Network Rail’s new national centre (see our story Network Rail unveils plans for National Centre at Milton Keynes 5 September 2009) which will revitalise an underused corner of central Milton Keynes and bring up to 3,000 jobs to the city moved a little closer last week (Monday 2 November 2009) with the formal submission of a planning application to Milton Keynes Council.

A series of public exhibitions has been held by Network Rail across the city, giving residents the opportunity to speak to the team behind the project, provide feedback and suggestions and importantly, make a vital contribution to the final planning application.

Nearly 900 people took the time to stop by whilst a further 1,000 visited Network Rail’s consultation website to have their say on line. The comments received were overwhelmingly positive, focusing mainly on the benefits of having 3,000 new jobs for the city. Many people responded positively on the environmental aspects of the new building’s design while others commented on the regeneration of the former National Hockey Stadium site and the wider benefits for Milton Keynes.

Network Rail was keen that the consultation offered a genuine chance for local people to influence its plans and this has resulted in a number of suggestions which were put forward during the consultation period being incorporated into the final submission. These have  including recharging points for electric vehicles in the car park and an allotment on site for fruit and vegetables.

Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Network Rail has made a big commitment to Milton Keynes in choosing the city as the home of our new national centre. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to speak to so many local people about our plans, to listen to them and take on board their thoughts and opinions.”

Mr Coucher continued: “Network Rail has worked closely with Milton Keynes Council and Milton Keynes Partnership to develop our design and we are pleased with the result. We recognise the importance of urban planning to the history of Milton Keynes and the way the city has been designed. We want our building to be one of which both the city and Network Rail can be proud.”

John Lewis, chief executive of Milton Keynes Partnership, said: “Network Rail is already working in Milton Keynes and will have a growing presence in the city with plans to recruit some staff locally. The decision to locate Network Rail’s national centre here is a tremendous coup for Milton Keynes and further cements the city’s position as a great place to do business.”

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:

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?”

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.”

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”

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”

Wider benefits for Milton Keynes
“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”