The Buckinghamshire town of Milton Keynes, the focus of one of England’s largest growth areas - is expected to double in size in the next three decades, adding more than 70,000 new homes. To complement this growth and create a vibrant and more urban city centre, a massive development programme to deliver nearly 4,000 new homes, a £400 million retail expansion along with more office, leisure and community facilities within Central Milton Keynes (CMK), have been given the go ahead.

And to deal with the growth a campaign to attract international developers to build nearly 1,000 of the new homes has been launched at MIPIM, Europe’s largest international property exhibition.

The first opportunity, known as West End-CMK, is situated close to the main line railway station and will consist of 650 apartments and townhouses, coupled with shops, offices, a 420-place primary school and community facilities. Campbell Park, at the eastern end of CMK, provides another opportunity for the private sector to bring forward an initial phase of development including up to 240 apartments, townhouses and small-scale office and business units in a parkland setting.

According to the project partners, design excellence and innovative construction methods are the top priorities. In recognition of this, proposals will be judged on the basis of a quality/price appraisal with up to 70 per cent being awarded for design quality and to increased sustainability through construction methods. Only 30 per cent of the total score will relate to the financial offer.

Interest from international developers, who can bring new and different experiences to the UK market, will be encouraged and the project partners believe that the opportunities on offer are strong enough to attract interest from Europe and beyond.

A joint venture between national regeneration agency English Partnerships and Milton Keynes Council will kick-start the 30-year plan to reshape the city centre.

Said Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, "The ODPM's work with English Partnerships will attract the best international developers to deliver the Central Milton Keynes housing scheme, and new growth in Milton Keynes will not mean that design quality and standards will be compromised."