A renovation of Central Milton Keynes and expansion of the city have been proposed among the government’s plans to build new towns in England.
A report naming Milton Keynes as an area of focus was published by a taskforce set-up by the UK’s Labour government last year, with their findings announced today (28/09) to coincide with the their party conference taking place in Liverpool this week.
Proposals say that the idea would involve, “renewal of Milton Keynes city centre and expanding its periphery, alongside a new mass transit system.”
The idea is alongside 11 other propositions in locations across England, including further new towns in Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Devon, Cheshire and Gloucestershire, and urban development proposals in London, Bristol, Leeds and Manchester.
Although Milton Keynes has been listed as a possibility, the government response to the report stated that at this stage sites, their priority sites for development include Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Crews Hill in North London and Leeds South Bank. The government has said they want to start construction on at least 3 settlements before the next election.
A Strategic Environmental Assessment will now be undertaken to understand the environmental implications of developing new towns and of the 12 sites recommended by the report. No final decisions on locations will be made until this assessment concludes and preferred locations could change as a result of the process.
In a statement, the government said, “The government will publish the draft proposals and final SEA for consultation in Spring, before confirming the locations that will be progressed as new towns soon after. This will be alongside a full government response to the New Towns Taskforce’s report.
“The government will be looking for assurance that any location can be effectively and efficiently delivered in partnership with local communities, has a clear economic purpose, and will support economic growth. Different delivery vehicles will also be tested to learn lessons for how future large settlements are delivered and to contribute to a wider transformation of housing supply.”
In the full report, the developments are suggested in something intended to unlock Milton Keynes’ potential.
The report reads, “With development commencing in the city centre and in urban extensions, a renewed town can help unlock the full growth potential of Milton Keynes.
“While the sites are not geographically contiguous, they are intrinsically linked by their economic and social connections, which would be further strengthened by an enhanced public transport network. The construction of a bridge will bind the northern development to the city centre, whilst the eastern site will catalyse ongoing development, accelerating at pace.”
The report also stated, “Milton Keynes is known for its distinctive design identity, which has led to a perception of domination by the car, with ample, low-cost parking in the city centre being a particular feature. The low-density nature of the city centre has also contributed to a lack of vibrancy and activity, including in the night-time economy.
“Despite this, there has been a credible shift away from the city’s initial 1970s vision and now there is a population of almost 300,000 people, with renewed city standards for modern living. The initial sites will be well-served by a proposed mass rapid transit system. The city centre inclusion will create an engine to facilitate peripheral growth, providing the economic heart for the expanded city.”
Milton Keynes City Council wrote on social media that they would seek to involve local communities as the ideas develop.
They said, “The New Towns Taskforce has recommended Milton Keynes for development in Government plans to build the next generation of new towns. This would mean new facilities, more jobs and homes, and new dynamism for our city centre. We’ll involve communities as plans develop.”