The MK Futures 2050 campaign – to help shape Milton Keynes over the next 35 years and beyond - has been officially launched at a high profile event in CMK.
The Pinnacle, the home of the ground-breaking Transport Systems Catapult, was the packed 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.
The other Commissioners are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, with either strong local connections or as experts in key topics. They have been tasked by Milton Keynes Council with engaging all sections of the local community in the debate about the city’s future.
The launch included presentations by speakers from the local community who each 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.
Chair Sir Peter Gregson commented: “This is an ambitious project that asks ‘What should Milton Keynes look like in 2050?’ 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.
So, what do you think?
Why not get involved in the debate on some of the key questions that the Commissioners will be considering through their work?
What do you like about Milton Keynes?
What do you think makes a great city?
What could make Milton Keynes greater?
Email MKFutures@Milton-keynes.gov.uk with your views or comments.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
