Cheltenham Borough Council has launched the search for a development partner to deliver a £400m world-class Golden Valley development in Cheltenham
The site will see up to 200-hectares of land transformed into a multi-purpose Golden Valley-style development with the UK’s first cyber-focused campus, Cyber Central, at its heart.
Cyber Central will see the Cyber Innovation Centre, bringing together GCHQ’s innovation programmes, academia, business and event space – offering up to 2m sq ft of commercial floor space.
Cyber Central will be the commercial and innovative hub for the wider Golden Valley Garden Community with over 3,000 homes creating a community supported by shops, cafes, restaurants and leisure facilities.
Cheltenham Borough Council has purchased 45 hectares of land, making it the biggest single purchase ever made by the council at £37.5m.
The council has a further £180m funding available for the delivery of high-quality homes.
Garden communities programme
In June 2019, the government announced the Golden Valley development would be part of its Garden Communities programme. This will promote the importance of sustainability as part of a thriving community, with a long-term focus on creating new job opportunities, high-quality housing, sustainable transport and connectivity through public transport routes.
Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety at Cheltenham Borough Council, commented: “The Golden Valley Development is a prime example of how Cheltenham Borough Council continues to demonstrate its bold vision and the kind of strong local leadership that will help to drive economic recovery, post Covid-19.
“Our investment has been the catalyst for this development, which is recognised as one of the most exciting and innovative projects anywhere in the country.
“As we look to the future, cyber security and sustainable living will become ever more important – and the Golden Valley Development will lead the way on this.”
Tim Atkins, managing director for place & growth at Cheltenham Borough Council, added: “At a time of unprecedented change, the Golden Valley Development is an opportunity to put Cheltenham on a global stage and at the forefront of one of the most dynamic and exciting sectors.
“That’s precisely why Cheltenham Borough Council has stepped up to play a leading role in the development, working alongside multiple stakeholders across the public and private sector to drive sustainable economic recovery and growth.”
Avison Young has been appointed to lead the search for a partner on the development, which is supported by the Department of International Trade as a project of international significance.
The development partner is expected to be appointed in Spring 2021.
