Henry Boot's property investment and development arm, Henry Boot Developments (HBD), has secured outline planning consent for phase one of the Golden Valley project in Cheltenham, England.
This marks a significant step forward for the 200ha regional regeneration project, which aims to provide approximately 2,500 new homes and 1.25 million square feet of commercial space.
The outline planning consent enables the development of IDEA, the new 160,000ft² National Cyber Innovation Centre highlighted in the UK government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
Additionally, the consent includes provisions for 576 residential units of various tenures to support Cheltenham’s housing needs.
HBD is preparing to commence construction later this year.
The Golden Valley project, valued at £1bn ($1.36bn), is strategically located near the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the UK's intelligence, security, and cyber agency.
The development is expected to create nearly 12,000 jobs and play a role in enhancing the UK’s capabilities in AI, quantum technologies, and secure communications, contributing to national security and economic resilience.
In 2022, HBD was appointed as a development partner for Golden Valley by Cheltenham Borough Council and submitted an outline planning application in October 2023.
The project has garnered a £104m funding package, including a £20m contribution from the UK government, indicating public sector support and alignment with the UK’s Cyber Security Strategy.
The economic impact of Golden Valley extends beyond the immediate region, with potential benefits for Gloucestershire, South West England, and the UK as a whole.
A separate outline planning application for an additional 443 homes is also pending determination, expected in the coming weeks.
Henry Boot CEO Tim Roberts said: “Securing planning permission marks a major milestone for both Henry Boot and the future of UK 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 UK’s capabilities in the highly important cybersecurity and emerging technology sectors. It is also testament to the expertise and dedication of our development team."
GCHQ director of technology futures Dr Marsha Quallo-Wright said: “We welcome this decision and are pleased to confirm our presence on this important project. 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.
Story Continues"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 UK safe.”
In December 2024, HBD announced a joint venture with Feldberg Capital to establish Origin, a UK-focused industrial and logistics platform.
"HBD secures approval for phase one of $1.36bn Cheltenham project" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.
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