Grant Associates establish landscape strategy for new cyber & tech campus

Plans for the first phase of Cheltenham's Golden Valley cyber and tech innovation campus are progressing towards delivery, with a landscape-led framework established for the 1bn GBP development. Tenderstream member Grant Associates has led the landscape strategy for the first phase, working as part of the wider consultant team to translate the masterplan into a detailed and deliverable public realm.

Delivered by HBD in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, the 200 ha scheme will create a purpose-built campus where pioneering companies will co-create the future of national security and defence. Grant Associates’ designs establish a clear landscape framework, using natural assets, movement routes and water systems to structure the development as it evolves. The design is underpinned by four key principles: to celebrate existing trees and hedgerows, prioritise walking and cycling, frame views, and integrate water management into the landscape. 

A network of pedestrian and cycle routes link into the wider Golden Valley masterplan, connecting the ROUTER mobility hub and IDEA innovation centre, both designed by architect and lead consultant BDP. Existing hedgerows provide structure and ecological continuity, while mature oak trees form a strong organising element. The primary north–south route follows an existing hedgerow and watercourse, strengthened through woodland edge planting, meadow habitats, and balanced lighting design. The Innovation Courtyard is centred on the veteran oak trees, with lightweight ‘no dig’ construction. Around IDEA, the Innovation Gardens form a ‘green wrap’ of planting, integrating SuDS features including rain gardens, swales, and a detention pond. These are combined with terraces and seating to support outdoor working and social use.

Claire Hobart, Senior Associate at Grant Associates, states: “We’ve worked with the site’s existing trees, hedgerows and topography to create a framework that prioritises people, supports biodiversity and integrates water into the public realm. Phase One establishes those fundamentals early - so as the development grows, there is already a strong landscape structure in place that connects everything together.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 04.05.2020 here

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