Planning approved for transformation of former Santander HQ in Milton Keynes
The scheme will deliver a sustainable, high-spec office and retail space.
2 October 2025
Plans to transform the former Santander UK headquarters at 201 Grafton Gate in Milton Keynes into a high-specification, sustainable office and retail development have been approved by Milton Keynes Council. The project, led by developer Osborne+Co and designed by LOM architecture and design, received planning consent (application PLN/2025/0193) on 24 September 2025.
The redevelopment, now branded as The Verve, will deliver over 20,000 sq m of Grade A office space alongside ground-floor retail and extensive public realm improvements. Located opposite Unity Place and adjacent to Milton Keynes Central Station, the building occupies a key gateway site within the city’s central business district.
Central to the scheme is a commitment to sustainability through reuse and retrofit. By retaining the existing building structure, the project aims to reduce embodied carbon by approximately 40% compared to a new-build alternative. The building’s outdated infrastructure will be replaced with an all-electric system using air source heat pumps, and the external glazing will be upgraded to enhance thermal performance.
The Verve is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC A rating. Sustainability features include:
Roof-mounted solar panels
Low-energy heating and cooling systems (HVRF)
Enhanced airtightness and natural ventilation
EV charging points
Rainwater gardens and landscaping supporting a 164% biodiversity net gain
The development will also feature a bold new glazed atrium, creating a unified internal space and significantly improving the building’s arrival experience. The office floors are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for sub-division and future reconfiguration.
A key objective of the scheme is to position The Verve as an exemplar for sustainable refurbishment in the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge corridor, offering a viable alternative to demolition and new build. The site’s strategic location and connectivity support its long-term appeal for commercial tenants.
Osborne+Co is working in partnership with property owner Santander UK. The wider design and consultancy team includes Turley (planning), Elliott Wood (engineering), Lehding Services Design (MEP), Jensen Hughes (fire safety), Wittingham Ecology, Enplan (landscape), Savills, and Lambert Smith Hampton.
The project follows Osborne+Co and LOM’s previous work on Unity Place, further cementing their role in reshaping central Milton Keynes with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and high-quality design.