Developers at Saxon Court are planning to include a cycle hub in their vision for the future as they gear up for the second round of consultation.
Developers wish to convert the former council office building into an iconic mixed-use development with 287 new homes, shops, cafes, and more in a 27-storey tower block.
First Base, the developers, and Patron Capital, the investors, acquired Saxon Court from Milton Keynes Council in October 2020.
They have since allowed Saxon Court to be transformed into a temporary mass vaccination centre during the pandemic, but their future plans are to deliver a "beautifully designed and highly sustainable development".
These mixed-use plans include flexible workspaces, local independent food, drink, leisure, retail, and new apartments for rent, including affordable homes in line with Milton Keynes Council's policy.
And it has since been revealed that the plans look to include a cycle-themed centre, housing a café, bicycle workshop, bar and exhibition space.
This has been based largely on a concept made popular by Look Mum, No Hands! - a similar venture in London. The developers say the space will be "perfect for cycle enthusiasts, as well as a great, central location, for people to meet friends and sample local artisan produce".
Developers hope that people will use the space as their starting point or as a pit-stop as they explore Milton Keynes via its network of more than 200 miles of Redways.
Saxon Court will also have a provision of e-bikes and e-scooters, opening up cycling and e-travel to a wider audience.
The proposals are part of developers’ plans to integrate into Milton Keynes’ current and future sustainable transport links, while supporting the strategy for 2050 which includes ambitions to be a near carbon zero city, with a focus on emission-free travel.
John Ritchie, Chair of Team MK Cycling, said: "As one of the UK’s most cycle friendly places a cycle hub is something Central Milton Keynes is definitely missing. The proposed Saxon Court hub would create a much needed facility giving cyclists a practical and social focal point,”
So far, developers have engaged the local community on its initial plans for Saxon Court in phase one of public consultation, which took place at the end of last year.
The second phase of the consultation process is now scheduled to take later on this month.
For further information and to have your say visit saxoncourtmk.com.
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