Plans to build more than 4,000 new homes in Central Milton Keynes (CMK) at densities averaging 100 homes per hectare have been revealed by national regeneration agency English Partnerships and Milton Keynes Council this week. Current government guidance recommends 35 homes per hectare.

Characterised by its relatively low-density, low-rise buildings, the former new town – that is a key growth area identified in the government’s Sustainable Communities Plan – is taking a radical approach to creating more homes and transforming CMK into a vibrant urban centre.

The proposals, which form only part of a comprehensive 30-year plan designed to reshape the city centre, cover more than 50 hectares of land in two separate areas.

These long-term development plans for CMK were approved in 2002 and designed to create a people-friendly centre with more public space, better public transport and less car dependency. The periphery of Campbell Park at the eastern end of the centre and a greenfield site, to be known as the Sustainable Residential Quarter, were identified as key areas for new housing.

A main feature of the proposals is the level of mixed-tenure new homes that could accommodate more than 9,000 people in a range of apartments and townhouses. In some instances density levels could be in the order of 150 – 175 dwellings per hectare where the skyline is punctuated with eight-storey buildings.

Dennis Hone, Executive Director for English Partnerships says: "We want to create two new sustainable city-centre communities that offer increased housing choice within CMK.”

“The proposals that we are putting forward for public scrutiny are for high-density, high-quality homes within an attractive urban environment supported by a wide range of local facilities including schools and public and private space."

Isobel Wilson, Leader of Milton Keynes Council adds: “We have also been able to address the need for more affordable new homes, to support key workers who live in Milton Keynes now and who will be attracted to the city over the next few years.”

“The proposed developments will have the added benefit of making CMK a more vibrant place to live and work.”

Other key features of the two new developments include:

• Mixed-tenure housing that will include rented, affordable and key-worker (2,400 homes in the residential quarter and 1,800 planned for Campbell Park).
• Buildings ranging between four and eight storeys high.
• High-quality communal gardens and public open spaces.
• 420-place combined school in the Sustainable Residential Quarter as well as life-long learning facility.
• Marina in Campbell Park to include leisure uses, homes, cafés, restaurants and mooring facilities.
• Landmark bridge connecting Campbell Park to the city centre.
• Pedestrian priority over the car to create active streets and squares.
• Retention of existing Campbell Park parkland.

As part of the consultation programme - that includes a six-day exhibition - Milton Keynes Council is inviting the public to make formal comments on the two schemes through the Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) procedure that will guide and dictate how future development will take place.

Proposals for Campbell Park have been prepared by consultants, EDAW, while the Sustainable Residential Quarter has been planned by Rick Mather Architects. Master-plans will be drawn up for both areas later this year and work could start on the first phase of development in 12 months time.

The long-term plans for CMK are being overseen by a Project Board that includes members drawn from English Partnerships, Milton Keynes Council, SEEDA (South East England Development Agency) and a range of local stakeholders.