Over 100 Milton Keynes residents rehomed before old building demolished
More than 100 council tenants have moved into new homes as an old block of flats is prepared to be cleared in Milton Keynes.
Originally built in the 1960s, the REEMA blocks are being cleared as part of a major programme to improve housing quality across Milton Keynes. The City Council has been supporting tenants to move into better quality homes through a phased approach since 2023, with several blocks now vacant.
All council tenants in phases one and two have now been rehoused, with the final phase planned to begin late 2026/early 2027. All REEMA blocks are expected to be empty by the end of 2028.
Industry experts found that the blocks were originally built using a method that makes them less resilient to the weather over time. The type and cost of the repairs the old buildings needed were found to be unmanageable for the City Council.
Dedicated council officers worked closely with each tenant to understand their needs and move them into better suited homes. The programme has already made a positive impact on residents like Barry (pictured above). He has been rehoused in a bungalow, removing the challenge of stairs.
Contractors are now working at Argyll, Sawley, Edinburgh and Stirling House, stripping out the empty buildings by removing fixtures and fittings ahead of demolition. The sites are fully fenced to prevent trespassing, with further work continuing.
The buildings are due to start coming down later this summer, with all four blocks set to be demolished one after another and the sites cleared later this year. This will allow time to consider future plans for the sites, including what new homes could be built, available funding, and discussions with the local community.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Ed Hume: “Moving more than 100 households into new, better-quality homes is a big step. We’ve worked closely with tenants to support their move and help them settle into homes that better suit their needs.
“This is about making sure people feel comfortable and secure, while we also look ahead and plan what comes next for these sites and the new homes that could replace them.”