MK CITY CENTRE: PROGRESS, PLANS AND POTENTIAL

MK CITY CENTRE: PROGRESS, PLANS AND POTENTIAL

It was really exciting to be part of such a great event at the My Milton Keynes BID evening held at MK Gallery. Mark and Emma from Benchmark Architects attended to hear from a number of key speakers on what’s next for MK City Centre, and the scale of ambition across the city was clear throughout the evening.

Diane Wehrle, Chair of the My Milton Keynes BID Board, and Jill Farnsworth, CEO of My Milton Keynes BID, introduced the evening and highlighted the important role the BID team plays, and their continued role in supporting the city centre’s growth and vitality.
Paul Thomas, Head of Planning at Milton Keynes City Council, outlined the city’s growth ambitions, including the potential evolution of Milton Keynes as a “new town”. And on behalf of Emma Sullivan, he also shared updates on the proposed CMK events venue at the former bus station site.
Ed Leech, Head of Political Relations at East West Rail provided a progress update on the project and its role in improving regional connectivity across Milton Keynes, Bletchley and beyond.
Gidon Freeman, Vice President for External Affairs at Universal Destinations & Experiences, talked through the proposals for Universal Bedford, the UK’s first Universal-branded theme park and resort, expected to generate significant economic benefits, create thousands of jobs, and support major transport infrastructure improvements.
Ian Pulford, CEO of Smart City Consultancy, introduced emerging thinking around autonomous vehicles and robotics, and their potential role in shaping a more sustainable future for transport in Milton Keynes.

The event offered great insight into the plans, progress, and potential of MK City Centre. Combined with the city’s bid to become the UK City of Culture 2029, the future for Milton Keynes feels incredibly exciting. There is a clear sense of momentum and opportunity ahead, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.