Construction firm breaks ground on £1bn tech campus

Construction giant Bowmer + Kirkland has broken ground on a £1 billion cyber and technology campus.

Work has officially begun on the first phase of Golden Valley, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, which will help drive innovation, growth and collaboration across the UK’s national security and defence sectors.

Appointed as main contractor by Cheltenham Borough Council and its development partner HBD, Bowmer + Kirkland will deliver the first phase of the nationally significant development, including IDEA – Golden Valley’s flagship innovation hub, which will house the national security innovation centre.

Bowmer + Kirkland will also deliver ROUTER, a transport hub designed to promote sustainable travel.

The facility will include secure cycle storage, e-bike charging, showers, lockers, real-time travel information, parking and retail and leisure amenities.

Stuart Fanshaw, regional construction director, at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “Golden Valley is a major strategic development, and this first phase will set the standard for the wider campus.

“IDEA and ROUTER will provide the foundations for the next stage of Golden Valley, while creating opportunities beyond the site itself, from supply chain involvement to skills development. We are pleased to be playing a key role in bringing this first phase forward.”