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Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) is celebrating national recognition for Station Square after the project won two prestigious BALI National Landscape Awards 2026.

The awards were presented to Frosts Landscape Construction in recognition of their work on the transformation of the city’s main gateway.

The redevelopment of Station Square, delivered in partnership between MKDP and Milton Keynes City Council, has created a more welcoming, vibrant and attractive gateway for residents, workers and visitors arriving in Milton Keynes. Designed to improve the experience of one of the city’s busiest public spaces, the project combines high-quality public realm improvements and planting to create a destination that reflects Milton Keynes’ identity.

The carefully designed planting scheme features species selected for their visual appeal, biodiversity benefits and long-term sustainability. Together, these elements have transformed Station Square into a greener, more welcoming space that encourages people to spend time there while improving connections between the station and the wider city centre.

The scheme was unveiled alongside Walk With Your Dreams, a major new public artwork by internationally acclaimed British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE. The artwork brings bold colours and patterns inspired by Nigerian textiles and Milton Keynes itself to Station Square, and helps guide pedestrians towards the city centre while creating a distinctive and memorable sense of place.

 

Adam Sciberras, Director of Milton Keynes Development Partnership, said: “Station Square shows how investment in public spaces can help create a stronger sense of place. By combining outstanding landscape design, public art and sustainable planting, we’ve transformed a key gateway to Milton Keynes into a space that is welcoming, distinctive and enjoyable for everyone who passes through it.

“We’re delighted to see the project recognised through these national awards. Working closely with Frosts Landscape Construction and Planit helped bring our vision to life, and we’d like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.”

 

Cllr Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader of MK Council said: “It’s fantastic to see Station Square recognised through these national awards. As the front door to Milton Keynes for many people, it now offers a much warmer welcome and reflects the ambition of a city that’s continuing to grow and evolve. We’re proud to have worked with partners to create a place that people can enjoy from the moment they arrive.”

MKDP has welcomed progress on plans to transform Bletchley town centre, with the proposed demolition of the Brunel Centre and former Wilko building paving the way for a new vision centred on regeneration, investment and placemaking.

The Brunel Centre site is one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities in Bletchley and a key project within the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Deal programme as well as the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford 2050 vision.

 MKDP has been working with partners, including the city council to develop a long-term vision for a vibrant, well-connected destination that brings together new homes, jobs, leisure opportunities and public spaces. The aim is not simply to redevelop a site, but to create a place that strengthens the town centre and supports Bletchley’s future growth.

The proposed demolition would clear the way for the next phase of regeneration, replacing ageing and underused buildings with opportunities to create a more attractive and welcoming town centre environment. 

With East West Rail set to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen Bletchley’s role as a key transport hub, MKDP believes the town centre is well placed to attract investment and support economic growth for decades to come.

 Earlier this year, MKDP announced a partnership with leading regeneration specialist Muse to deliver a new neighbourhood in Bletchley, featuring affordable homes alongside new shops, community spaces and high-quality public realm. The development will create a vibrant new destination while strengthening connections between the railway station and the town centre.

Matt Green, Development Director at MKDP, said: “The Brunel Centre represents one of the most important regeneration opportunities in Bletchley. Our shared ambition has been to create a place that reflects the town’s potential and helps shape its future. This proposed next step would help unlock that vision. Working with partners, we want to create a thriving destination that attracts investment, supports local businesses and provides new opportunities for residents, while making the most of the transformational opportunities that East West Rail will bring to Bletchley.”

Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has announced a partnership with Muse to deliver a major new neighbourhood that will transform Central Bletchley.

Muse has been appointed to deliver a masterplan for two large sites on the east and west of Bletchley Station, working closely with MKDP and the local community to shape a vision for the area’s future. The plans will bring forward new homes, including affordable alongside new shops, community spaces and high-quality public realm, creating a vibrant new destination and a better connection between the station and the town centre.

MKDP will lead on placemaking on behalf of Milton Keynes City Council, as part of its role in the Government’s Town Deal for Bletchley, and will ensure developments meet local needs and are of high quality. The plans will act as a catalyst for wider regeneration and support the City Council’s ambitions for the town, set out in Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Vision 2050.

Earlier this year, a £22 million investment in a new eastern entrance to Bletchley station was announced, including £17 million from the Government and up to £5 million from Milton Keynes City Council. The new entrance will create a direct link between the station and Queensway, which itself is undergoing significant improvement, making it easier for people to access the town centre and supporting local businesses. Muse will deliver development on sites to both the east and west of the station.

Together, the new neighbourhood and the station improvements will complement East West Rail, strengthening Bletchley’s position at the heart of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and opening up new opportunities for investment, jobs and growth.

Working alongside Muse, MKDP’s ambition is to create more than just new homes. The project will reconnect parts of the town, create attractive public spaces and help shape a thriving neighbourhood that will support Bletchley’s next chapter for generations to come.

A timeline for the development will be available shortly.

Matt Green, Development Director at MKDP, said: “This partnership with Muse is a major step forward in delivering high quality placemaking in Bletchley. Our ambition is to create a place that builds on Bletchley’s unique heritage, supports how people live today and provides for future growth. Muse brings the long‑term vision and delivery experience needed to help shape well designed, inclusive and sustainable places, and we look forward to working together to realise Bletchley’s full potential.”

Andy Howell, Development Director at Muse, said: “Bletchley has the connectivity, the ambition and the civic backing to become a success story in the region. Station-led transformation such as this, is exactly the kind of community creation that Muse specialises in – enhanced connectivity and placemaking, complex partnerships delivering meaningful change, and a long-term brief to transform a town centre, not just a site. We hope to deliver the Council’s vision to bring more life to the high street, provide greener, healthier and safer neighbourhoods with sustainable homes, retail space, public space and community infrastructure that will invigorate the town and unlock its potential. But, developments like this don’t succeed in isolation. They need the right partners, aligned around a shared vision from the outset. That’s exactly what we have in Bletchley.”

Cabinet Member responsible for the Town Deal at MK City Council, Cllr Ed Hume said:  “This project is a major milestone in our vision for Bletchley and demonstrates our commitment to creating a thriving town centre that people are proud to live, work and spend time in. By bringing new homes, improved public spaces, community facilities and better connections around the station, we are creating the conditions for long-term growth and investment. With East West Rail and the investment in a new station entrance helping to transform connectivity, this regeneration will help unlock Bletchley’s full potential as a vibrant destination and an important part of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.”

MKDP welcomes the Government’s decision to help fund a new eastern entrance at Bletchley Railway Station as a significant and positive investment, firmly aligned with our placemaking vision for Bletchley. A direct link between the station and the town centre will make it easier for people to arrive, explore and spend more time locally, supporting shops, attractions and unlocking further investment.

With destinations such as the proposed Universal development just a short train journey away, strong rail connections are more important than ever. This fully funded scheme will help create welcoming, well-connected places, bring communities together, and strengthen Bletchley’s position as one of the best-connected areas in the region.

Crucially, it will also play an important role in supporting the planned regeneration of town centre sites across Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, helping to unlock their potential and deliver a more vibrant, attractive and economically resilient town centre.

Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP), the Milton Keynes City Council-owned development company has been highlighted as a high-performing, trusted and effective delivery partner in a new report examining how local authorities can deliver housing and growth at scale.

Key commercial and placemaking figures took part in the report, in which housing and development expert Toby Fox looks into how homes, infrastructure and facilities are delivered in Milton Keynes, with MKDP playing a central role unlocking development and reinvesting in the long-term success of the nationally relevant city.

Over the past 14 years, MKDP has:

• Enabled 1,400 homes with a 36% affordable housing target across suburban schemes
• Delivered 1.25 million sq ft of commercial development space
• Built a strong £150m+ asset base from an initial £30m loan and is a debt-free organisation
• Provided an annual dividend return to the city council, this year more than £2.6m
• Announced the next phase of its investment in the city centre with a £76m events venue due to open in 2029/30

The report praises MKDP’s track record of delivery, its relationship with the market “built on consistency, directness, and long-term intent” and a “placemaking ambition that goes beyond what the market would deliver on its own.” Partners spoke about the confidence MKDP inspires among developers, investors and institutions, particularly in bridging the gap between public and private sectors.

To read the full report click here.  This video, MKDP Video | Videos & Movies on Vimeo, captures how a partnership-led approach is delivering growth and placemaking in Milton Keynes.

Sophie Leat, Associate Director for Packaged Living said: “Other local authorities could benefit from someone like MKDP, who can talk to and understand both parties and sit between the two.”

Nathan Cornish, Group Board Director, Urban Splash added: “They’re challenging partners, but challenging in the right way. They give us a hard time, but they also help us navigate the difficulties and find a solution.”

Earlier this year, Milton Keynes was identified by the New Towns Taskforce as one of the locations best placed to support significant future growth, and the report also recognised the city’s national relevance.

Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of the New Towns Taskforce, said about Milton Keynes: “It unequivocally embraces growth, and it’s recognised by that across the development industry. And it has MKDP, which is itself evidence that the community has addressed how it works with investors and this important issue of stewardship over time.”

Nicola Sawford, Chair of MKDP said of the report: “We’re so pleased to be recognised by our partners, including developers and the city council, and by the wider industry as an asset and driver of positive change for Milton Keynes. Our board and team are committed to long-term value rather than short-term return, and we take our role as a place maker extremely seriously. We know that a bold, vibrant and thriving city gives something back to the people who live, work and do business here, and is equally attractive to investors looking for a can-do place with sound ambitions.”

Sales of the first private homes at Manor Park in Walton have now been completed, marking a major milestone for the development being delivered in partnership between Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) and independent housebuilder Dandara.

Located to the south of central Milton Keynes, Manor Park will deliver a total of 174 new homes, including 111 private sale properties and 63 (36%, 5% above policy requirements) affordable homes, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality housing in the city.

 

The launch of the first homes represents significant progress on the site, with buyers now able to reserve properties off plan ahead of the development’s full delivery. Manor Park will provide a mix of two-bedroom apartments and three, four and five-bedroom homes, designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers, from first-time purchasers to growing families.

 

The scheme also includes new landscaping, green spaces and infrastructure, creating a well-planned and sustainable new neighbourhood that connects with the surrounding area.

 

Damien Lippett, Development Manager at MKDP said:  “Working in partnership with Dandara, we’re bringing forward high-quality homes on a site that will contribute to the continued growth of Milton Keynes. This is exactly the kind of development we want to see, delivering a mix of homes, including affordable housing, alongside well designed public spaces. As landowner, MKDP is committed to unlocking sites and working with partners to deliver sustainable, well planned growth that meets the needs of our communities.”

 

Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, revealed: “This partnership has been crucial to Milton Keynes’ housing development plans. Dandara has long identified the city as an area with strong growth potential, and we are committed to delivering new homes and creating job opportunities here. Working with Milton Keynes Development Partnership has been an important collaboration for us, enabling us to build these much-needed new homes in an area of high demand. Manor Park is a fantastic place to live in a prime location.”

 

Manor Park reflects Milton Keynes’ ongoing growth, with the city recognised as one of the fastest-growing in the UK and continuing to attract investment, businesses and new residents.

 

All homes at the development will be built to modern energy efficiency standards, including features such as electric vehicle charging points, and low carbon technologies on selected homes to help reduce energy use and support more sustainable living.

 

Alongside the new homes, the development will deliver over £3 million in Section 106 contributions, supporting local infrastructure including healthcare, transport and education.

 

MKDP owns the site and works with developers, investors and Milton Keynes City Council to unlock land and deliver development that supports the long-term growth and success of Milton Keynes.

 

Further information can be found on: Manor Park | New Homes in Walton, Milton Keynes | Dandara

Experienced placemaking leader joins MKDP Board

Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has appointed Andrew Pollard as a Non‑Executive Director, bringing more than 30 years’ experience in placemaking, property and public‑sector leadership.

Andrew has built a career delivering major regeneration and development projects from city centre schemes and cultural spaces to housing and mixed‑use developments. He has led and advised complex joint ventures across the UK, working closely with councils, government and local partners to bring forward new uses for land and buildings.

A qualified Chartered Surveyor, solicitor and barrister, Andrew has held senior executive and board roles in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, he has chaired organisations focused on sustainability, recycling, housing and green energy, including Bristol Waste and Nottingham City Homes. He was also CEO of Place Partnership, an award‑winning national property organisation that delivered more than £80 million in public‑sector savings while unlocking new development and community facilities.

In his new role, Andrew will provide independent advice and oversight, helping shape MKDP’s long‑term direction. He joins MKDP at an exciting time, following the announcement of a £75 million music and arts venue for Milton Keynes city centre. The new venue will host up to 4,000 people, create around 70 jobs, and is expected to generate £158 million in economic and community benefits.

Andrew Pollard said: “Milton Keynes has always been a place that thinks differently about growth, culture and opportunity. MKDP plays an important role across the city in shaping investment and development, and I’m excited to be joining the Board at this stage.”

Nicola Sawford, Chair of MKDP, said: “Andrew brings a rare combination of deep placemaking experience, strong governance expertise and a very practical, collaborative approach. His insight will be invaluable as MKDP moves forward with a number of ambitious projects for Milton Keynes.”

MKDP is an independent organisation owned by Milton Keynes City Council and responsible for the strategic development of the city’s land assets. Its role is to help make Milton Keynes an even better place to live, work and do business by bringing forward well‑planned, high‑quality development that supports the city’s long‑term growth. Through the development of its land assets, MKDP generates funding that helps support vital services for residents. The company is expected to provide £7.8 million to Milton Keynes City Council by 2027, rising to £23 million by 2035/36.

Families are moving into new affordable homes at Bronze Park in Kents Hill as Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) confirms the completion of the first batch of the 78 properties that will be delivered on the site, marking a major milestone in delivering high quality, energy efficient homes locally.

The homes make up almost half of the entire development and offer modern, energy efficient living for local families.

MKDP placed a contract with Taylor Wimpey to deliver the 78 affordable homes, representing 46% of the overall site. MKDP will keep the freehold of the land while BPHA takes a long lease to manage the homes. The project has been made possible through a strong and successful partnership between all three organisations.

The homes include 34 for social rent and 44 for intermediate rent. They have been built to the expected Future Homes Standard, meaning they are net zero ready and are designed to produce 75% to 80% less carbon emissions than homes built to 2013 regulations.

Ranging from two bedroom apartments to five bedroom houses, the homes are part of a wider development at Kents Hill, offering generous green space, convenient transport links and useful local amenities, making it a well-connected and attractive neighbourhood for residents.

Grant funding from Homes England has supported the development, helping to deliver more much needed affordable and social rented homes for the city.

Milton Keynes City Council has nomination rights for the scheme which means all residents will come from the council’s housing list.

MKDP continues to support the delivery of affordable housing across the city. Almost half of the homes across MKDP’s suburban sites are affordable which is well above the national average.

 Matthew Green, Property Development Director, MKDP said: “Bronze Park shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a clear commitment to local people. These modern, energy efficient homes will make a real difference to families and will remain an important asset for the community for many years. We’re proud to have helped deliver a scheme of this quality.”

Cllr Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing, Milton Keynes City Council said: “These new homes are much‑needed, and I’m really pleased that local families from our housing list are now able to move in. We know how important it is to increase the number of affordable homes in Milton Keynes, and this development helps us make real progress. I’m grateful to our partners for working with us to deliver homes that our residents can rely on.”

 Jeff Astle, Executive Director of Development & Sales at bpha said: “We’re excited to soon be welcoming families into their new homes at Kents Hill. This scheme exemplifies our commitment to delivering genuinely affordable, high‑quality homes that are energy efficient, future‑proofed and well connected to local services. Working in close partnership with MKDP, Taylor Wimpey, Milton Keynes City Council and Homes England has enabled us to provide homes that not only meet housing needs but will support residents with lower energy costs and a better quality of life for years to come.”

Working with Urban Splash and Glenbrook, Milton Keynes Development Partnership has secured planning permission for 306 new homes as the first major step in transforming the edge of Campbell Park into a vibrant new neighbourhood for the city.

Designed by award‑winning architects Howells, the characterful scheme is shaped by the unique setting of the 100‑acre Campbell Park and the Grand Union Canal. New homes will sit within generous green spaces and will be well connected to the city. In 2024, the partners refined the proposed designs in line with feedback from local people, making changes to building heights, improving the layout of open spaces and strengthening pedestrian connections with the park and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Milton Keynes was recently recommended in the Government’s New Towns Taskforce report, and this first phase reflects local ambitions to strengthen the city centre, support sustainable travel, and deliver high‑quality homes.

Adam Sciberras, Placemaking Director, MKDP said: “Securing planning permission is an important milestone in this exciting project to bring forward high‑quality homes in a thoughtful space which complements Campbell Park and the wider city centre. It marks the first step in a long term programme of investment that will help shape the future character of the area.”

Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has joined the Milton Keynes New Town Partnership, a new collaboration between Milton Keynes City Council and major landowners and developers committed to shaping the city’s long‑term growth.

The partnership has been formed following the recommendation of the New Towns Task Force that Milton Keynes should form part of the UK’s next generation of new towns. Through a shared Memorandum of Understanding, the partners have agreed to work together to strengthen Milton Keynes’ national role as a leading provider of new homes, infrastructure, jobs and well‑planned communities.

By presenting a united voice, the Milton Keynes New Town Partnership aims to secure greater investment, support infrastructure improvements and drive coordinated growth that benefits residents and businesses. Milton Keynes is already one of the UK’s fastest‑growing and most innovative cities, and the partnership aims to build on that success to ensure future development is well‑planned, sustainable and focused on improving opportunities for local people.

The partnership brings together Milton Keynes City Council, Berkeley, the Bristol Society of Merchant Venturers, Gallagher, Hallam Land, Taylor Wimpey, Urban&Civic and MKDP. Collectively, the partners control land that could support around 40,000 new homes, along with the infrastructure required to create strong and vibrant communities in the future.

Working collaboratively will allow the partners to align development plans across the city, support high‑quality regeneration in the city centre, strengthen local supply chains and create more opportunities for residents. The group will also promote Milton Keynes on major national platforms, including a coordinated presence at UKREiiF in May, and develop joint initiatives with colleges and training providers to boost skills and employment.

Nicola Sawford, Chair of Milton Keynes Development Partnership said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this partnership. Milton Keynes has always been a place that thinks big, and this agreement shares a common purpose to deliver new homes, create jobs, and build communities people are proud to call home that goes beyond any individual partner. It’s a real chance to make a difference for local people and the city’s future as part of a New Town for Milton Keynes.”