Henry Boot Developments (HBD), the property investment and development branch of Henry Boot, has appointed Bowmer + Kirkland as the contractor for the first phase of the Golden Valley project in Cheltenham, UK.
The Golden Valley development is located adjacent to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). It is a £1bn ($1.3bn) initiative being delivered by HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council.
The initial phase of construction, set to commence in early 2026, will feature two major buildings, IDEA and ROUTER.
IDEA, also known as the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will offer 160,000ft² of workspace and event facilities designed to foster innovation in cyber technology.
ROUTER, meanwhile, will serve as a transport hub incorporating smart technology to support sustainable travel across the 200-hectare site.
This first phase also includes preparatory works for future development stages.
The Golden Valley project aims to deliver approximately 2,500 new homes and 1.25 million square feet of commercial space.
The development is expected to generate nearly 12,000 jobs, contributing to both national security and economic resilience by advancing fields such as AI and quantum technologies.
HBD secured outline planning consent for the first phase in July, paving the way for this appointment.
HBD managing director Ed Hutchinson said: “The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the UK’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.”
Bowmer + Kirkland brings prior experience with HBD, having collaborated on several projects, including a £60m net-zero office scheme in Manchester.
Bowmer + Kirkland regional construction director Stuart Fanshaw said: "We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the UK at the forefront of cyber innovation."
HBD manages a development pipeline valued at £1.2bn, concentrating on industrial and logistics, urban development, and residential projects.
