Central Milton Keynes (CMK) is unique – less than forty years old, it is now a thriving cultural, retail and business centre not just for Milton Keynes but for a growing sub-region linking the South East with the East and East Midlands of England. More and more people are finding that CMK is not just a good place to work and shop but a destination to socialise, taking in plays, films and exhibitions and to eat in a wide range of restaurants. It also makes it a great place in which to live, work or visit.

Our growth has been achieved by people and business enterprises from all parts of the world deciding upon this as a location for their future. To meet these needs the CMK Development Framework of 2001 included more residential accommodation and opportunity for taller buildings. This adds a new and exiting dimension to CMK as well as bringing with it some challenges in maintaining a cohesive community.

It is crucial in creating our vision for CMK that we take into account a broad range of views and provide Milton Keynes Partnership the voice for those who live, work or visit here, those who offer services from both the private and public sectors and those who invest in CMK. We think that when all these different interests are represented together in one body, greater understanding of the needs of our society can be reached and the development and operation of the city centre be greatly improved.

By working together we build on the existing success of CMK while adding the new features, facilities and attractions that will enhance its already distinctive identity and create the centre not just that we need, but that we are proud of and excited about.

In working towards this vision, we have a number of shared goals:

• creating a unique, modern city with its own distinct identity
• making sure the city centre’s facilities and activities are accessible to everyone, and provide a rich cultural life for a diverse community
• creating new places and public spaces (with a high quality of architecture of design)
• ensuring the city centre is easy to get to and move around within, no matter how people choose to travel
• embracing prosperity and economic growth
• introducing new and improved opportunities for learning and education (Improved learning and educational opportunities)
• safeguarding a high quality lifestyle and a sensible life/work balance for future generations.

Download CMK Development Framework Executive Summary (2.7 Mb)