New towns

The map on the right indicates the geographical spread of Britain’s new towns. • The first wave of building occured immediately after the Second World War, including Hemel Hempstead, Peterlee and Basildon. • A second generation was built in the early 1960s, including Telford, Redditch and Skelmersdale. • Milton Keynes was created in a third round of new towns in the late 1960s, along with Warrington, Peterborough and Northampton.

Milton Keynes population over time

1966 40,000 people live in three towns and 15 villages or hamlets.

1967 A designation order of 21,863 acres is made for the new town.

2011 248,800 inhabitants live in Milton Keynes, according to the census.

2026 Almost 300,000 people will live in Milton Keynes.

2037 The figure is expected to rise to 325,000.