Milton Keynes City Council has appointed a contractor to build 66 new homes at the former Cripps Lodge in Netherfield.

The City Council have announced that following a formal procurement process, Higgins Partnerships has been selected to build a range of different homes at Cripps Lodge.

Under the proposals, two and three-bedroom bungalows, three, four and five-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments will be constructed.

MK City Council have said that all homes will benefit from off-road parking, private gardens and access to open green space, and that the new homes will feature the latest energy efficiency measures to ensure bills remain low for tenants.

Design work is already underway, with MK City Council saying that construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and completion expected in 2028. The local community will be invited to view the designs and kept informed throughout the project.

Higgins Partnerships was selected through the city council’s More for MK scheme, through which potential contractors are asked to factor in community and social benefits to their bid such as creating local jobs and apprenticeships, building a local supply chain and adding value to the local economy.

Cripps Lodge was previously used for sheltered housing but was demolished in 2020 after it became disused. Since then, the city council has secured planning permission to deliver high-quality, affordable council homes.

MK City council said, “This development forms part of the city council’s broader strategy to tackle homelessness and reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation. The strategy includes building new homes, purchasing properties on the open market and supporting people into longer-term housing solutions.

“The new build programme is already in progress, with 183 homes under construction at the Lakes Estate, and 21 newly acquired flats in Fairfields which were bought using funding from selling council assets that otherwise would have had to be returned to central government.”

Cllr Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing, said, “It’s really important that we make good use of sites that are no longer fit for purpose. There’s a desperate need for new council homes and I’m pleased that we’re making progress at Cripps Lodge. Many of these homes will be going to people who need extra support and adaptations to get around.”

“We’re always looking at ways we can increase our housing offer, whether that’s building homes ourselves like this or buying them on the market. We’re committed to getting the right types of homes for people that will not only give them a secure roof over their heads, but also provide a space that gives them independence and dignity.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident of exposure in Milton Keynes.

The incident happened around 3.45pm on Friday (18/7), when a man was seen exposing himself near Campbell Park. The incident happened next to the Budgens store that faces onto Avebury Boulevard.

Thames Valley Police described the offender in their report as a black man, aged between 40 and 50, of average height and slim build. He was seen wearing a black cap, all-black clothing, white wired headphones, and was carrying a can.

Investigating officer PC George Milne, based at Milton Keynes police station said, “I am appealing to anybody who witnessed this individual or who may have any information that could assist my investigation to get in touch with Thames Valley Police.

“You can make a report online or call 101, quoting reference 43250362796.

“Alternatively, for anonymity, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

All reports of exposure offences are dealt with seriously and robustly by police. If you witness an indecent exposure, you should call us immediately on 999.

Hollister has officially reopened its doors at Midsummer Place, with the American fashion brand opening a new outlet in the Milton Keynes-based shopping centre.

Now located in a new location next to the LEGO Store, the upgraded Hollister offers a new look in a new, expanded unit designed to showcase a wider range of clothing, accessories and lifestyle items.

Hollister has had a branch in Milton Keynes’ Midsummer Place shopping centre since 2009, though this will see it move from the location that it first moved into when it arrived at the shopping centre.

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, said, “The opening of the new-look Hollister marks another exciting milestone in our transformation. It’s a brand that has resonated with our shoppers for years, and their decision to reinvest in a larger and better suited location reflects their confidence in Midsummer Place as the prime retail destination in Milton Keynes. The centre is evolving fast, and Hollister’s new home is a fantastic addition.”

The relaunch follows a wave of new additions to the centre that are reshaping the visitor experience. Lane7—a brand new bowling and gaming venue—opened earlier this year, with the shopping centre reporting it was attracting new audiences and driving up footfall.

This momentum followed the arrival of the brand-new Sports Direct and the ultra-stylish, aspirational Flannels store, both of which have strengthened the centre’s fashion and sportswear credentials.

Looking ahead, Scandinavian interiors brand Søstrene Grene is set to open its doors soon, joining an already impressive line-up of retailers and bringing even more unique choice to shoppers. Food lovers can also look forward to exciting new eateries, including Popeyes and Smoke & Pepper, further enriching the centre’s growing food and drink scene.

Plans are also already underway for the redevelopment of Oak Court, with further announcements expected later this year as the centre continues to invest in its future.

The Milton Keynes-raised football star Jeffrey Schlupp has signed for a new club after joining Championship side Norwich City.

Schlupp left Crystal Palace at the end of last season, and the 32-year-old has now made a move to East Anglia. He has signed a one-year contract with Norwich.

The Ghanian international, who moved to Milton Keynes from Germany as a child and attended schools in the Bradville and Oakgrove areas of the city, is Norwich’s 12th new signing ahead of the upcoming season. The upcoming campaign will see the Canaries be managed by former MK Dons boss Liam Manning, who arrived from Bristol City in June, with one of Manning’s former Dons players in Harry Darling also making the move to Norfolk.

Schlupp broke through at Leicester City, having previously been in the Foxes’ academy. He made 150 appearances for the East Midlands club, including 24 league appearances in Leicester’s famed 2015/16 Premier League title-winning campaign and 3 appearances in the Champions League the following season.

He then moved to Crystal Palace in January 2017, where he made 220 Premier League appearances as the South London club have established themselves as Premier League regulars.

Schlupp played his last game for the Eagles in January, with the player spending the second half of last season on loan with Scottish side Celtic. He made 13 appearances for the Bhoys as they won the Scottish league title. In his career, he has also received 20 caps with the Ghana national team.

In an arrival interview with the official Norwich City website, Schlupp said he was excited for what was to come at Carrow Road.

He said, “I’m really excited, it’s something new again but a lot to look forward to back in the Championship at a big club.

“I’ve spoken to the head coach about the plan for this year and I am excited to be involved.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the players and hopefully we can create something special this year.”