Scheme will transform the former council HQ

First Base and insitutional investor Patron Capital have been given the go-ahead for a 280-home mixed-use scheme in the centre of Milton Keynes.

The scheme, which was granted planning consent by Milton Keynes council on Friday, is set to include new workspace, homes and enhanced public realm. It will be desigend by architectsy Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

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Project includes a mix of work, living and retail spaces

The MK Gateway project includes the refurbishment of Saxon Court - an office building formerly occupied by Milton Keynes council. This retention and extension is forecast to save more than 3,750 tonnes of CO2 compared with demolition and rebuild.  

The residential element will be made up of 288 build-to-rent apartments, 31% of which will be affordable.

According to First Base, MK Gateway will be the first BTR development in the UK to include vertical sky gardens which provide all residents with access to multi-level outdoor spaces for relaxation, outside work, exercise and communal gardening.

Barry Jessup, chief executive of First Base, said: ”We have created a new model for post-COVID urban living which blends wellbeing-focused workspace and the UK’s first BTR homes that are connected by multi-level gardens, all set around a new a public courtyard, green spaces and biodiversity.”

The scheme will provide 185,000 sq ft of Grade A workspace in the repurposed building, incorporating office, co-working and R&D space as well as a dedicated innovation hub.

The project will be centred around a new public square and landscaped green spaces.The development is also focused on sustainable mobility, with integrated all-electric energy solutions, infrastructure to support electric bikes and charging points for electric vehicles and, as the site links directly onto the Redways, a dedicated Cycle Hub will be created.

First Base is a developer focusing on regeneration projects. It primarily focuses on London and the South East, although in April it won consent for a 250-home scheme in Bristol.

Patron Capital has around €4.3bn of capital invested in property, corporate operating entities and credit businesses.

 

 

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