Brand new look of The Hub in Milton Keynes revealed

Work at The Hub has been completed just in time for summer and it includes a brand new fountain, portes-cochères and benches.

In the summer of 2022, The Hub announced plans for a refurbishment and are now excited to announce the work to upgrade, modernise and bring new energy into The Hub piazza is complete.

DLA Architects Practice and construction company RSR, both Milton Keynes based, were appointed to design and bring to life this ambitious project. 

Numerous events have taken place over the years at The Hub, including the official opening by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The RedBull Run, IF Milton Keynes Festival and The City of Lights Festival.

Commenting on the project DLA Architects Practice said: “Our brief was to reinvigorate a public place that although much loved had, over the years, become tired and in need of modernisation. At the same time, we were to devise a strategy so that the restaurants and bars could also reinvigorate their businesses, all of which had suffered significantly at the hands of the pandemic. 

"Our solution was to create elegant indoor / outdoor pavilions that echo the form of the iconic and much loved portes-cochères that decorate the public realm throughout central Milton Keynes. The ability to offer comfortable outdoor eating and drinking, while shielded when necessary from wind, rain and sun, has proved remarkably popular with businesses and customers alike. We also came up with a whole new image and feel for the public space. New paving, innovative lighting with a new water feature, new trees and colourful planting all offer fresh opportunities for people to enjoy the unique new ambience of The Hub all the year round. 

"We are grateful to our Client for their high-minded vision and for giving us a free hand to achieve it. We’d also like to thank RSR for their skill and diligence in turning our ideas into reality.” 

The new fountain, sitting in the centre of the piazza, will be a staple meeting point for visitors to admire day and night and when complete, the raised water feature will create a stronger focal point, the Hub says.

The new portes cochères will also provide all year-round use in all weathers. 

RSR said: “With Phase One’s portes cochères project completed, Phase Two is well on the way with the trees and flower beds now in. This is a fantastic project for RSR to work on locally, transforming and expanding this vibrant leisure quarter in the very heart of Milton Keynes.”