Milton Keynes is generally known for having far too many roundabouts and generally being a bit bland, but there’s more to the commuter city than that. In fact, it has hopes to become a hub for arts and culture, as a huge multi-purpose events venue has just been announced for the city.
The capacity for the venue, which will be at the site of the Old Bus Station in Elder Gate, is set to be 4,000. Developers hope that it would attract more than 300,000 people a year, bringing in £158 million to the local economy and making the town more of a destination. It could also create up to 70 new jobs for residents.
The £76 million arena is being funded by the Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP), whose mission is to ‘help the city become a better place to live, socialise and work’. So far, MKDP has primarily focused on professional and residential developments like a brand new city square, so this will be the partnership’s first entertainment-based project. It has teamed up with ATG Entertainment – which operates venues like the Bristol Hippodrome and Manchester Opera House – to turn the vision into a reality.
Image: Milton Keynes Development Partnership
Once it’s ready to welcome visitors, the space will be able to host a variety of different acts, ranging from music to comedy to community events. At the moment, the main large-scale performance space in the city is the 1,400-cap Milton Keynes Theatre – also owned by ATG. The new arena will allow for a much wider range of ‘live experiences’ to play in MK, and there are hopes to host 100 headlining shows a year.
A public consultation about the venue will be held later this year. If locals are on board, construction could start soon after, with a provisional opening date set for 2029.
Nicola Sawford, MKDP’s chairperson, said that the project is indicative of an ambitious ‘vision’ for the town. She added: ‘The venue will not only bring incredible live entertainment to the heart of the city but also boost the local economy, create jobs, and strengthen Milton Keynes’ reputation as a destination for music, culture, and events’.
Nick Potter, the COO for ATG Entertainment, also voiced excitement, saying that company is looking forward to developing ‘a world-class destination that delivers lasting cultural and economic benefits for the city’.
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