Planning application for new university in Milton Keynes moves a step closer

Milton Keynes Council officials on Sunday (April 12) validated a request from MK:U Limited to provide its opinion on the environmental impact of the proposal for a block of land south of Avebury Boulevard.

Now experts at the borough will be poring over the likely impacts of the new technology-focused university on the city’s economy, environment, and landscape.

The applicants will have to come up with proposals to mitigate against any harm from the proposal, which is in a red zone for protected great crested newts.

On a plot of land known as Block B4, the site of the new multi-million pound university covers about 11 hectares of mainly grassland. Its boundaries are Avebury Boulevard, Witan Gate, Grafton Street and Childs Way.

“MK:U presents a unique opportunity to re-think higher education by bringing new academic and commercial activity, jobs and social life to the centre of Milton Keynes,” says the application to MK Council.

Planning applications are due to start being considered by the council later this year for the new undergraduate university which will focus on science, technology, engineering and maths.

It will eventually have 15,000 students, up to 1,800 staff, 3,000 student rooms, and 600 parking spaces.

But the documents reveal that the plans will come forward in three phases.

“On the assumption that approval is obtained by the end of this year, it is anticipated that construction of Phase 1 would commence in 2021, for completion in Autumn 2023, with the remaining phases completed byAutumn 2034,” the documents say.

The first phase would include space for a forum, academic and sports facilities, and a 100-bed hotel and conference centre, serving 5,000 students and up to 600 staff.