Investment boost for Milton Keynes as Santander unveils plans for state-of-the-art new campus

  • Santander announces proposals for significant investment in new office campus
  • Site set to serve as Santander’s flagship UK technology hub
  • Plans provide boost for Government’s vision of Cambridge-Milton Keynes-Oxford "growth corridor"

Santander has today unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art new campus in Milton Keynes to support its long-term growth strategy, representing an investment of over £150m in the town.

The new Milton Keynes campus will act as the bank’s UK technology hub, delivering a boost for the Government’s vision of Cambridge-Milton-Keynes “growth corridor” nurturing the UK’s most innovative industries.

The proposed new office, which is expected to be home to over 5,000 staff, will replace the bank’s existing local office buildings with a world-class working environment specifically designed to encourage collaboration and innovation, supported by cutting-edge technology.

Nathan Bostock, Chief Executive, Santander UK, said: “We are excited to be sharing our proposals for this major investment in Milton Keynes, reflecting our long-term commitment to the local area. We want a workplace which truly reflects our culture and our vision for the future, which is based on innovation and harnessing new technology to make banking simpler and more personal for our customers.

“Milton Keynes is already one UK’s leading technology hotspots, and with the new MK:U university on the horizon, we believe it is set to become an even greater magnet for technology talent. Our proposed new campus will give us a world-class home in Milton Keynes, which both our colleagues and the local community can take pride in.”

Milton Keynes Council Leader Pete Marland said: “Santander is making a big statement about the kind of employer it wants to be, and is showing great commitment to MK by making us the heart of their national operations. We’re delighted these innovative plans are taking shape in MK as we know first-hand what it means to be a pioneer.

“We've similarly bold ambitions for central MK and the evolved Santander hub will be a great fit alongside other significant developments coming forward such as a world class university, striking spaces for work and leisure, and affordable new homes.

“We all want MK to be the best place in the UK to live, learn and work, where talented minds move to and grow up in.”

Features of the planned new campus include:

  • An environmentally sustainable building designed around enhancing the health and well being of occupants;
  • Event space for colleague training as well as community events and classes;
  • A range of health facilities including a fitness centre, cycle storage and rooftop walking and running track; and
  • Flexible collaboration space that will be offered to local businesses and community organisations.

It is expected that a planning application for the new campus will be submitted early in 2019 following consultation with the Local Authority and community groups. Subject to planning permission, it is anticipated that the building will be ready to open in 2022.

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Notes to Editors

Santander UK is a financial services provider in the UK that offers a wide range of personal and commercial financial products and services. It has brought real competition to the UK, through its innovative products for retail customers and relationship banking model for UK SMEs. At 30 June 2018, the bank has c24,200 employees. It serves around 15 million active customers, via a nationwide branch network, telephone, mobile and online banking; and 64 regional Corporate Business Centres. Santander UK is subject to the full supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) in the UK. Santander UK plc customers are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK.

About Us
Banco Santander (SAN SM, STD US, BNC LN) is a leading retail and commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain. It has a meaningful market share in 10 core markets in Europe and the Americas, and is the largest bank in the euro zone by market capitalization. At the end of June 2018, Banco Santander had EUR 981 billion in customer funds (deposits and mutual funds), 140 million customers, 13,500 branches and 200,000 employees. Banco Santander made attributable profit of EUR 3,752 million in the first half of 2018, an increase of 4% compared to the same period last year.

Media Enquiries
Leonora Burtenshaw
T: 0207 756 4543      M: 0770 100 4107      E: leonora.burtenshaw@santander.co.uk 
Andy Smith 
T: 020 7756 4212      M: 07824 473 338      E: andy.g.smith@santander.co.uk

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