What to expect with Golden Valley in 2026

Stories

13 Feb

“2026 is a defining year for Golden Valley. From planning milestones to construction on site, the year ahead marks the shift from vision to delivery across Cheltenham and the wider region.”

– Matt Bellshaw

Back in early 2024, I shared a blog outlining what to expect from Golden Valley and the thinking behind the project as it gathered momentum. Two years on, that momentum has become tangible.

2026 feels like a pivotal year for Golden Valley in Cheltenham. It’s the year where long-term plans move firmly into delivery, where activity on site becomes visible, and where the impact of the Golden Valley development starts to be felt more clearly by local people, partners and businesses.

Here’s what to expect over the coming months.

Moving from plans to delivery

One of the most important milestones has already been reached. At the start of 2026, we submitted the detailed Reserved Matters application for phase one of Golden Valley, covering IDEA, the Innovation Centre, and ROUTER, the mobility hub.

This is the final planning submission required before work can begin. It sets out the detailed design, layout, scale, access and landscaping for the first phase of the development. With Bowmer + Kirkland appointed as the contractor, we’re now moving into the late design stage and expect to be on site by the summer.

Seeing construction begin will be a significant moment. It marks the transition from planning and consultation into delivery, and makes the project feel real in a way drawings and models never quite can.

IDEA will provide 160,000 sq. ft of flexible innovation space, highlighted in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, bringing together collaboration, research and enterprise across cyber, AI, quantum technologies, defence tech and communications.

ROUTER will support sustainable, smarter movement through Golden Valley and beyond, with cycle facilities, e-bike charging, showers, lockers and real-time transport information, alongside car parking to help ease long-standing pressures in the area.

With GCHQ nearby and occupier discussions progressing well, 2026 is about laying strong foundations for what follows.

We expect to begin announcing early occupiers over the course of the year, marking another important step in bringing Golden Valley to life and demonstrating the breadth of interest in the project.

Sustainability built into delivery, not added later

As we move towards construction, sustainability remains a defining principle rather than a design add-on. The first phase of Golden Valley is being delivered to best-in-class environmental standards, with buildings designed to perform efficiently over their full lifecycle, not just meet minimum requirements on paper.

IDEA has been designed to significantly outperform typical commercial buildings in terms of energy use, supported by smart systems that respond to real-time conditions.

From AI-enabled building management to transport solutions that make low-carbon choices the most convenient option, the focus is on practical sustainability that works day-to-day for the people using the space.

This approach reflects a wider belief that long-term resilience, national security and economic competitiveness are closely linked to sustainability.

High-performing, future-ready buildings help attract and retain talent, support organisations in meeting their own climate commitments, and ensure Golden Valley remains valuable and relevant for decades to come, not just at the opening.

Activity, partnerships and national relevance

Golden Valley’s presence at CYBERUK will continue this year, marking our fourth appearance and third time exhibiting.

With CYBERUK returning to Glasgow in April for its tenth anniversary, the event remains an important moment for us to connect with industry, government and academia, and to position Golden Valley within the UK’s cyber and national security landscape.

Alongside this, we’re anticipating a decision on our second outline planning application for the northern part of the site early in the year. This phase will bring forward additional housing, a sports centre and a primary school, reinforcing that Golden Valley is not just about employment space, but about building a balanced, liveable community.

Central government investment in the M5 Junction 10 improvements is also critical. This major infrastructure project, supported through Housing Infrastructure Fund funding, unlocks land for housing and employment and improves access across West Cheltenham. It’s a clear signal of confidence in the region’s long-term economic role and underpins future phases of Golden Valley’s growth.

Social value, skills and community impact

As activity ramps up, it’s important that local people feel the benefits during 2026, not just in the years ahead.

Construction will begin to create jobs, while our work with Bowmer + Kirkland and partners will focus on training, skills development and local supply chains.

Alongside this, we’ll continue to put into action the feedback gathered during the Social Value Workshop in late 2025.

This includes further investment in skills initiatives, support for young people and career changers, continued delivery of Jam Coding workshops in local primary schools, and deeper engagement with the Cheltenham Borough Council and community organisations across Gloucestershire.

We’ll also be involved in several events, sponsorships and partnerships throughout the year, including:

· No Child Left Behind

· Cheltenham Science Festival

· EmPower Cynam

· Jam Coding Sponsorship

· Cleeve School Tech Hub

These activities are about making Golden Valley visible, accessible and relevant long before the buildings open.

Looking ahead

By the end of 2026, my hope is that people across Cheltenham and the wider region feel excited because they can see Golden Valley taking shape. That it feels understandable, connected to local life, and clearly rooted in opportunity.

Golden Valley is an asset for Cheltenham and for the UK, not just for future occupiers. The amenities, skills, training and job opportunities it will bring should feel tangible and inclusive.

2026 is about momentum, delivery and trust. We’re moving from ambition into action, and I am excited for what the year ahead will bring.

We’ll be sharing updates, milestones and opportunities throughout the year. To stay up to date with the latest Golden Valley news, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.