£100m regeneration plans for Wolverton works approved

The decision follows the committee’s approval in September 2016 of a Lidl store, an early phase of St. Modwen’s wider masterplan, to the east of the site. Construction for the foodstore, to be built on a disused part of the Works and creating up to 40 new jobs, will begin in spring 2017.

Key features of the regeneration plans for Wolverton Works, approved last night, are:

Jobs: Provision of business space for Knorr-Bremse RailServices Ltd, protected for future rail-related employment use only

Supporting small businesses: New business space providing premises for small/ medium size businesses and start-ups

Homes for all: Up to 375 new homes - a mix for all ages, family sizes, needs and pockets

Funding for social infrastructure: contribution of c.£4m towards vital services of which £3m is allocated to education

Heritage value: Opening up what is currently a closed site, existing buildings’ facade retention and heritage features throughout public spaces

New community space: The potential to create a railway heritage centre – St. Modwen is discussing opportunities with Milton Keynes Museum

New open spaces: Provision of a new public square and multiple landscaped spaces equivalent, in total, to the size of 2 football pitches

Architectural identity: Use of a ‘Design Guide’ to ensure new buildings reflect the Conservation Area with pitched roofs, use of brick, terrace housing and other key features

Ecology: Enhanced nature conservation and biodiversity where there is currently concrete across the site

War memorial: Publicly accessible space allocated for a memorial

Grand Union Canal: New public footpath running parallel to the canal

Gary Morris, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen said: “We have worked closely with Milton Keynes Council, local stakeholders and the Wolverton community to develop a sensitive design for the Works. Not only will these plans enhance the unique identity of the town and reflect its much-loved railway heritage, but they will also encourage further economic growth and regeneration for the town.”

Further planning applications will be brought forward in due course, to determine the exact designs of the new buildings.