Setting up for the Milton Keynes of the future

The Pinnacle, the home of the ground-breaking Transport Systems Catapult, was the venue for the official launch of the MK Futures 2050 Commission.

The Commission comprises nine independent specialists, and the first public meeting was launched by its Chair, Sir Peter Gregson, Vice-Chancellor at Cranfield University.

It included presentations by speakers from the local community who talked about what makes Milton Keynes a great place and how we could make it even greater. This was followed by a lively open forum Q&A session with the audience.

“This is an ambitious project that asks ‘What should Milton Keynes look like in 2050?’ said Chair Sir Peter Gregson.

‘Over the coming months we will be developing an ambitious vision for the city informed by its future demands of infrastructure, economy, environment and technological developments.

“I’m clear that the success of this project must start and end with engagement of local residents. We need to hear as Commissioners about the type of city that people want to live in, what their ambitions are for the city and what they believe makes Milton Keynes special.”

Fellow Commissioner Pete Winkelman said: “Milton Keynes is moving onwards and upwards, we are a city of firsts and we continue to change, adapt, grow and innovate – that’s what we do.

“There is one constant with Milton Keynes – and that is change. For the MK Futures 2050 campaign we want to hear from everyone from every walk of life, from local residents, businesses, people working in the private and public sectors, the charity sectors – we want to hear from everyone.”

The intention is that at the end of the Commission’s research, an evidence-based report will be produced with a series of recommendations, including viewpoints from stakeholders, and will be put forward to Milton Keynes Council by July 2016.

It is hoped that the significance of the project will help to develop a framework, or a ‘deal’ with government, businesses and other relevant stakeholders to help put in place the arrangements that will help deliver the vision for Milton Keynes’ future.