A city as fast-growing as Milton Keynes needs to reinvent itself, says a commission set up to assess and recommend its priorities for the next three decades. But it also faces major challenges along the way.
SIX MAJOR projects spearhead the vision for Milton Keynes as it begins planning its long-term future.
Realising the economic potential of the
Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge arc is a “major opportunity” not only for Milton Keynes but for the region, says a report by the Milton Keynes Futures: 2050 Commission looking into options for the city as it plans for the next 35 years. The standard of education attainment must
improve, the report adds. It proposes wide- ranging change, led by a new university that provides lifelong learning opportunities. In schools, the commission calls for stronger engagement between schools and parents and for local education to build on Milton Keynes College’s success in working with both business and schools. Renaissance:CMK aims to
Sir Peter Gregson outlines the recommendations of the Milton Keynes Futures: 2050 Commission
strengthen the city centre’s position at the heart of the city and as a regional commercial centre and work must be done on new modes of transport, as well as championing Milton Keynes as the creative, cultured city. The report, commissioned by Milton Keynes Council has been written by the Milton Keynes Futures: 2050 Commission. It was compiled with input of thousands of Milton Keynes residents via face-to-face interviews, workshops and social media.
Commission chairman Sir Peter Gregson, vice- chancellor and chief executive of Cranfield University, said: “Business as usual is not a viable option. A city as fast-developing as Milton Keynes needs to reinvent itself.” The report envisages the population of Milton
Keynes growing to 400,000 by 2050 from its current 250,000. Planning experts in the audience said that the report’s assumption of 1,750 homes completion annually - a 45 per cent increase on the current 1,200 annual figure - should be the bare minimum. Commissioners also warned that the population increase will require development outside the city’s current built-up area. Sir Peter said: “Milton Keynes is doing well but it is also facing critical challenges.”
First among those is educational attainment at GCSE and A Level, which is below the national average, and the absence of a university is making the retention of local young people in the workforce when they leave school more difficult. The commission report calls for a major change in collaboration between schools and colleges to ensure the city provides top-class education and the Milton Keynes Promise: a commitment that every young person leaving school is guaranteed the opportunity to study at university or tertiary equivalent. Sir Peter said: “The need to lift attainment is one of the major challenges facing the city.” The report advocates a regional perspective to
72 Business
Business as usual is no longer a viable option
economic growth. The National Infrastructure Commission headed by Lord Adonis is evaluating the economic potential of the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge Corridor at the request of the Treasury. It includes the East West Rail project due to open in 2019 and the upgrading of the A421 to an expressway. Sir Peter said: “It is
‘It is important, as the heart, soul and breath of the city, that it provides new opportunity... ’
crucial to build on that opportunity.” The Renaissance:CMK plan to revitalise Central Milton Keynes is key to attracting inward investment, the commission’s report says. Sir Peter added; “Central Milton Keynes will be even more at the heart of the city in 2050. It is important, as the heart, soul and breath of the city, that it provides new opportunity for new businesses, new employers and new ideas to emerge.”
The centre must also retain its status as the
strongest retail offer between London and the West Midlands, Sir Peter said. The commission proposes a more prominent u
role for Milton Keynes Development
Sir Peter and his fellow Commissioners, including MK Dons FC chairman Pete Winkelman, gauge feedback to the report
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