Milton Keynes City Council has appointed a contractor to build 66 new homes at the former Cripps Lodge in Netherfield.
Following formal procurement, Higgins Partnerships has been selected to build a range of different homes at Cripps Lodge. The development will include two and three-bedroom bungalows, three, four and five-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom apartments to meet local needs. All homes will benefit from off-road parking, private gardens and access to open green space.
The new homes will feature the latest energy efficiency measures to ensure bills remain low for tenants.
Design work is already underway with construction 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.
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.
“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.”