'Pioneering' tram system and 90,000 new jobs of the future planned for next era of Milton Keynes

MK Council (MKC) has published its strategy for 2050 which describes a future for the town as a 'world-renowned green location where everyone can live a decent and secure life'.

Up to 90,000 new jobs, equal opportunities for all, lifelong homes that suit people at all stages of their life, and a pioneering electric road tram system are among the proposals listed.

Leader of MKC, Pete Marland, said: “This bold strategy has the scope to build a brighter future for generations to come. We’re determined MK will continue to be a greener and cleaner city as well as a fairer and kinder one.

"These are the things that really matter to our residents, and the council will strive to secure innovative and sustainable investment to make this vision a reality.”

An MKC spokesperson said: "Local people have been instrumental in shaping the strategy, which attracted hundreds of comments and ideas in a consultation earlier this year. It aims to inspire urban planners and investors to be innovative and to capitalise on MK’s status as the fastest growing city in the country."

The spokesperson said MK will be home to more than 400,000 people by 2050, and that by this point, a new university, MK:U, will be attracting the best and brightest minds to study, live and work in the city.

"Milton Keynes will be carbon negative, having already achieved the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. And CMK will be an even more bustling and vibrant place to live, work and spend time," the spokesperson said.

A world-renowned green town

The strategy sets out how MK will contribute to tackling the climate emergency and be a green town competing on the world’s stage. Investment is set to continue in waste recovery and reducing emissions as well as expanding MK’s parks, lakes and wildlife areas, according to MKC.

Homes for the future

More homes will be affordable, and the needs of older residents will be built in to their design, and to the design of communities. Homes should be readily adaptable, meaning people have a home for life if they choose. The strategy sets out a commitment to establishing MK as a Dementia Friendly City, according to the council.

Smarter travel

New super-routes for cyclists and e-scooters, better bus services and an innovative electric-powered tram system all form part of the smarter travel proposals, making it easier for people to get around MK. Unlike traditional trams, new mass-rapid transport vehicles could run within the existing grid road network and could be driverless, MKC said.

The strategy follows a recommendation from the MK Futures 2050 Commission, which asked MKC to take a new long-term view of the future growth of the town. The council’s cabinet will receive the MK Futures strategy on December 15. The full report can be found on the MK Futures website.