Bakery set to open at site where tree once stood

A bakery and coffee shop chain is set to open later this year at a city centre site where a protected oak tree once stood.

Branded hoarding for Gail's has been erected in the centre of Oak Court in Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes.

The shopping centre was built around the protected tree in 2000, but in 2015, experts said it had died and it was cut down.

The plan for the coffee shop, which was submitted in March 2025, form the next phase of developments happening at the centre.

Centre Manager Simon Martin said "the arrival of Gail's is another fantastic addition and reflects the continued confidence in Milton Keynes city centre".

Martin pointed out that new food cabins along The Boulevard had already been refurbished and the HSBC branch had reopened.

There have also been upgrades to the Tesla showroom, the refurbishment of Hollister, and New Look has relocated into the former GAP unit.

As part of the plan for Gail's, preserved timber from the original oak tree is due to be reused.

A date has not yet been set for the opening of the bakery.

Milton Keynes City Council approved the application for the Gail's on 7 April.

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