'Major step forward' for £1bn cyber development

The development will include an innovation centre, 1,000 new homes and a primary school

The development of a £1bn cyber centre is set to move into its next stage after the appointment of an architect.

The Golden Valley Development will be built on land next to GCHQ and aims to confirm Cheltenham as the UK's cyber capital.

Developer Henry Boot (HBD) has confirmed architects Sheppard Robson will lead on the second phase of the scheme, designing two buildings.

HBD director Matt Bellshaw said: "The appointment represents a major step forward for the project as we begin to move our focus from concept stage to delivery."

The developer submitted plans for the £1bn centre in October

The developer submitted its plans in October and once complete, the project will include one million sq ft of commercial space and create 12,000 new jobs.

The plans also include 1,067 homes.

Sheppard Robson joins the Golden Valley team alongside architect BDP, which is already working on designs for the innovation centre and mobility hub, which will form the first development phase.

'Internationally significant'

A second application, specifically for the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will be submitted this summer.

Paul Jones, deputy chief executive of Cheltenham Borough Council, called the appointment of the firm "an exciting and major step".

"We are delighted to be working with our partners, who share our vision to create an internationally significant hub for cyber and security, which will protect Cheltenham’s future with jobs, training and career opportunities, whilst also creating a sustainable community for the people of Cheltenham,” he added.