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Milton Keynes' Modern Heritage

Milton Keynes is the last, largest and most ambitious of all the settlements to be created under the 1946 New Towns Act. The combination of its scale, distinctive grid layout and architectural, landscape driven design will never be seen again in this country. The first twenty-five years of its life reflects not only the changing fashions of post-war and late twentieth century architecture, planning and art, but it tells the story of the changing economic, political and social circumstances of the UK through the period. 

The adopted Statement of Significance document provides an overview of the wider heritage significance of Milton Keynes, providing context for the New Town Heritage Register (NTHR), a 'local list'.

The New Town Heritage Register

Over 240 new town era places were nominated by the public as having local heritage significance. Following a period of further public consultation, a selection panel made up of local and national experts and stakeholders considered the first phase of 160 assets against the adopted selection criteria, taking on board any representations that had been made. A Delegated Decision on 17 September 2024 established Milton Keynes' first local list, adding 132 assets to it.  The location of the assets can be viewed here.

Next steps

We are now progressing phase 2 to consider the remaining 80 nominated assets, working towards a decision in March 2025.  The basic information on this webpage will be replaced with a dedicated website aimed at bringing to the NTHR to life, helping residents, workers and visitors to explore the new town heritage through online material, trails and interpretation panels.

Local lists

The NTHR is a 'local list', a way of identifying places that are locally significant but that do not meet the high bar for national designation e.g. as a 'listed building'. Some local authorities have had local lists in place for over 30 years whilst others, such as Milton Keynes, are now bringing them forward as part over a wider national programme.

Places added to the NTHR will be 'non-designated heritage assets'. What requires planning permission remains the same for assets added to the NTHR, unlike listed buildings which gain additional statutory and planning controls. When planning permission is required, a heritage statement must be submitted and the significance of the asset is a material consideration alongside all other planning considerations.

Read our handy NTHR FAQs document  

National Heritage Register

Whilst the bar for national designation is very high for post war places, the Government's advisor on heritage, Historic England, has previously designated the following, all grade II:

• Shopping Building (Midsummer Boulevard, CMK)
• Central Library (Silbury Boulevard, CMK)
• Former Bus Station (Elder Gate, CMK)
• Houses at Cofferidge Close, (Silver Street, Stony Stratford)
• Octo, sculpture (Silbury Boulevard/ Saxon Gate, CMK)
• 2MS Series No.1 sculpture, (Bletchley)
• Campbell Park, registered park and garden (CMK)

The recent NTHR decision confirms that a further four artworks will be put forward for statutory listing.

Find out more on the National Heritage Register website.