Milton Post Office starts a new chapter at Signal Yard

Milton Post Office has officially opened the doors to its new permanent home at Signal Yard, to mark a significant new chapter for one of Milton Park’s longest standing and most valued independent businesses.

The family-run Post Office has served Milton Park and the surrounding villages for more than 20 years, after first opening at the Park in July 2004 following the closure of the village High Street branch. Originally established by Abdul Rehman Bajwa, the business has grown alongside Milton Park itself becoming a familiar and trusted part of everyday life for thousands of occupiers, residents and visitors.

Family business

Now run day-to-day by Abdul’s son, Zaeem, who has worked at the Post Office for the past 16 years, the move into Signal Yard represents not only a major upgrade for the business, but also a symbolic milestone for Milton Park’s new social and retail destination.

From handling business mail for growing science and technology companies, to helping local residents send parcels, return online orders, buy and post birthday cards or collect travel money, the Post Office has quietly underpinned working life at Milton Park for more than two decades.

For many occupiers, it has become far more than a service counter. Generations of customers know Abdul and Zaeem by name, with many choosing to continue using the branch despite living closer to other Post Offices.

Abdul, who ran the branch full-time between 2004 and 2010 before handing the business over to his son, said: “When we first opened at Milton Park, the first six months were actually very quiet and I remember thinking, ‘Is this going to work for us?’ Then Christmas came, people started finding us and we never looked back.

“Over the years, we’ve seen Milton Park change enormously, but what has always stayed the same is the people. Customers have supported us for decades and many still come back now, even if they live in other villages or have another Post Office closer to them. That makes us very proud.

“I think it’s the customer service. As long as customers are happy with us, we must be doing something right.”

Branching out

The original branch operated from a compact unit at 11 Park House for more than two decades. During that time, the Post Office became especially valued during the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining open throughout as a key service while many other facilities were closed.

Abdul added: “During COVID, we stayed open every day because we were an essential service. In many ways, we became even busier. People relied on us. What I’m most proud of is seeing Zaeem carry forward the legacy. He’s built such strong relationships with customers and genuinely cares about people. Customers can feel that.”

The move to Signal Yard provides significantly more space for customers and allows the business to expand its offer, including a wider range of stationery, greeting cards and in the future, convenience items.

For Zaeem, the relocation also marks the beginning of a new era for the family business. He said: “This absolutely feels like the start of a new chapter. The old unit served us incredibly well for many years, but we’d reached the point where we needed more space, especially during busy periods like Christmas when queues would often stretch outside. Now, customers have more room, more privacy and a much better overall experience. It’s a huge step forward for us.”

Reflecting on the relationships built over the years, Zaeem said the branch’s success has always come down to trust, consistency and genuinely caring about customers.
“You get to know people over time – not just their names, but how they’re doing, what’s going on in their lives and how you can help them. A lot of people come here because they trust us. Sometimes that means helping somebody choose the right service rather than the most expensive one. If you help people properly, they come back.

“We’ve also grown alongside so many businesses here. We’ve seen start-ups become major companies, people move jobs, move homes and build businesses from scratch. It’s amazing to have been part of that journey in some small way.”

Evolution of Signal Yard

The Post Office’s relocation forms part of the continued evolution of Signal Yard as Milton Park’s new social and retail destination, bringing together independent operators and essential everyday services in one central location for occupiers, residents and the wider community.

Clare Fleet, asset manager of Milton Park at Federated Hermes Real Estate said: “Milton Post Office has been part of the fabric of Milton Park for more than 20 years and is a fantastic example of the independent businesses and people that help create a genuine sense of community here.

“Abdul and Zaeem have built something incredibly special through their commitment to customer service, trust and consistency over many years. We’re delighted that Signal Yard can now provide them with a new long-term home that reflects both the importance of the service they provide and the role they play within the wider Milton Park community.”

Abdul also paid tribute to the Milton Park team that supported the move.

He said: “Everybody involved has been incredibly supportive throughout the move. We’re very grateful to the whole team for helping make this happen. The new Post Office is wonderful and we’re very, very pleased to be here.”

Located approximately 500 metres from the previous branch, the new Milton Post Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and has free car parking available.

Now open at Signal Yard

Businesses now open at Signal Yard are Bros Barbers, Damira Dental Studios and Flex Health Club, along with Milton Post Office.

Coming soon to relocate from elsewhere on the Park will be Apollo Pharmacy and vegan restaurant Planted Plates.

New to Milton Park and opening soon will be 1885 Burgers, Chor Muang Thai and Tap Social ‘Day Release’ which will serve artisan coffee, sourdough, pastries, pizza and beer to follow this summer.

With strong demand from independent operators, only a small number of units remain. Milton Park is actively exploring opportunities which includes the potential for a hairdresser/beautician and farm shop-style offer.