Signal Yard, the story so far…

Milton Park’s vibrant new amenity hub, Signal Yard, is taking its next major step forward, with base build works due to complete at the end of January and fit‑out works for the new units beginning shortly after. As these spaces are brought to life by our independent operators, openings will follow on a phased basis from the spring, creating a steadily evolving destination for the Park and wider community. 

Here’s a brief look back at how the project has evolved and a preview of what’s to come at Signal Yard.  

Background to Signal Yard 

The amenity improvement project began back in early 2019, following extensive engagement with occupiers and research across the Park which revealed a strong demand for enhanced amenities. 

Initial plans focused on introducing the Hive Café in the Bee House to serve the eastern end of the Park, alongside improvements to Park Centre. The arrival of COVID significantly impacted footfall and trade for the then operators based in Park Centre, many of whom we helped to stay afloat then subsequently closed or retired. Despite this, we continued to progress the Hive Café, while re-evaluating plans for Park Centre in light of the pandemic’s impact. 

Further engagement with occupiers in 2023-2024 led to a decision to invest more heavily in the regeneration and rebranding of the Park Centre area, now known as Signal Yard. The name was chosen as the location is parallel to the railway line, the buildings look a bit like train carriages and it gives a nod to Milton Park’s history as an MOD depot and to the future with signals being key in communications and innovation. 

The vision for Signal Yard was to enhance the overall offer at Milton Park through a high-quality, diverse, sustainable and vibrant hub of independent eateries, amenities and wellness facilities.  

Bridging the gap 

Realising this innovative market leading concept, required relocating the remaining facilities out of Park Centre before construction could start. Recognising that this would take time, an interim amenity strategy was introduced to bridge the gap. The approach was twofold; expanding the Milton Feast and introduce temporary pop-up operators.  

Milton Feast, which has operated for many years, is delivered through a single contractual relationship with Mission Burrito, who select and manage the rotating selection of food trucks. 

Pop-up operators such as Dress’d Salads, Planted Plates and Horse Box Coffee (which was later taken over by Flying Saucer) were introduced on short-term flexible agreements which give either party the flexibility to exit when needed, our ambition being to dovetail these with the opening of Signal Yard. 

We are grateful to all the pop-up operators who have been instrumental in maintaining choice and vibrancy across the Park during this interim period. In our minds this reinforces the value of high-quality independents as we transition toward the long-term independent offer at Signal Yard. 

Curation of independents 

The evolution from temporary and rotational provision to a permanent food and amenity destination reflects the next stage of the Park’s development Signal Yard is the result of careful planning and collaboration, bringing together independent amenities in a thoughtfully planned space designed with you in mind. 

Signal Yard will bring together an exceptional line-up of diverse menu choices and affordable lunch options, comfortable, well-considered interior settings and access to beautifully landscaped green spaces. Among the confirmed operators is Tap Social Movement, an award-winning local independent brewery, bakery and hospitality organisation known for supporting people moving through the criminal justice system. 

Day Release will be a new social hub at Signal Yard, uniting all of Tap Social’s brands under one roof and giving the Milton Park community a daily taste of its renowned, mission-led hospitality. 

Joining Tap Social is a line-up of independent food operators including 1885 Burgers, Chor Muang Thai and Planted Plates. Practical services will also be available on site, with Milton Post Office and Apollo Pharmacy providing convenient postal, banking and healthcare options. Damira Dental Studios is already welcoming both NHS and private patients, offering state-of-the-art dental care on site. Alongside these confirmed operators, a barber and wellness hub will also be part of the Signal Yard offering, with further announcements expected in the coming months. 

Looking further ahead 

With a diverse selection of openings planned throughout 2026, the new amenity hub will offer a vibrant programme of community events, wellness activities and unique experiences, further enhancing life at Milton Park. 

Signal Yard has been designed to include provision for pop-up food trucks in the outdoor event space, enabling even more choice. We fully intend to bring this forward when the time is right. 

Watch this space for more news as Signal Yard develops. It promises to be a welcoming destination where the community can connect, enjoy independent-led hospitality and take advantage of a wide range of services, all in one place.