Over 1,200 members of the public attended the exhibition presenting plans to bring Primark to Central Milton Keynes.
70 per cent of those attending said they believed that enabling Primark, with its 400 retail jobs and 250 construction jobs, to build a new retail space at thecentre:mk was “positive for the city” and a welcome addition to the city’s retail offering to Milton Keynes and the wider region.
The feedback also highlighted that 80 per cent of respondents supported the £40 million plans to create a further 17,500 sq ft retail unit on Midsummer Arcade and an improved market site, in order to enable the wider regeneration of the land to the south of Secklow Gate Bridge. Almost 60 per cent understood that the removal of the south side of the bridge is integral to these plans.
The planning application for the 90,000 sq ft retail unit has now been submitted to Milton Keynes Council and is a further addition to the significant investment plan for thecentre:mk which includes a £27 million extension and refurbishment currently underway at John Lewis, and a £6 million extension and refit to Next following a £4.5 million refurbishment at House of Fraser.
The new market location will provide better facilities for stallholders and shoppers alike, recognising its importance as the “hidden gem” within Central Milton Keynes. 70 per cent of people strongly supported this initiative. Comments included that the market is a “hidden gem” and this “will be a great new opening for traders and visitors” and welcomed any plans to “enhance the setting of the market.”
Robert Hall, centre director, thecentre:mk, commenting on the feedback, said:
“We would like to thank everyone who took time to visit the exhibition and filled out a feedback form. The removal of the bridge will ensure the future development and evolution of thecentre:mk as the retail and social hub of the local and wider community.
“We want to ensure the long term vitality of Central Milton Keynes and by unlocking the potential for further regeneration to the wider area south of thecentre:mk, we believe these latest plans will help to facilitate this and create a positive future for our city.
“It has always been and remains the case that the much loved market is an integral part of what is so special about Central Milton Keynes and its retail offer. We are 100 per cent committed to the market, its stallholders and its shoppers and acknowledge the vital contribution it makes to our city.”
The exhibition came as part of a major consultation with local stakeholders and members of the public, following the earlier consultation in December 2011.