is the government’s flagship annual cyber security event hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre. Held in Manchester, it is attended by 2,000 leaders and academic institutions. The Golden Valley delegation included HBD, Cheltenham Borough Council and Plexal.
Property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, took the opportunity to reveal the names for its landmark phase one buildings as well as showcasing plans for the second phase of the scheme.
The Innovation centre, which comprises 160,000 sq ft of high-quality office space and flexible event facilities, will be known as IDEA Innovation Centre. At the core of Golden Valley’s vision for the future, it is designed to inspire and nurture groundbreaking ideas. The building is part of the first phase of the project, with construction expected to begin on site later this year.
The two I/O buildings (INPUT and OUTPUT) are a key element within the second phase of Golden Valley and will provide space for leaders and innovators to work together. INPUT is intended to foster collaboration between education, business and government, focusing on academia, skills and talent. OUTPUT will seek to bring together industry peers to shape the future of technology. The building will create space for quiet focus and provide state-of-the-art facilities for business.
Cabinet Office Minister, Pat McFadden included Golden Valley within his keynote address, saying: “We’re already making some big investments, like the billion pounds going into the new state-of-the-art Golden Valley campus near GCHQs Cheltenham office. That site alone is expected to create 12,000 jobs and be home to hospitality, retail businesses and 3,700 new homes. It’s all growth.”
Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said: “Cyber UK is a major annual event for the cyber and security industry, so it’s important for Golden Valley to take part, continuing to build and strengthen networks and connections within the sector.”
He continued: “Work is due to begin on site later this year so it’s great to be able to share new CGIs of the scheme, including the I/O Buildings within phase two, and bring the development to life.”
Cllr Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said: ‘‘Cyber UK offered us the perfect opportunity to showcase phase two of Golden Valley, including the naming of the buildings which will form an integral part of the development. It was an honour to hear that Rt Hon Pat McFadden included the scheme and all that it will offer in his keynote speech and some really great connections were made at the event which will prove invaluable as we move forward.’’
Sustainable travel and connectively also plays an important role in the Golden Valley vision. ROUTER, previously known as the Mobility Hub, is a next-generation transport hub powered by smart technology to allow effortless, environmentally friendly movement throughout the scheme. The building will also feature integrated retail, leisure and wellbeing facilities for the benefit of both Golden Valley residents and the wider public.
Golden Valley is a flagship £1bn GDV innovation and technology project located in Cheltenham, adjacent to GCHQ, the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency. The development strengthens the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI, quantum technologies, and secure communications, supporting national security, economic resilience, and industry expansion.
Planning consent is being sought for around 1million sq ft of prime commercial space, including a 160,000 sq ft Innovation Centre, and circa 1,000 residential units of various tenures, supporting Cheltenham’s housing needs.
