The 2.35-acre site, which will be known as MK Gateway, will see the original former council building extended upwards by three floors and a  landmark 27-storey apartment built beside it.

The MK Gateway project is designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners

The overhauled Saxon Court building will provide office space while the existing large atrium space will become an indoor public square, with local independent food, drink, and leisure spaces, connected to an outdoor ‘village green’.

MK Gateway will provide the equivalent size of 19 tennis courts worth of publicly accessible space, creating a new neighbourhood to live, work and play.

Vertical gardens integrated into the residential building are claimed to be a first for the UK

Delivering 288 flats for rent, the vertical village building will feature 11 vertical gardens, totalling 4,500 sq ft, for residents to share and enjoy.

“We believe this highly sustainable development will support Milton Keynes’ growth ambitions, celebrate the city’s innovative spirit, and generate significant long-term benefits,” said Steve Eccles, Project Director, First Base.

Remodelled Saxon Court building will provide185,000 sq ft offices and a new indoor public square

Retaining and refurbishing Saxon Court will save over 3,750 tonnes of Co2 compared with demolition and rebuild.

Barry Jessup, Chief Executive, First Base, said: “Working with renowned architecture practice RSHP we have created a new model for post-COVID urban living which blends wellbeing-focused workspace and the UK’s first BTR homes that are connected by multi-level gardens, all set around a new a public courtyard, green spaces and biodiversity.

“We will retain and repurpose Saxon Court, which is part of the fabric of the city centre, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the development and supporting the council’s vision for Milton Keynes to be net-zero by 2030.”