Higgins Partnerships has been appointed by Milton Keynes City Council to build 66 new council homes on the site of the former Cripps Lodge sheltered housing facility in Netherfield, Buckinghamshire.

The development will transform the disused care facility into a high-quality, sustainable residential neighbourhood, aligning with the council's wider regeneration strategy focused on housing growth and inclusive communities. The scheme will feature a mix of one-to-five-bedroom homes, including bungalows, two- and three-storey houses, and a split-level apartment building. The apartment block will include plant and cycle storage at the lower ground level, with residential units above.

Designed with local housing needs in mind, the new homes will offer private gardens, off-road parking, and access to green open space. They will also incorporate advanced energy efficiency features such as air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, and solar PV panels. All homes will be built to a high-performance fabric standard, aimed at reducing energy bills and boosting climate resilience.

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The project, originally designed by DCa Architects, is now being progressed by RG+P under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA), working alongside Higgins into the delivery phase.

Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer for Higgins Group, said: "We are delighted to be appointed by Milton Keynes City Council to deliver these much-needed high-quality council homes. We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with our partners and local communities to ensure we leave a lasting impact. As part of this development, we will also be creating local jobs and apprenticeships, building a local supply chain and adding value to the local economy."

The site will benefit from high-quality landscaping, improved pedestrian routes, permeable paving, and climate-resilient planting, all designed to support sustainable drainage and create a welcoming environment for residents.

Higgins was appointed through a formal procurement process via the Pretium Framework, aligning with the council’s More for MK strategy, which ensures local economic benefits and social value from public developments.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in 2028.