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.”