Whether newly completed or recently approved, there are plenty of exciting property developments making headway in Gloucestershire in 2026, from world-leading education and business space, to much-needed housing and leisure facilities.
SoGlos rounds up some of the forward-thinking commercial, public and residential projects bringing fresh energy and brilliant new buildings to the county.
Golden Valley in Cheltenham
Comprising a 160,000 sq ft, nationally significant cyber and tech innovation centre, more than 2,500 homes and around 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space, once complete, the £1 billion Golden Valley project will cement Cheltenham's status as the cyber capital of the UK, creating an estimated 12,000 new jobs.
Hailed as one of the UK’s most exciting and significant projects, promoting innovation, economic growth and national security, detailed plans were approved for its landmark IDEA innovation centre in April 2026, with construction expected to begin later in the year.
The Forum in Gloucester
Gloucester's £107 million The Forum development officially completed in 2026, delivering more than 100,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and new hospitality, residential, retail and leisure units, housed by award-winning buildings in Kings Quarter.
Now fully operational, with businesses Fasthosts and flexible workspace operator Patch its first tenants, the jewel in its crown is the four-star Hotel Indigo, which boasts the city's only rooftop bar, Crimson Spire.
M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme near Cheltenham
Unlocking access to key development sites in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, construction of Gloucestershire County Council's £372 million M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme is set to begin later this year.
Providing access in all directions on and off the motorway to the north west of Cheltenham, along with a new link road connecting the A4019 to the B4634 and the widening of the A4019 Tewkesbury Road, the 'transformative' scheme will enable the delivery of over 20,000 new homes, including the 4,115-home Elms Park development, and support Cheltenham's £1 billion Golden Valley project.
The Royal Agricultural University's Innovation Village in Cirencester
The Royal Agricultural University's £100 million Innovation Village is described as the first of its kind in the UK, serving as a global hub for developing sustainability solutions for the land-based sector.
The development seeks to attract forward-thinking industry partners, food producers, farmers and landowners with state-of-the-art offices, workshops, and access to laboratory spaces, along with a net zero business park and 'high-quality' commercial facilities. The project was granted outline planning consent in May 2026, with the submission of more detailed plans set to follow.
Eco Park in Stroud
It may be a few years away from completion, but the vision behind Dale Vince's planet-friendly Eco Park at Junction 13 of the M5 is spectacular – a 5,000 seat state-of-the-art timber stadium for Forest Green Rovers designed by globally-renowned architects at Zaha Hadid.
Also promising 38,000 sq m of office space and 18,000 sq m of employment space, the scheme secured planning consent in December 2024, but construction has so far been delayed, because of a dispute between Ecotricity and Gloucestershire County Council over the dualling of the nearby A419.
Elms Park near Cheltenham and Tewkesbury
Described as a dormitory satellite of Cheltenham for more than 9,000 residents, Gloucestershire's Elms Park project includes the building of 4,115 homes, a 10-hectare business park, schools, and community facilities off the M5 towards Tewkesbury.
Expected to generate up to £300 million a year for the local economy, the project will be delivered in phases over a 20-year period. A consortium led by housebuilders Bloor Homes and Persimmon secured planning approval for the scheme in May 2025, with a deadline to finalise planning conditions being extended to October 2026 at the start of the year.
University of Gloucestershire City Campus
Bringing one of Gloucester’s iconic heritage buildings back to life, the University of Gloucestershire's award-winning City Campus, housing nearly 4,000 students and 350 staff, has already generated £44 million in social value for the city.
Officially opened by The Princess Royal in January 2026, the campus at the former Debenhams store is home to the university’s education, psychology and social work programmes, along with a public arts, health and wellbeing centre, and a public library – with a new £3 million dental school and treatment hub coming in 2027, too.
Forest of Dean Five Acres Leisure Centre
Forest of Dean District Council's £11 million Five Acres Leisure Centre project may have hit a few snags along the way, but the former Gloucestershire College site near Coleford will soon be transformed with all-new leisure and community facilities.
Funded by the Forest's successful Levelling Up bid in 2021 with additional investment from the council, construction of its first phase is finally underway in 2026, with the project set to deliver soft play, a 53‑station gym and exercise spaces, a cafe, office and community spaces, a 3G artificial sports pitch, and an outreach space for Hartpury University’s Aspiration Centre.
Greyfriars Quarter in Gloucester
Transforming Gloucester's Eastgate Market Hall, parts of the shopping centre and connecting outdoor areas into new retail and community space, Gloucester City Council's £13.8 million Greyfriars Quarter development is progressing in 2026, with completion set for 2028.
Once completed, the scheme will deliver a new modern market hall, food hall, a 450-seat performance and cultural venue, and revamped outdoor and community spaces, with historic buildings including the remains of Greyfriars Monastery being safeguarded to create a blend of heritage and 'modern city living'.
University Learning Hub at Hartpury University
Consolidating a range of learning and student services under one roof, Hartpury University officially opened its new £12.75 million University Learning Hub this June 2026.
Spanning more than 3,100 square metres, the new facility houses the university library, teaching spaces, student support services, employability support, wellbeing facilities and social learning areas, designed to enhance 'every aspect' of the student experience.
