Shenley Wood development set to bring £7.3m investment to local community
Independent housebuilder Dandara has officially commenced construction at The Acres development in Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes.
Approximately £7.3m will be invested into Shenley Wood and surrounding areas thanks to Dandara, with investment going into local parks, neighbourhood play areas, libraries, local health facilities, education and public transportation to serve the community.
The development will replace a former Santander bank and deliver 285 two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes, with 89 homes being affordable. Work has now started on site and the development is expected to complete in Quarter 4 of 2026.
The first of its kind for the Northern Home Counties region, the triple tenure development will provide 79 homes for open-market sale, 117 for private rental to be owned and managed by Packaged Living and 89 affordable homes in total with 66 to be owned and managed by Clarion Housing.
Chris Higgins, Managing Director of Land and Partnerships at Dandara, commented: “We are excited to announce the start of construction at The Acres in Shenley Wood, with a £7.3 million investment helping enhance the community. This groundbreaking project features Northern Home Counties' first triple tenure development, providing homes for open-market sale, private rental, and affordable homes, helping people in all areas of life find their ideal home. It is also one of our first all-electric developments, which will help reduce carbon emissions and align with our ESG strategy.”
Arthur Coxon, Associate Investment Director at Dandara, added: “This milestone project not only signifies our dedication to community development but also reflects the strategic vision of Dandara as a whole and is integral to our overarching growth plans as the first single family housing forward funding for the region. As a company, we are focused on not just building homes but shaping communities that stand as testaments to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity".
Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, said: “Building new homes in Milton Keynes is a fundamental part of our plan as we know there is a real need for affordable housing options in the area. Working with Packaged Living and Clarion Housing, we are able to provide a diverse range of homes which will benefit many local people.
“Shenley Wood is an established and sought after area, with access to great schools and amenities, so we see it being extremely popular with families. The area is also well serviced by transport links to Milton Keynes and further afield, making it an ideal location for young professionals and first time buyers.”
Situated in a well-connected location, the development will be just a short drive from the A5 and M1, providing easy access up and down the country. Additionally, Milton Keynes Central is just a seven minute drive away, offering regular services to Liverpool, London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly.