Architect Sheppard Robson appointed to design Cheltenham's Golden Valley scheme

Published by

Stephen Emerson

CGI of Golden Valley project in Cheltenham

Developer HBD has appointed Sheppard Robson to lead on the design of its second phase of the landmark Golden Valley scheme in Cheltenham.

The award-winning architecture practice will be responsible for the design of the next two buildings to come forward, with partner David Taylor leading a team of six. The firm joins the Golden Valley team alongside architect BDP, which is already well progressed with designs for the Innovation Centre and mobility hub, which will form the first development phase.

Golden Valley is one of the country’s most high-profile schemes; a once-in-a-lifetime project at the heart of the UK’s National Cyber Strategy. Once complete, it will deliver 1million sq ft of commercial space and is expected to create 12,000 new jobs. The masterplan also includes the development of 1,067 low carbon homes nestled within green space and with various community services and amenities.

HBD is delivering the development alongside Cheltenham Borough Council and key local partners.

Sheppard Robson will play a key role in meeting HBD’s sustainability goals for Golden Valley, targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings for office buildings. The practice will carefully consider the building’s fabric from the outside in, maximizing energy efficiency and ensuring the space achieves best-in-class sustainability credentials.

Matt Bellshaw, Director at HBD, said: “It’s fantastic to have Sheppard Robson on board as we build a world-class team to deliver Golden Valley. With planning permission submitted in October, and proposals for the National Cyber Innovation Centre soon to follow, the appointment represents a major step forward for the project as we begin to move our focus from concept stage to delivery.

“Sheppard Robson is very well-respected, with an impressive track record, and we look forward to working together as we bring our ambitions and vision for the next phase of Golden Valley to life.”

Planning permission for Golden Valley was submitted in October 2023 and a second application specifically for the National Cyber Innovation Centre will follow this summer.

Paul Jones, Deputy Chief Executive of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “The appointment of Sheppard Robson is an exciting and major step for the Golden Valley Development as it moves forward into the next stages of delivery.

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.”

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.