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Strengths/Opportunities
Currently there is a thriving shopping centre and a highly utilised theatre complex within the centre. These areas should be maintained as they bring people into the centre of Milton Keynes.
Adjacent to the buildings within Milton Keynes centre are extensive areas of open space and car parking. As such there is a lot of opportunity for development however this is subject to maintaining the strong sense of character. As well as providing housing within these spaces between the existing developments provision should be made for adaptable uses at ground floor that initially should be marketed for businesses and retail but have the potential for residential if there is no demand for businesses.
There is potential for development above the main shopping centre as this is accessible by the car for deliveries and could facilitate access for occupants at upper floors in line with the scheme at Almere. This design is restricted in this way as access to the flats and houses would only be from the central area. Ground floor uses should be active by the high street with shops and elsewhere should be active uses within the dwellings.
Site assessment
How to introduce high density in Milton Keynes
Weaknesses/Threats
Midsummer Boulevard has a large shopping mall taking up the majority of the site. The main shopping building is called The Centre MK and is a grade II listed and is a parallel 650 metre long glass and steel flanking and linking shops with anchor shops at east and west ends. As such will restrict the ability to implement the development. An extension was allowed adjacent to the site called the Intu Milton Keynes which extended the shopping area. As such the principle of an extension to this building may be acceptable subject to an appropriate design. This is particularly in relation to the modern element at Intu which is not listed. This is provided that any extension would respect the design and character of the building by maintaining the grid structure and linear layout. Furthermore the extensive glazing elements on MK shopping area impacts on position of buildings due to light.
Although thriving as a community facility the theatre is also a restriction and takes up alot of space on site. However as it is a new development that contributes positively this should not be altered and therefore this restricts housing opportunities in the centre.
The focus of this redevelopment project is Midsummer Boulevard East is the central area of Milton Keynes and has been developed sparsely although with substantial provision of infrastructure and streets. This area is chosen as it is the centre of Milton Keynes shopping area and if done well would be a catalyst for development in the town. It is also the area that is the focus for residents and central to the identity of Milton Keynes. As such it is central to any redevelopment scheme.
In order to create an average of 500 pph density the area will need to have a substantial provision of dwellings. In line with the research undertaken as part of Issues 1, as this area is close to transport services, retail and restaurants part of the area will need to have densities of up to 800 pph with areas moving further away at 500 pph and even further at 200 pph.
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