Work on Gloucestershire's £1bn Golden Valley development will start this year, it has been announced.
The major government-backed project to create a vast tech and cyber ecosystem, including a new 海角视频 innovation centre, on land next to security agency GCHQ near Cheltenham has been given the green light.
Developer HBD, part of Henry Boot, confirmed on Friday (July 4) it had secured outline planning consent for the first phase of the scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council.
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Under the proposals, phase one will include around one million sq ft of commercial space, including IDEA - the 160,000 sq ft National Cyber Innovation Centre referred to in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy - as well as 576 homes.
The 200-hectare flagship regional regeneration project will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes, 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space and support some 12,000 jobs.
The development is public-private partnership, having secured a £104m funding package, including £20m direct from the 海角视频 government, along with significant additional private sector investment.
Tim Roberts, chief at Henry Boot, said: “Securing planning permission marks a major milestone for both Henry Boot and the future of 海角视频 innovation.
"Golden Valley is a significant development and a superb example of public and private sector collaboration working well, committing regional investment that will strengthen the 海角视频’s capabilities in the highly important cyber security and emerging technology sectors.
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"It is also testament to the expertise and dedication of our development team. Unlocking land for developments that create jobs, opportunities and economic growth, while delivering sustainable returns for our investors, is central to our long-term strategy.”
HBD began work on Golden Valley in 2022, before submitting an outline planning application in October 2023, which has now been granted. The developer will prepare for construction to begin later this year, and a separate outline planning application for an additional 443 homes is also due for determination in the coming weeks.
Cllr Rowena Hay, leader at Cheltenham Borough Council said securing outline planning consent for the first phase marked "a significant step forward" in the delivery of the scheme.
"We are aware that there are a number of planning obligations that have to be formalised through the conclusion of the Section 106 agreement, and we also acknowledge how important our partnership working will be with colleagues at the county council to secure infrastructure commitments so that we can deliver the full benefits of Golden Valley to our local communities," she said.
Dr Marsha Quallo-Wright, GCHQ director of technology futures, said she welcomed the decision and was pleased to confirm the agency's presence on the "important project".
She said: We look forward to working alongside academia and industry to enhance our ability to address emerging security challenges, foster innovation and support the region’s growth.
"By strengthening these collaborations, we will tap into new expertise, share knowledge and help shape the skills needed for the future, all of which are vital to supporting our mission to keep the 海角视频 safe.”
In May, HBD and Cheltenham council unveiled plans for the second phase of Golden Valley, including the launch of the newly named 'I/O Buildings' at Cyber 海角视频, an event hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre.