A massive £1 billion cyber park is poised to transform Cheltenham, famed for its spa history and GCHQ, into the UK’s cyber security epicenter. The ambitious Golden Valley project, sprawling across 116 acres, aims to unite start-ups and industry giants within a cutting-edge environment. But what does this tech surge mean for the residents of Springbank and Fiddler’s Green? The development includes 3,700 new homes, 1,000 of which will be eco-friendly residences available for rent or purchase, a brand new primary school, and expansive green spaces. Plans also include restaurants, sports facilities, and community spaces for events. The park will feature the National Cyber Innovation Centre, designed to be a hub for learning and collaboration between businesses, schools, and universities. Construction is slated to begin as early as October, pending council approval, with the first phase focusing on the cyber park itself, including 1 million sq ft of commercial space. Surrounding infrastructure is already being upgraded, and nearby Gloucester is also investing heavily in tech-focused developments. Ed Hutchinson of HBD envisions Golden Valley as a place where leaders can share knowledge and drive innovation, fostering growth and breaking down barriers within the national tech landscape. The project aims to generate 12,000 jobs and is expected to take 10-15 years to complete. Will it be a boon or a burden for Cheltenham’s community?