MK Council is due to appoint a contractor to kick-start the city’s first major regeneration project, planned for the Lakes Estate.
The proposals include building 202 green homes, creating both new community and retail spaces. Following a competitive process, a council decision to approve which contractor will deliver the first phase of the project will be taken on 19 July.
Proposals for the Lakes Estate were given planning consent in October 2020, following extensive engagement with the local community which first began in 2017. In a ballot the following year, 93% of voters sought to demolish Serpentine Court and redevelop the estate. Wider public realm improvements are also planned.
The selected contractor will use their skills and expertise alongside council colleagues to produce a plan to best deliver the design proposals chosen by residents and produce a detailed set of proposals for the construction work starting early next year, subject to the second stage of their appointment.
The Council requires any contractors chosen as part of the project to make use of local suppliers and create local job opportunities as part of its More for MK policy.
“This is a really important milestone in the project and brings us closer to delivering on the proposals residents voted for. We’ve been really thorough in the selection process to ensure that any contractors understand the very high standards both the council and residents expect of them. Regeneration is about more than housing so this contract will also create opportunities for local jobs and for local businesses during these tough economic times.
“Regeneration in the Lakes Estate will be life changing for the community here. It will give people better opportunities to get on in life and live more healthily and happily.”
"As Chair of the Serpentine Court Steering Group, I'm pleased the project has reached this important stage, after all the hard work my community have put into it. The building of our new homes is getting closer and the Steering Group looks forward to working with the contactor."