The Inspiring Story of SIA House and The Power of Collaboration

Back in the 1990s, the Milton Keynes Development Corporation endowed plots of land to the MK Community Foundation. Earmarked for future community development, the reserve sites were entrusted to MK Community Foundation, with the foresight that the needs of the community would continue to change over time.

It is through this forward-thinking initiative that SIA House found its home in Milton Keynes, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's journey. In December 2005, the building was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, the SIA's patron. What makes SIA House truly exceptional is not just its excellent architectural, but its clear commitment to environmental sustainability and accessibility.

In 2022, SIA embarked on its most ambitious sustainability project yet: a comprehensive retrofit of its lighting system, transitioning from halogen bulbs to 100% LED.

This initiative was not only aimed at cutting costs but also to encourage a circular economy model. The results were remarkable: SIA reduced its CO2 emissions by an impressive 6,000kg, while also projecting a substantial reduction in annual electricity consumption, down from 34,000kW to an estimated 5,000kW.

“The office was ahead of its time in 2005. Solar panels across the whole front made it the biggest private generator of sustainable electricity in Milton Keynes at the time. We now aim to take the office and our charity towards being fully sustainable.  We are upgrading panels, planning to re-instate storm tanks to feed water from the green rooves and have longer term plans for electric chargers and air heating.  We are proud to be part of the MK Community Foundation’s vision for the city and welcome charities who would like to rent rooms and use our facilities."

Nik Hartley OBE 

CEO Spinal Injuries Association 

At its core, SIA House is a symbol of breaking down barriers. It was designed with a singular purpose: to empower individuals with spinal cord injuries by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive independently. From its inception, the building aims to demonstrate how accessibility and inclusivity can pave the way for employment opportunities and personal growth.

One of the key enablers of this project was the subsidy provided by the Milton Keynes Community Foundation on the purchase of the Community Reserve site. This support allowed SIA to channel more resources into creating a bespoke facility tailored to the diverse needs of its members and users.

"Our dedication to Milton Keynes extends beyond financial support from our grant funding programmes. These endowed community reserve sites serve as a testament to the Foundation's trust in our ability to understand and address the community's needs effectively. We’re inspired by SIA’s journey, which demonstrates the transformative power of innovation on organisations. We look forward to welcoming other organisations seeking to build a permanent home for their operations."

Ian Revell

CEO MK Community Foundation