Station Square

Introduction

Station Square in Milton Keynes is one of the largest train station squares in the UK, covering approximately 28,000 square metres. This vast open space was designed as a welcoming urban gateway to Milton Keynes when it was established alongside the opening of Milton Keynes Central Station in 1982.

It provides a key interchange for buses, taxis, and pedestrians while connecting directly to the city’s central business and shopping districts. Its size and modernist design make it a unique feature among UK train station squares. The level of the whole of the Station Square area was raised so that it made a sensible set piece (hence the descent to the platforms).

The Plan for Milton Keynes originally didn’t identify a site for a Station in CMK because stations were not being built at the time.  But by February 1974 the Development Corporation were wanting one, with Board Meeting Minutes suggesting the costs could be £3,332,000.  Designs were drawn up but British Rail didn’t think a station was needed.  By 1978 however, British Rail had changed their minds and they announced the new station was to go ahead.  Completed in late 1981, it was officially opened by the then HRH Prince Charles on 17 May 1982, three days after opening to the Public.

The vision

All three Station Square buildings were planned as a set piece, and Station House was designed so that it was legible at speed as no-stopping trains go through the station. Elder House and Phoenix House were completed between 1982 and 1985 by architects from the Milton Keynes Development Corporation under Christopher Woodward and Stuart Mosscrop.  These buildings exemplify modernist design principles with their mirrored glass façades and geometric precision. They were intended to frame Station Square and support the vision of a dynamic, urban gateway for Milton Keynes, combining office spaces and pedestrian-friendly features, as part of the welcoming visual landscape for visitors arriving at the railway station.

Elder and Phoenix Houses exemplify the modernist architectural style inspired by renowned figures like Mies van der Rohe, which heavily influenced the city centre’s design language. While primarily functional office spaces, their design incorporates sleek, geometric lines and clean façades, echoing the high-tech, future-forward vision for Milton Keynes during its formative years.  Recent refurbishments have enhanced their appeal for businesses, whilst Elder House has also included residential developments in recent years, reflecting broader trends in mixed-use urban spaces.

Together with the nearby listed bus station and other landmarks in and across Station Square, this area is a major contributor to CMK’s overall historic and aesthetic design significance, showcasing Milton Keynes’ ambition as a post-war new city.

Did you know?

Station Square has been a gathering for many civic events – protests, activists, cycling events, bands, cultural celebrations and in 2022 when Milton Keynes was a Host City, it was the Fanzone site for the Women’s Euro tournament.

It has even hosted a life-sized replica of Milton Keynes Gallery, a wheat field and a Modernist Glade of trees and wildflower meadows rounded off by a giant ‘Mushroom’!