Media centre

Notes to editors

The proposed building, scheduled to open in 2012, will be located near Milton Keynes Central railway station on the site of the former National Hockey Stadium which will be removed later this year.

Sustainable design
The design for the new building includes a host of eco-friendly features which will encourage diverse habitats for flora and fauna in the centre of the city and a rainwater harvesting system which will be used to flush toilets. Network Rail plans to recycle material from the national hockey stadium and, wherever possible, materials will be sourced locally cutting the number of lorries and further reducing the carbon footprint of the building.

Consultation success
An impressive 876 people attended the consultation events that were held in Milton Keynes, a healthy participation rate and good cross-section of the local community. People were only counted as a participant if they stopped to speak to an exhibitor. Hundreds more leaflets were given to passers-by. 

In addition there were 960 visits to the consultation website over the course of the consultation. The consultation period was open for six weeks following the exhibition, allowing people to submit comments via email until Friday 16 October 2009.

Positive comments
The comments received fell largely into five main areas:

(i) Job creation
“Brings jobs to MK, new modern design, environmentally friendly, exciting new building in MK!”
“Good job prospects bolster CMK's business appeal”
“More jobs close to all amenities and close to West Coast Main Line”
 “Just need the positive people to work there. Can I be one of them?”

(ii) Sustainability
“It is good to have Network Rail in Central Milton Keynes. Good use for the largely-unused hockey stadium. Good low energy/water use plans”
“The building design appears to be very good, with good environmental credentials”
“Low level design in keeping of local area”
“Green roofs, water capture, natural "air con", bio diversity principle in-building”
“A great major landmark project that could be a vitally effective illustration of how to be truly sustainable.”

(iii) Design detail
“An interesting and innovative building, which makes a refreshing change.”
“Pleasing design. Thought given to efficiency. Big improvement to existing site building.”
“I like the building's futuristic yet appealing look, which is very appropriate for Central Milton Keynes and will make a good addition to the city's skyline. As an MK resident I very much welcome Network Rail's coming here and think it will be another massive boost to the growth of the city”.
“The building design appears to be very good, with good environmental credentials”

(iv) Regeneration of the proposed site
“This unique building replaces a fast becoming carbuncle for the station area. Pleased to see it being put to good use”.
“That an unused, derelict site is being brought back to use bringing jobs, income + prestige to MK”
“That the site will have a permanent use & bring more jobs to MK.”
“Making use of a white elephant”

(v) Wider benefits for MK
“A new modern building coming to a modern town (city) away from the rat race of London”
“Bringing more business + jobs to MK - using a prime space that hasn't been used to it's full potential.”
“Very good idea. Not only jobs but the development aspect as well as putting the New City of Milton Keynes on the national map. Keep it as green as possible.”
“I think this is a superb initiative - excellent news for Milton Keynes”
“It’s a no brainer”