Published on 5 August 2021
Michael Ratcliffe MBE, Chief Executive, Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce:
“The appointment of the Partner for the Golden Valley Development marks a major step forward for this one-of-a-kind project. Ever since GCHQ made Cheltenham the home for its headquarters over 60 years ago, an incredible ecosystem has developed in the town. It is only fitting that this project has been acknowledged by the Government as playing a vital role in the UK’s ambitions to become a global “science and technology superpower.
“Cheltenham Borough Council and their partners in this £1 billion project, deserve a great deal of praise for their drive and determination in making this development happen. The Council itself has been a key enabler investing £37.5 million in the 45 hectare site, its biggest ever investment.
“The scale of the Golden Valley Development is quite breath-taking delivering 3,700 new homes and 2 million sq ft of commercial floorspace, not forgetting the thousands of jobs it will create. Cheltenham’s unparalleled cyber reputation has already attracted some of the world’s leading household tech names, including Microsoft, Apple and IBM, to have a presence in the town.
Cheltenham has 11 times more cyber businesses than the UK average, making it the UK’s highest concentration of such firms outside London.
“The Chamber and its members are excited about the economic benefits that the Golden Valley Development will bring to the town. In addition to direct opportunities in the development supply chain, the spending of those businesses attracted to the area and of their employees will have an immensely positive impact. Also, we very much hope that many of these businesses will look to integrate with the existing business community and become members of the Chamber.”
Councillor Mark Hawthorne, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council:
“It’s fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to focus on this ambitious aim to enhance Cheltenham’s presence as an international digital innovation leader. There are so many benefits to this project in terms of investment in our communities, environment, transport, growth and jobs. We will continue to support this fantastic and pioneering project.”
Steve Slater, CEO Cheltenham Borough Homes:
“It is fantastic news that a significant milestone in this exciting and innovative development, which will provide in many ways for Cheltenham and its residents, has been reached. We are excited to work closely with Cheltenham Borough Council and HBD X Factory to deliver housing across a variety of tenures and, most importantly, to deliver thriving communities. It is crucial we genuinely integrate the Golden Valley development with the surrounding, existing communities so that all can enjoy and benefit from this investment. This project is also a great opportunity to push the boundaries in making homes and developments carbon neutral. The learning will not just deliver for this project but for the town and its communities as whole. Everyone at CBH is delighted to be playing a part in making the Golden Valley project a massive success and helping Cheltenham to be stronger post COVID-19.”
Alex Rose, Chairman of Cheltenham Business Improvement District:
“The resulting economic growth of Cheltenham from the Golden Valley development will benefit a huge range of people and businesses in the surrounding area. The BID members and zone will also undoubtedly see the spin off economic effects in their own businesses.
Cyber being at the forefront of the development is a Cheltenham speciality and really gives Cheltenham a unique selling point to other growth plans being introduced around the country. It’s time to make sure Cheltenham leads the way.”
David Owen, Chief Executive, GFirst LEP:
“The announcement of the development partner for the Golden Valley project is another giant step forward in the realisation of the vision to build a World-class facility for the whole of Gloucestershire. GFirst LEP is proud to be a partner in the development and to promote cyber as the key growth area for the Gloucestershire economy. Cheltenham Borough Council and other partners have done a great job to move the project to this stage and we really look forward to continuing working in partnership to realise the full potential of the Golden Valley project in order to grow our economy and put the county firmly on the global map”
Councillor Rob Bird, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council:
“The Golden Valley development will deliver massive commercial space for world class cyber businesses of the future, new investment in Gloucestershire and a new garden community that is smart in every way. There is no doubt in my mind that the impressive progress of this exciting project results from imaginative investment and strong place-making leadership from Cheltenham Borough Council and its partners.
“Tewkesbury Borough Council is a key partner in the Golden Valley project and we very much welcome the announcement of the Golden Valley Development Partner - an important step that will bring the project closer to actual delivery.
“The development will create employment, develop skills and opportunities, create affordable homes and establish a high-quality lifestyle that is compatible with a post-Covid green economic recovery. Tewkesbury Borough Council is proud to be part of this project which will shape the future of Gloucestershire as the UK's cyber capital.”
David Moore, Development Director at St. Modwen and Adam Tustain, Development Surveyor at Severn Trent:
“This latest appointment builds on the huge amount of momentum behind Golden Valley Development and we welcome this important milestone. We look forward to collaborating with HBD X Factory and Cheltenham Borough Council in delivering a new and exciting hub for living and working in West Cheltenham. Since St. Modwen was appointed as the Development Partner for the land, which is owned by Severn Trent subsidiary, Midlands Land Portfolio Limited, a project team has been set up to prepare an outline planning application for the northern part of the development, which will provide much-needed housing and facilities to the area. We look forward to sharing more details later this year.”