Milton Keynes has been named as one of 12 preferred sites in the government’s “new towns” programme — a move that could deliver thousands of homes and unlock major investment in jobs, infrastructure and business growth.
The announcement came at the Labour Party conference, where Housing Secretary Steve Reed confirmed that construction of three new towns will begin before the next general election. The government has pledged 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with 40% of them to be affordable.
For Milton Keynes — already the UK’s most successful post-war new city — the recognition highlights its status as a hub for growth. If approved, the plans would bring densification of the city centre, new commercial opportunities, and long-term investment in sustainable transport, public spaces and cultural facilities.
Jill Farnsworth, chief executive of MyMiltonKeynes, said the benefits for the business community could be transformative. “More people living here means more customers for our businesses, a buzz day and night to give added vibrancy, and it unlocks investment in place: more culture and events, enhanced public spaces and most excitingly, investment in sustainable transport, with the much talked about Rapid Mass Transit System looking like it may now get the funding.”
The plans would be delivered through development corporations with powers to purchase land, invest in local services and grant planning permission. This model mirrors the large-scale regeneration of Stratford in east London around the 2012 Olympics.
Alongside Milton Keynes, other locations shortlisted include Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Leeds South Bank and Crews Hill in north London. All proposed developments will undergo environmental assessments and public consultation before final sites and funding are confirmed next spring.
For businesses, the opportunity could mean a larger workforce, stronger supply chains and increased demand across retail, leisure, hospitality and professional services. The scale of the programme is also expected to attract private sector investment alongside government funding, supporting Milton Keynes’ position as a leading centre for innovation and growth.
