The developer of Cheltenham's £1bn Golden Valley scheme has appointed a contractor as it prepares to start work on the site next to GCHQ.
The major government-backed project to create a vast tech and cyber ecosystem, including a new Ƶ innovation centre, was given the green light earlier this year.
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has now confirmed that construction group Bowmer + Kirkland will deliver the first phase of the scheme including the national cyber centre - named IDEA - and a transport hub, along with the enabling works for future phases.
It is understood construction work will begin on the first phase in the spring of next year.
The Golden Valley development, to the west of Cheltenham, is a 200-hectare project being delivered in partnership between HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council.
Under the plans, HBD says it will build around 2,500 new homes and 1.25million sq ft of commercial space, including offices and hubs for research and development, as well as green areas and a school. The scheme is expected to create around 12,000 new jobs.
The cyber innovation centre will incorporate 160,000sq ft of workspace and flexible event facilities, while the transport hub, known as ROUTER, will be powered by smart technology which will facilitate sustainable travel across the scheme, alongside a range of leisure, retail and wellbeing facilities.
Bowmer + Kirkland has worked with HBD on several major projects, most recently Island, its £60m net zero carbon office scheme in Manchester city centre.
Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: “The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the Ƶ’s position as a leader in secure innovation really can’t be overstated. The development will play a key role in driving innovation across cyber and deep tech industries while delivering significant economic benefits for Gloucestershire and the wider South West.
“With outline planning consent for phase one approved, it’s positive to be able to announce the appointment of Bowmer + Kirkland as we focus on getting started on-site.”
The funding for Golden Valley is from a mixture of public and private sources, including £95m from Cheltenham Borough Council - first approved in 2023 - and £20m from the Ƶ government's levelling-up fund.
Councillor Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “It is important that social value remains a key a priority as Golden Valley begins to take shape.
"The team at Bowmer + Kirkland took the time to meet with local groups and charities, schools, colleges and universities as early as possible to understand the key priorities for the community and wider region, ensuring that its plans and investment are aligned and will deliver real, tangible benefit.”
Bowmer + Kirkland regional construction director, Stuart Fanshaw, said his team was "looking forward" to starting on site.
"We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the Ƶ at the forefront of cyber innovation," he said.
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