Work begins on 'nationally significant' cyber campus

Work has begun to build a £1bn cyber and technology campus that it is hoped will create about 12,000 new jobs in a town.

Plans for Golden Valley in Cheltenham, which has been called a "Silicon Valley" for the area, received approval from the borough council in April. It will feature a 160,000 sq ft (about 14,860 sq m) building for the cyber and technology sector and more than 450 car parking spaces.

Phase one will see work begin on Golden Valley's Innovation Centre, which aims to bring together government officials, academia and private companies, as well as a transport hub with cycling facilities and ebike charging.

Council leader Rowena Hay called it a "nationally significant development".

It is hoped the plans will eventually see about 1,000 homes built and a primary school, as well as the technology centre, on land next to GCHQ. According to officials, the site could generate an extra £151m for the local economy, with the transport hub set to feature retail and leisure amenities.

Hay said: "The start of construction is an important moment for Cheltenham and for Gloucestershire and demonstrates our commitment to creating an internationally recognised development that will deliver lasting benefits for the local, regional and national economy.

"This is a nationally significant development, but its impact will be felt very locally.

"Golden Valley is about creating opportunity for local people through new jobs, affordable homes, school programmes, skills partnerships and initiatives such as the recently launched University of Gloucestershire's Golden Valley scholarship.

"We want more people across the county to see a future for themselves in cyber, technology and innovation."

Dr Marsha Quallo-Wright, GCHQ director of technology futures, said she looked forward to working alongside academics and the wider cyber industry to address "emerging security challenges".

"These collaborations will play an important role in supporting our mission to keep the UK safe," she said.

Phase one is expected to have been completed in early 2028.

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