A former shelter for the homeless is to become a huge concert venue which will seat 4,000 people under a £76m plan from the council’s business arm.

The Old Bus Shelter, situated directly opposite the MK Central train station, will be operated by ATG Entertainment and is expected to attract 300,000 visitors annually to live music and arts events.

For years the building has been a hub for help for rough sleepers in the city, offering advice, guidance and overnight accommodation.

But last May, MK City Council closed the shelter and moved the service moved to a larger facilities on Fishermead, operated in partnership with the charity Connection Support.

This is what the multi million pound arts centre will look like

placeholder image — This is what the multi million pound arts centre will look like

This week the council’s business arm, Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) revealed out of the blue its prestigious plan for the currently rather shabby and unused Old Bus Shelter building.

In a statement, it said: “ATG, the global leader in live entertainment with over 30 years of experience, will bring its national and international expertise to the 4,000-capacity venue at the Old Bus Station, Elder Gate. The venue is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors annually, hosting a diverse range of performers and acts.

"It will complement ATG’s highly successful operation of Milton Keynes Theatre since it opened in 1999 by enabling larger-scale music performances and live experiences that the existing theatre cannot accommodate.

“This landmark project represents a £76 million investment from MKDP and is forecast to deliver £158 million in economic and community benefits, alongside creating approximately 70 new jobs. The development forms part of MKDP’s updated Business Plan for 2024–2027, which focuses on transformative placemaking projects to enhance the city centre and provide facilities befitting a growing city. The venue will be located adjacent to the recently revitalised Station Square and close to Unity Place, Santander UK’s new £150 million headquarters and community hub.

It will attract tens of thousands of visitors a year

“ATG has a proven track record of attracting major acts and strengthening cultural offerings. This new venue will expand Milton Keynes’ entertainment landscape, giving residents and visitors access to blockbuster concerts and large-scale live experiences, with over 100 headline events planned annually.”

Later this year, MKDP will begin the planning process, including a public consultation to ensure local voices help shape the development. Construction is expected to start soon after, with the venue scheduled to open in 2029.

Nicola Sawford, Chair of MKDP, said: “Identifying ATG as our preferred partner takes us one step closer to delivering a world-class events venue for Milton Keynes. This project reflects our shared vision with Milton Keynes City Council to create a vibrant, welcoming city centre that offers something for everyone. 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. We’re excited to work with ATG and the community to make this vision a reality.”

Nick Potter, Chief Operating Officer for ATG Entertainment, said: “We are delighted to be named preferred partner for this landmark new venue in Milton Keynes. The city has ambitious plans for its future, a growing population, and a strong cultural appetite, making it an ideal location for a large-scale, multi-purpose events venue of this kind.

The Old Bus Shelter was formerly a shelter for homeless people in Milton Keynes

“This new venue will complement the success of Milton Keynes Theatre by enabling larger-scale live music, comedy, and entertainment experiences that cannot currently be accommodated, broadening the city’s cultural offer for residents and visitors alike.

"As the global leader in live entertainment, we work with the world’s leading artists, promoters, and producers to present concerts, comedy, and live events at scale, and we look forward to bringing that expertise to Milton Keynes. We’re excited to work in partnership with MKDP, the City Council, and the local community to create a world-class destination that delivers lasting cultural and economic benefits for the city.”

MKDP is an independent organisation owned by Milton Keynes City Council. Through strategic land development, MKDP generates funding to support placemaking projects across the city. By 2027, MKDP will have provided £7.8 million to the city council for placemaking projects, rising to £23 million by 2035/36.