MyMiltonKeynes BID Announced as Finalist for Two National BID Awards

A celebratory milestone at the end of an award-winning year for the city centre

MyMiltonKeynes BID is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 National BID Awards, recognising the impact of our work to improve safety and enhance the public realm. This achievement marks an exciting finale to what has already been an award-winning year for the BID.

Finalist: Street Scene / Visual Impact

The first nomination recognises the BID’s hands-on work to transform the public realm in Milton Keynes City Centre. With our in-house landscaping team, we have delivered a series of improvements that enhance biodiversity, boost visual appeal and create more welcoming spaces. Highlights include:

• Planting 600 lavender plants across high-footfall areas

• Installing 50 self-watering floral planters along Midsummer Boulevard

• The revitalisation of Grafton Park

• The introduction of our Report It service for fast environmental response

• Operation Bike Lock and ongoing public realm enhancements

These projects support a cleaner, greener and more vibrant Milton Keynes for residents, businesses and visitors.

Finalist: Security & Safety Drive

Our nomination in this category highlights the significant progress we have made in improving city centre safety, reducing anti-social behaviour, and strengthening partnership working across Milton Keynes.

Key initiatives include:

• The launch of a multi-agency Crime & Safety Taskforce

• The introduction of a proactive private security team

• A new BID-led radio scheme connecting businesses, police and CCTV

• Stronger collaboration with Thames Valley Police and local partners

  
  

These efforts have helped reduce problem hotspots, improve the experience for workers and visitors, and rebuild confidence among levy payers.

CEO Jill Farnsworth said: “What a result - it's great to see that the work we're doing under our Manage The Public Realm pillar is also getting national recognition, because the team members delivering the work really believe in what they are doing, and work so hard."

Winners will be announced at the National BID Awards ceremony in February 2026.