Have your say on plans to build 'exciting' 27 storey development in the heart of Milton Keynes

The proposals for Saxon Court, once it has served its purpose during the Covid pandemic, include a new 27-storey block of apartments plus four-storey buildings.

They will provide 287 apartments for rent only and 31 per cent will be "affordable", say developers First Base.

The development will be classed as mixed use and will include community spaces, offices, outlets for local independent retailers and flexible workspaces.

People are being asked to register their opinions via the digital community consultation platform Give My View. You an access the consultation here.

Some people have already complained on social media that the 27-storey block is too high for a city where it was originally vowed that no building should be taller than the tallest tree. Others have welcomed it as an innovative landmark that would boost the local economy.

Saxon Court sits on the corner of Avebury Boulevard and Saxon. Gate, just off Childs Way (H6) at Central Milton Keynes. For decades it was MK Council's housing offices and holds memories for thousands of local people. A video had been produced of its history here .

First Base and investor Patron Capital bought the building from MK Council for £15m last October. But a couple of months later they loaned back the huge facility so it could be prepared for use as a mass vaccination centre for MK people.

Marc Corbett, project director for First Base, told the Citizen at the time: “We’re very proud to be supporting Milton Keynes Council and the NHS as they undertake this significant and important task. We have agreed to work closely with the Council and the NHS, and be as flexible as possible, to support this historic and potentially lifesaving vaccine roll-out in Milton Keynes."

The vaccination centre opened its doors three weeks ago and already thousands of jabs have been administered there.

First Base propose a "new era" for the building once the vaccination programme is completed. They describe their plans as a "beautifully designed and highly sustainable development to support Milton Keynes’ post-Covid economic recovery and growth, embracing the city’s innovative spirit."

They also promise "spaces to socialise" and the consultation asks people how they would like these spaces to be used. The options include pop-up markets, public art, multi cultural festivals, big screen events and sports activities.

The buildings spectacular atrium, currently filled with tropical plants, will be "enhanced and re-energised" to provide a publicly accessible indoor space, say First Base. This a will link the front entrance of Saxon Court, from Avebury Boulevard, to a new outdoor public square to the rear.

A spokesman said: "First Base is committed to carrying out a comprehensive consultation, focused on local people and the community, to make the future of Saxon Court the best it can possibly be."

The company will submit a planning application this Spring and, if approved, aims to start building work by the end of this year.

"We believe that our proposals for Saxon Court will help Milton Keynes reach its ambition of becoming a truly economically successful city, providing new jobs, new business opportunities, new homes and a renewed confidence in the future," said the spokesman

"The proposals will be genuinely mixed-use, creating a new community of people who live, work and socialise at Saxon Court. With new civic amenities and space for local independent food, drink, leisure and retail, Saxon Court will be a thriving, vibrant place."

MK-based marketing agency Interdirect has teamed up First Base to market the project.

Nicholas Mann, managing director of Interdirect said: “We’ve always been keen to support local businesses, helping with the design and development of websites, managing their online marketing strategies and promoting them via expectational digital and PR activities."

He added: “With our newest client, we’re leveraging their work to embed themselves within the local community, supporting them in delivering important, relevant and timely messages to residents, businesses and the media and sharing their exciting and sustainable ambitions for Milton Keynes.”