Milton Keynes is set to benefit from an additional £50 million investment from Homes England to complete major road improvements at Milton Keynes East, helping ensure infrastructure keeps pace as the city continues to grow.
The investment comes from the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund programme and builds on £94.6 million already invested in Milton Keynes East. That earlier funding supported the first phase of road improvements, alongside the area's first primary school and community health hub. These projects have now been completed and are due to open next year, marking another important milestone for one of the city's largest growth areas.
The additional £50 million will enable the completion of key road links needed to support future growth in the area. By delivering transport infrastructure ahead of development, the investment will help ensure new homes are supported by the connections people need while reducing pressure on existing roads.
Milton Keynes East is expected to deliver thousands of new homes over the coming years, alongside new jobs and opportunities. The city council has long argued that investment in roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential infrastructure must be delivered alongside development, helping create sustainable and well-connected communities from the outset.
The city council will enter into updated agreements with Homes England, the Government's housing and regeneration agency, and Berkeley (St James), the lead developer at Milton Keynes East. The city council will act as the accountable body for the funding, enabling Homes England's investment to be passed to Berkeley so work on the remaining highway infrastructure can continue allowing 5,500 homes to be unlocked in the area.
The new roads will also improve access to land earmarked for future growth to the east of the city. This area is identified in the draft Milton Keynes City Plan 2050, which is currently being examined by independent planning inspectors.
"People rightly expect roads, schools and healthcare facilities to be provided alongside new homes, not years afterwards. This additional £50 million investment will help ensure Milton Keynes continues to grow in the right way, with the infrastructure needed to support new communities from the outset. This investment will help unlock new homes, jobs and opportunities while maintaining the quality of life that makes Milton Keynes such a great place to live, work and raise a family."
“This infrastructure investment will unlock the growth potential of Milton Keynes East and create a sustainable and well-connected new part of the city. Milton Keynes City Council stands out as an ambitious and pro-growth authority, and our partnership is on course to deliver 5,500 private and affordable homes, a 160-acre Country Park and a mix of community amenities. We are also delivering over 4,000 new jobs within the 4 million square foot strategic industrial hub on the southern part of the site.”