Studio Ageli is excited to announce that phase 1 of the Camphill Community project in Milton Keynes has commenced on site (stage 5, construction). This includes a residential building on the Pennylands site, and will be followed by another residential building on the Willen site slated to commence at the end of 2023.
- The official turf cutting ceremony took place on 01 June, with several dignitaries in attendance including: Countess Howe, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire; Dame Ann Limb, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire; and Councillor Mick Legg, Mayor of Milton Keynes.
- Alongside Studio Ageli as Architect, Lead Consultant and Project Manager, the team includes: Davies Maguire (structural and civil engineering), Illuminous (MEP consultant), MDA Consulting (Principal Designer), Assent (approved inspector), Aspect (Ecology and Biodiversity) and Watson & Cox acting as Main Contractor.
- The practice started working with Camphill in 2016 to review their current sites and how they might improve and expand. The scope expanded from this initial feasibility study to a large and detailed planning exercise which included internal and public consultations as well as with the local Parish, council and other stakeholders/ groups associated with Camphill. Planning was awarded in 2020.
- The scheme is set over two sites and will enable the charity to continue to provide a high level of care to those with learning difficulties. The overall project encompasses: a new workshop building; refurbishment of the theatre to make more accessible changing rooms and better positioned entrance/ events space; 6 new residential buildings offering 85+ new beds; a community hub; and a comprehensive and large scale landscaping scheme and improved site planning.
- Camphill Milton Keynes Community (CMKC) is a charity committed to supporting Adults aged 18 years and over who have special needs, within Milton Keynes Community and the surrounding area. This includes individuals with learning difficulties, autism, mental health needs. Support is provided in small family units where individual living skills are developed and quality of life is enhanced, and where individuals are at the centre of their own care and support. CMKC seeks to promote and encourage principles of dignity, responsibility and self worth. Its aim is to nurture the individual in all aspects; physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual. Its core beliefs will encompass a range of approaches including aspects of the anthroposophical ethos of Dr Rudolph Steiner.
- Camphill MK and the project were recently featured on Channel 4 News who chatted with residents and CEO, Tim Davies, about life at Camphill and the challenges faced by the community in ensuring residents have the best later-life experience without the need to relocate:
How can we meet changing care needs of people with learning disabilities?
- Photography: reproduced with permission of Camphill Milton Keynes Community (CMKC)
