German-based business Factory – half of the joint venture leading the design and build of the Golden Valley Development with UK firm HBD – has declared the Gloucestershire scheme ‘a once-in-a-lifetime project’.
Marketed initially as a £400 million development, the unveiling of HBD Factory as lead contactor also revealed the first phase of Cheltenham Borough Council’s 45-hectare cyber business park and housing scheme to the west of Cheltenham has been valued at £1 billion alone.
Factory also designed and built the impressive Factory Berlin and Factory Lisbon projects, but the firm’s co-founder, Jeremy Bamberg, said the development of Cyber Central UK beside GCHQ was special.
‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime project – it’s unprecedented. By embracing tech, nature and innovation we’re working to transform the area into Europe’s most intelligent Garden District – creating an ideal alternative to chaotic city life,’ said Mr Bamberg.
As with its Berlin and Lisbon schemes, architecture and design for Gloucestershire will be led by Factory’s Julian Breinersdorfer.
And although final plans will not be submitted until 2022, artist’s impressions of the forthcoming Cheltenham Borough Council-led development by Norwegian firm MIR. show a stylish, low-rise building surrounded by greenery.
Adam Brady, HBD X Factory, said: ‘HBD X Factory focus on truly transformative regeneration projects and delivering world-leading new districts throughout the UK.
‘The Golden Valley Development is a really exciting project and we look forward to bringing it to life.’
Mr Bamberg said: ‘There’s so much excitement and momentum in Cheltenham and the wider region; Golden Valley will only accelerate this.
‘Together with our partner HBD, we’re eager to contribute our international network and expertise and support the Council in making this a global success.’
