RSHP appointed for £190 million MK Gateway

Mixed-use developer First Base and Patron Capital, the pan-European institutional real estate investor, have appointed leading international architecture practice Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) to lead the design of MK Gateway.

RSHP has been recognised with some of architecture’s highest awards and has designed renowned projects around the world including the Tower 3, World Trade Centre in New York, Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport, International Towers Sydney, Las Arenas in Barcelona and The Leadenhall Building in the City of London.

At MK Gateway the practice will lead the design of a world-class mixed-use scheme, combining new workspace, homes and enhanced public realm in the centre of Milton Keynes.

Drawing on Milton Keynes’ heritage of innovation and the growing science and tech cluster in the region, MK Gateway will deliver 185,000 sq ft of Grade A workspace incorporating office, coworking and R&D space. The residential element will comprise 285 Build-to-Rent homes in a new building incorporating an active frontage of independent retail and cafés at street level.

MK Gateway will be set around a new public square and landscaped green spaces that will serve as a new meeting point in the heart of the city. The project will be designed to support Milton Keynes’ target to be a net-zero carbon city by 2030.

”Andrew Partridge, Associate Partner, RSHP, said: “Saxon Court’s design respects the unique heritage whilst providing a new identity for the future.”

”Ivan Harbour, Senior Partner, RSHP, said: “We are very excited to be working with First Base and Patron Capital at MK Gateway which we believe offers a blueprint for an integrated accessible destination where facilities and activities overlap around a vibrant public space. With integrity in their design, the buildings conceived are flexible, durable and economical whilst addressing a human scale, encouraging community togetherness, access to daylight and fresh air, and promoting a forward-facing environment in which to live and work."

Daniel May, Head of Design, First Base, said: “RSHP has designed some of the world’s most iconic buildings and has long championed the importance of sustainable design, adaptable spaces and vibrant public realm. These are the values that underpin our vision for MK Gateway, which will integrate state-of-the-art workspace and a new residential neighbourhood around a public square that will serve as a meeting point and destination in the centre of the city."

“Innovation and invention are part of Milton Keynes’ heritage and we look forward to working with RSHP and the local community to deliver a scheme that reflects the city’s history, attracts leading edge businesses and is sustainable and future-proof."

”Kevin Cooke, Senior Partner, Patron Capital, said:“Securing a world-renowned architectural practice fits with our joint vision of a truly outstanding mixed-use development that will create new, workspace, homes and opportunities at the heart of Milton Keynes. The appointment of RSHP represents a key step forward as we progress this exciting scheme."

Plans will be submitted to Milton Keynes Council in 2021 following extensive community and stakeholder consultation.

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