Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed main contractor for the first phase of the £1bn Golden Valley scheme in Cheltenham.

HBD – part of Henry Boot – is delivering the scheme in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council.

It will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes and 1.25m sq ft of commercial space.

Bowmer + Kirkland will start construction next Spring on the first phase which includes two flagship buildings, IDEA and ROUTER, along with the enabling works for future phases.

IDEA, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will incorporate 160,000sq ft of high-quality workspace and flexible event facilities in a building designed to inspire groundbreaking ideas and innovation.

ROUTER is a transport hub powered by smart technology which will facilitate sustainable travel across the 200-ha scheme, alongside a range of leisure, retail and wellbeing facilities.

Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, 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 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.

“Our team is looking forward to starting on site and working with HBD and Cheltenham Borough Council on a range of social value initiatives to benefit the local workforce and the wider community.”