Has there ever been greater focus on driving economic growth through development?
With the government's commitment to attract investment, break ground, and deliver much need national infrastructure. The focus is on unlocking land for regeneration, driving infrastructure upgrades, and creating sustainable, connected communities that will underpin long-term economic growth.
Building for Growth, Cheltenham
The third event in our Building for Growth series takes us to Cheltenham – a town with bold ambitions for the future. Cheltenham is fast becoming a focal point for innovation and investment.
At the heart of this transformation is the flagship £1bn GDV Golden Valley development, a cornerstone of the UK’s cyber strategy and a catalyst for economic growth. Alongside this, the region is working towards the ambitious targets set out in the Joint Core Strategy, which aims to deliver over 35,000 homes by 2031 – with five years left to achieve this vision.
As regeneration plans gather pace, the question is clear: how can the industry collaborate to ensure Cheltenham and the wider South West deliver the homes, infrastructure, and workplaces needed to sustain growth?
Join us as we explore the developments shaping Cheltenham’s future and consider what lessons this thriving town can offer the wider region.
Agenda
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8.30am - 9.15am |
Arrival and networking |
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9.15am - 9.20am |
Welcome and introductions |
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9.20am - 9.40am |
Keynote: Matt Bellshaw, Director at HBD & Project Lead for Golden Valley Delivering a Nationally Significant Growth Engine in the South West Why Golden Valley Matters Nationally Positioned as a central pillar of the UK’s cyber strategy. One of the country’s most significant tech‑led regeneration projects. How Golden Valley strengthens Britain’s competitiveness in high‑growth sectors. The Economic Impact for Cheltenham and the Wider South West Projected contribution to jobs, innovation and inward investment. The role of Golden Valley in supporting the region’s long‑term economic resilience. Benefits extending beyond the development boundary (skills, supply chain, business formation). A New Mixed‑Use Community Built for the Future Plans for homes, employment space, public realm and sustainable transport. How mixed-use design supports both commercial and social outcomes. Embedding sustainability, connectivity, and wellbeing into delivery. Collaboration as the Enabler of Growth Importance of public‑private partnerships in unlocking complex sites. How Golden Valley works with the council, local partners, investors and the community. Lessons for other towns and regions accelerating delivery. What Cheltenham Can Teach the Wider Region Creating a clear, investable vision backed by local leadership. Leveraging sector specialism (cyber/tech) to shape place-making. Building growth around high‑value employment rather than piecemeal development. |
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9.40am - 10.25am |
Panel discussion Moderator · Ben Thomas – Head of Real Estate, Cheltenham, HCR Law Panel members · Matt Bellshaw - Director at HBD & Project Lead for Golden Valley · Charlotte Pink – Managing Director, John Alison Land & Research · Stephen Dey - Senior Land Buyer- Kendrick Homes Limited · Mark Carter, Partner, Head of Local Government and Public Sector, HCR Law · Laura Greenman – Partner, Head of Planning, Highways & Environment, HCR Law |
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10.25am - 10.30am |
Event close |
The Building for Growth series
HCR’s Building for Growth is travelling across the UK, so far visiting Cardiff and Cambridge. The series brings together key regional players across the public and private sectors to explore the opportunities ahead and how, as an industry, we can unlock barriers to "getting Britain building”.
Key Contacts
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