The city of Milton Keynes is set to experience a significant transformation with the introduction of its largest build-to-rent scheme to date.
- Platform has been granted planning permission for a 20-storey development, encompassing 355 flats, near Milton Keynes Central station.
- The development will feature extensive amenities and facilities, enhancing the living experience within the city centre.
- Parking solutions are innovative, with provisions for car club spaces and a significant number of bicycle racks.
- Construction is projected to commence in the first half of 2025, following the finalisation of contractor selection.
Milton Keynes is poised for transformation with the approval of a substantial build-to-rent scheme in its city centre. The project, led by Platform, has received planning consent to construct a 20-storey building featuring 355 residential flats. This development, strategically situated near Milton Keynes Central station, promises to enrich the landscape of urban living within the region.
This ambitious project not only includes the residential units but also integrates over 8,000 square feet of resident amenities and 7,500 square feet of landscaped terraces. The development stands out with its inclusion of a versatile 2,600 square foot commercial space. Such amenities are poised to provide a distinctive and enhanced resident experience, aligning with the evolving trends in urban housing solutions.
Addressing potential challenges, the development incorporates innovative parking solutions that prioritise sustainability and convenience. It will accommodate car club spaces and provides racks for up to 500 bicycles, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility issues.
The gross development value of this substantial undertaking is estimated at £150 million, with the construction contract projected to be valued at approximately £75 million. While a contractor has yet to be appointed, Platform anticipates a shortlist by the final quarter of 2024, paving the way for construction to begin in early 2025.
This development marks Platform’s 11th build-to-rent asset, bolstering its presence following recent completions in Cardiff, Sheffield, and Glasgow. Jean-Marc Vandevivere, Platform’s CEO, emphasised the strategic importance of the Milton Keynes project, particularly within the context of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. He highlighted the development’s focus on sustainability, wellbeing, and resident experience, underscoring its alignment with contemporary urban development priorities.
The Milton Keynes build-to-rent scheme represents a significant step forward in urban residential development, embodying modern living concepts.
