Milton Keynes City Council last week unveiled a bold new investment prospectus at UKREiiF, setting out an ambitious vision to attract investment and support sustainable, well planned growth in one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities.
The prospectus positions Milton Keynes as a standout investment destination, building on its status as one of the UK’s most successful new cities, designed for growth, innovation and opportunity. Now home to over 300,000 residents, the city supports more than 200,000 jobs and is one of the strongest-performing local economies in the country.
Milton Keynes generates over £16.7 billion in economic output (GVA), with productivity levels around 25% higher than the UK average, underlining its strength as a location for business and investment. At its core, the prospectus highlights a pipeline of ambitious opportunities designed to deliver new homes, jobs and infrastructure while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, connectivity and quality of life.
This includes opportunities linked to major regional growth drivers, including the proposed Universal Studios theme park development nearby, which is expected to unlock significant investment potential, boost visitor economy growth and create new demand for homes, jobs and supporting infrastructure across Milton Keynes.
The city is also building momentum after being longlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029, further strengthening its cultural offer alongside its strong economic performance.
The prospectus includes two development-ready sites seeking investment:
- MK Gateway – a £240m mixed-use scheme in Central Milton Keynes, delivering Grade A offices, Build-to-Rent homes and SME workspace
- Lower Westside (Block B4) – a £1.6bn+ strategic mixed-use opportunity with long-term commercial, residential, research and education potential
These projects will unlock future development and investment at scale:
- MK East Expansion Area – a major, well planned urban extension set to deliver thousands of new homes, schools, parks and supporting infrastructure, creating a new, sustainable community
- City centre regeneration – mixed-use developments around the city centre and Station Square, unlocking new commercial, residential and leisure space in a prime location
- East West Rail and transport connectivity – a transformational project strengthening links between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge, opening up significant development potential
- Innovation and technology clusters – building on the city’s global reputation for autonomous vehicles, digital technology and smart city innovation
- Strategic employment and logistics sites – major opportunities driven by Milton Keynes’ central UK location, supporting business growth and job creation
- Growth linked to Universal Studios – potential to boost the visitor economy and drive demand for homes and jobs
A key feature of the prospectus is a renewed focus on delivering growth through strong partnerships between the Council, landowners and developers, in line with government recommendations for large-scale development. This approach reflects the principles behind the next generation of new towns, following the Government’s announcement that Milton Keynes is one of seven locations nationally being taken forward for further consideration as part of its New Towns programme.
By working closely with partners from the outset, Milton Keynes is ensuring that future development is coordinated, deliverable and high quality, giving investors confidence and supporting long-term value.
Many of these opportunities are being brought forward in partnership with Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP), the Council’s arm’s length development company, which plays a key role in unlocking strategic sites, accelerating delivery and shaping high-quality development across the city.
With a strong track record, clear vision and ambitious pipeline, Milton Keynes is inviting partners to be part of a thriving, innovative and future-ready city, ready to deliver growth for decades to come. The full prospectus can be viewed here: Milton Keynes Investment Prospectus 2026
“Milton Keynes has always been a city built for growth and innovation, and this prospectus sets out a confident vision for the next stage of our development. We’re creating opportunities for investment at scale, but just as importantly, we’re committed to making sure that growth is sustainable, well planned and benefits our communities. That means taking care of our residents, creating new jobs, building strong neighbourhoods and bringing people with us on this journey.
“With national recognition through the Government’s New Towns programme and major infrastructure like East West Rail, this is a unique moment to invest in Milton Keynes and help shape a city that works for everyone.”