M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme reaches further milestone as main works decision approaches

The report, which will be considered by Cabinet in June, seeks approval to proceed with the main works phase of the scheme following the granting of development consent and the completion of detailed design and preparation works.

If approved by Cabinet, the decision would enable the council to progress into the main construction phase, with works expected to begin later this year.

The M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme is a nationally significant infrastructure project that will deliver a new, fully accessible motorway junction, improvements to the A4019 corridor and a new link road serving west Cheltenham.

The scheme will enable the delivery of over 20,000 new homes, including 7,000 that are affordable, and support the Golden Valley development and the National Cyber Innovation Centre and technology cluster, including the creation of around 12,000 skilled jobs for local people.

The Cabinet report also sets out how the M5 Junction 10 Improvement Scheme’s total £372 million cost, as part of a wider £407 million package of schemes also including Arle Court Transport Hub and the A38/A4019 junction improvements at Coombe Hill, will be funded. 

This overall figure is largely made up of external funding secured through UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England, along with district council Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding and Section 106 developer contributions linked to new developments. These contributions are tied directly to planned housing and employment development that could not be delivered without the improvements at junction 10.

As part of this agreed total, Cabinet is being asked to approve how £44 million within the overall £407 million budget will be funded, drawing on a combination of Government funding, CIL funding and identified future Section 106 contributions.

Cllr Julian Tooke, Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, said: “The M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme is a transformational project for Gloucestershire. Reaching this stage reflects years of work to secure funding, consent and a deliverable plan. It also brings us another step closer to starting the main construction works that will unlock long‑term benefits for the county.

“The council has been highly successful in securing external investment for the scheme. Most of the funding needed has come from UK Government, along with CIL funding and developer contributions that are linked to growth that the scheme will unlock. This means the scheme can be delivered with little or no impact on funding for day-to-day council services. This investment will unlock new homes, jobs and economic opportunities for the county, while improving our transport network and supporting long-term growth.”

Subject to Cabinet approval, the council will continue preparations to move fully into the main construction phase. 

All the latest information on the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme can be found on the scheme webpage at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/J10, where you can also sign up to receive updates as the project progresses.