Milton Keynes City Council has approved proposals to restore the historic Bradwell Windmill and bring it back into use as a key heritage and community attraction.
Supported with a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Grade II listed Windmill will undergo essential repairs to fix infrastructure and preserve its historic features. The project will also improve how the site’s unique history is shared, making it easier for residents and visitors to learn about its past.
The City Council will be working alongside residents to develop heritage, learning, training and volunteering activities at the Windmill that will involve expert partners including Milton Keynes Museum, the Living Archive MK and Milton Keynes Arts Centre.
The project will also extend to the nearby ‘Railway Walk’, better connecting the Windmill to other local heritage sites to make it easier to explore the area’s rich industrial and natural history.
A total £470,000 investment, supported by tariff and Section 106 funding from developers alongside external grants will secure the long-term future of the Windmill as a community asset and visitor attraction. Tariff funding is collected from developers to invest into local infrastructure as the city grows.
Once the work is complete, the site will pass to Milton Keynes Museum on a full repairing lease to ensure it remains protected and well cared for as part of the City Museum delivery.
The project started this month and should be complete by late 2026 in time for Milton Keynes’ 60th birthday year in 2027. Information can be found on the project’s website. (note address to be confirmed this week).
“Protecting and renewing our heritage is vital, not just to remember our past but to build a stronger future for local communities. Restoring Bradwell Windmill will bring a much-loved local landmark back to life, creating opportunities for learning, volunteering and tourism while preserving a unique piece of Milton Keynes’ story.”
“We are delighted to support Milton Keynes City Council with this important project to restore Bradwell Windmill. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, it not only means that this important heritage is saved for future generations, but that more people will be able to get involved with, protect, and learn about the exciting heritage right on their doorstep.”