New Santander campus will bring £150m investment to Milton Keynes

The new Milton Keynes campus will act as the bank’s UK technology hub, delivering a boost for the Government’s vision of Cambridge-Milton-Keynes “growth corridor” nurturing the UK’s most innovative industries.

The proposed new office, which is expected to be home to over 5,000 staff, will replace the bank’s existing local office buildings with a world-class working environment specifically designed to encourage collaboration and innovation, supported by cutting-edge technology.

Nathan Bostock, chief executive at Santander UK, said: “We are excited to be sharing our proposals for this major investment in Milton Keynes, reflecting our long-term commitment to the local area. We want a workplace which truly reflects our culture and our vision for the future, which is based on innovation and harnessing new technology to make banking simpler and more personal for our customers.

“Milton Keynes is already one UK’s leading technology hotspots, and with the new MK:U university on the horizon, we believe it is set to become an even greater magnet for technology talent. Our proposed new campus will give us a world-class home in Milton Keynes, which both our colleagues and the local community can take pride in.”

Milton Keynes Council Leader Pete Marland added: “Santander is making a big statement about the kind of employer it wants to be, and is showing great commitment to MK by making us the heart of their national operations. We’re delighted these innovative plans are taking shape in MK as we know first-hand what it means to be a pioneer.

“We’ve similarly bold ambitions for central MK and the evolved Santander hub will be a great fit alongside other significant developments coming forward such as a world class university, striking spaces for work and leisure, and affordable new homes.

“We all want MK to be the best place in the UK to live, learn and work, where talented minds move to and grow up in.”

Features of the planned new campus include:

· An environmentally sustainable building designed around enhancing the health and well being of occupants;

· Event space for colleague training as well as community events and classes;

· A range of health facilities including a fitness centre, cycle storage and rooftop walking and running track; and

· Flexible collaboration space that will be offered to local businesses and community organisations.

It is expected that a planning application for the new campus will be submitted early in 2019 following consultation with the Local Authority and community groups. Subject to planning permission, it is anticipated that the building will be ready to open in 2022.

Following the news, Milton Keynes North MP Mark Lancaster said: “This is a very welcome announcement from Santander.

"Milton Keynes continues to be one of the best places to do business. We have an extremely talented workforce, our connectivity to London and Birmingham is unrivalled and there is always room to expand. Santander’s confidence in MK will be the perfect case study to show the world what the fuss is all about.

Milton Keynes South MP Iain Stewart added: “This is a huge investment into our local economy and the wider region. Santander will strengthen its place as one of our biggest employers and it will unquestionably help support the Government’s growth ambition across the Oxford-Milton-Keynes-Cambrdige corridor.

"We stand ready to help make this project a reality. “