First Base and Patron Capital secure planning consent for £180 million MK Gateway

On 2nd December 2021, Milton Keynes Council resolved to grant planning permission to mixed-use developer First Base and Patron Capital, the pan-European institutional real estate investor, for MK Gateway, a world-class mixed-use scheme, combining new workspace, homes and enhanced public realm in the centre of Milton Keynes.

Barry Jessup, Managing Director, Socius said:

Milton Keynes is one of the UK’s most cutting-edge and forward-looking cities and we are excited to have the opportunity to deliver a new mixed-use district that will support its future growth.

“Working with renowned architecture practice RSHP we have created a new model for post-COVID urban living which blends wellbeing-focused workspace and the UK’s first BTR homes that are connected by multi-level gardens, all set around a new a public courtyard, green spaces and biodiversity.

“We will retain and repurpose Saxon Court, which is part of the fabric of the city centre, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the development and supporting the council’s vision for Milton Keynes to be net-zero by 2030.

“We anticipate strong demand for the workspace and homes as corporates seek to increase their footprint in and around the ‘innovation corridor’ and attract and retain the best talent. We look forward to working with our partners, the council and local community to bring this exciting development forward.”

Kevin Cooke, Senior Partner, Patron Capital, said:

“We are excited to bring forward this new development in Milton Keynes, not only creating much-needed new office space and homes, but also setting a new standard for mixed-use schemes in the area.”

Milton Keynes is the fastest growing city in the UK, its population is set to double to 500,000 by 2050. A top-performing UK city (PwC) and a thriving business location, Milton Keynes is already home to 14,000 businesses, including global brands such as Aston Martin, Red Bull Racing, Zero, Starship, and Niftylift, with Santander’s new £150m campus opening next year welcoming 5,000 staff.

Milton Keynes’s 5G hub is also attracting FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech and high-performance engineering businesses while the Cranfield University and MK:U is attracting a younger, professional demographic to the city centre.