THE council has agreed to build a new charity warehouse with £1 million.

Milton Keynes Council has approved future plans for a new “Charities Hub” at Granby.

The scheme is in partnership with Milton Keynes Community Foundation for a 20-year lease.

It builds on work with MK Food Bank and the Xtra service (and Baby Basics) responding to a perceived shortage in food supply in the borough at the start of the pandemic.

The new premises is needed because at the start of the pandemic, Xtra started operating from Saxon Court, and later Kiln Farm but that lease (from MK Community) ends in April 2026.

Other charities could also benefit from the new (up to 15,000 sq ft) build, such as St Marks Meals, and MK Storehouse.

“The solution at Kiln Farm has always been intended to be a short-term option whilst we found a more suitable and longer-term premises,” the council.

“The partnership arrangement with MK Food Bank will allow the charity to continue operating at an expanded level, as a result of the impacts of the pandemic.”

It added: “This would give the council security to deliver and develop the partnership over a long period with the potential to work with other charities to support the most vulnerable residents in Milton Keynes.”

Building a new unit will take around two years. It is understood the land in Granby is owned by Milton Keynes Community Foundation.