High streets in Milton Keynes receive funding boost

In order to encourage shoppers back safely after the pandemic, Milton Keynes Council is investing almost £360,000 in the city’s high streets.

Two thirds of the funding is coming from the government’s Welcome Back Fund, as part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the rest of the funding from the Council’s economic recovery plan.

The funding will be shared among six areas to help improve the attractiveness of local high streets, including Newport Pagnell, Olney, Stony Stratford, Wolverton and Greenleys, Bletchley and Fenny Stratford.

Funding will also go the My Milton Keynes Business Improvement District to invest in Central Milton Keynes.

Parish councils and business associations will be able to use the money to host local shopping events and promote campaigns to attract shoppers.

Cllr Robin Bradburn, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development, said: ‘I’m proud to announce that Milton Keynes Council will be investing a further £240,000 to support the safe return of shoppers to our local high streets, and in doing so help them recover from the financial impact of the pandemic. We know that many local businesses are struggling right now, and that this funding is only a starting point.

‘We will continue to work with Milton Keynes high streets to create safe environments for local people to shop in, boosting trade and driving investment. I look forward to working with all our local entrepreneurs, business associations and parish councils to help deliver a fair and balanced recovery.’

Shar Roselman, town clerk for Newport Pagnell Town Council, added: ‘We are delighted to have received some funding from Milton Keynes Council. We plan to put on four weekend shopping events to stimulate shopping and interest in purchasing from our shops in Newport Pagnell. They include things like arts exhibitions, pop-up shops, ghost tours, which have gone down very well, and a number of discounts and opportunities to buy things and receive free gifts from our shops. We are also putting in some new benches and tables for people for people to use our wonderful Castle Meadow Park, overlooking the church and the beautiful river in Newport Pagnell.’

The Council is also working with other areas to bring improvements and will be making further announcements soon.

In related news, concept design proposals to make Temple Street more attractive and enhance its historic identity have been released as part of the Keynsham Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) Programme, with Keynsham residents being asked for their feedback.

Photo by Ethan Wilkinson