Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has chosen Sterling Property Ventures as its preferred development partner for a major new scheme in Central Milton Keynes that will boost the construction trades.

Following a competitive tender process, Sterling was chosen to develop an exceptional office led, mixed-use scheme – including the city’s tallest building – on a 1.5 acre site on Midsummer Boulevard.

In addition to Grade A office space, the development will boast a skyline restaurant, apartments for rent and ground level public realm and amenities.

The developer’s proposals support MKDP’s desire to stimulate a step change in the quality, height and viability of office provision in Central Milton Keynes.

The scheme is designed to attract large corporates and local occupiers seeking a more vibrant place to live and work.

Sterling Property Ventures specialises in commercial property development, finance and investment. The company has delivered projects in London and Birmingham.

Live projects include a 200,000 sq ft speculative office development and a private rental scheme comprising more than 350 homes, both in Birmingham.

James Howarth, Sterling Property Ventures’ managing director, said: “We are very excited to be working with MKDP to deliver a scheme which will help Milton Keynes continue to expand as a key employment location, making the most of its communication links and status as the fastest growing city in the UK.”

London-based architectural practice Doone Silver Architects has been appointed lead architect on the scheme.

John Silver, director at Doone Silver Architects, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to create a publicly accessible landmark building – which will make the genius of the Milton Keynes master plan visible and enjoyable for all. As a distinctive addition to the skyline it will signal a new era of development for the city”.