MK Community Hub & Library

Project Overview

The MK Community Hub & Library is a purpose-built 20,000 sq ft community facility in Netherfield, commissioned by Milton Keynes Council to serve the growing residential population of eastern MK. The building combines a modern lending library, digital learning suite, co-working space, multi-use community hall, and a café in a striking contemporary design.

The building's distinctive curved timber-clad facade and full-height glazing create a welcoming, light-filled interior that has become a focal point for the Netherfield community. Flexible internal layouts allow spaces to be reconfigured for community events, exhibitions, and performances.

Delivered under an NEC4 contract with Milton Keynes Council, the project was the first public building in MK to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, reflecting the council's commitment to environmental leadership.

The Challenge

As a publicly funded project, the building was subject to strict budget controls and scrutiny through the council's capital programme governance. The BREEAM Outstanding target (the first in Milton Keynes) required exceptional environmental performance across all assessment categories.

The multi-stakeholder nature of the project — with separate requirements from the library service, community groups, and council estates team — demanded careful briefing and design management.

Our Solution

Early-stage stakeholder workshops captured user requirements and resolved conflicting priorities before the design was finalised. A dedicated BREEAM coordinator was embedded in the design team from Stage 2, ensuring environmental targets were integrated from the outset rather than retrofitted.

The building's passive design strategy — including natural ventilation, optimised glazing orientation, and high-performance insulation — minimised servicing requirements. A ground-source heat pump and 80kW PV array provide the majority of the building's energy needs, with battery storage smoothing peak demand.

Monthly NEC4 programme reviews with the council's project team maintained cost transparency and early warning of potential changes, resulting in a final account within 0.8% of the target cost.

Results & Impact

The building achieved a BREEAM Outstanding score of 87.4%, setting a new benchmark for public buildings in Milton Keynes. In its first year of operation, the community hub has attracted over 120,000 visitors, exceeding the council's year-one target by 35%.

The project was awarded "Building of the Year" at the 2024 Milton Keynes Design Awards and has been shortlisted for the RIBA East Award.