MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District (MyMK BID) is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for the highly respected Pineapples Awards for Place 2025 in the Activation category for its impactful 'Our Purple City' initiative.
The Pineapples celebrate outstanding placemaking projects that enhance communities and create meaningful, positive change. Now in its seventh year, the awards recognise excellence across every stage of development, design, and delivery, from community engagement to placemaking innovation. The 'Our Purple City' activation, spearheaded by MyMK BID in collaboration with centre:mk, Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes Theatre and other City partners, has been recognised for its commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and raising awareness of disability-friendly initiatives in Milton Keynes City Centre.
'Our Purple City' was a city-wide initiative held as part of Purple Tuesday, a national movement dedicated to improving the customer experience for disabled people. The activation saw key city centre locations illuminated in purple to mark the occasion, accompanied by a series of awareness campaigns and interactive engagements that underscored the importance of accessibility in public spaces. By working closely with local businesses and stakeholders, the initiative showcased the resources available to enhance inclusivity in Milton Keynes City Centre. The success of 'Our Purple City' garnered national media coverage, amplifying its impact beyond the local community.
Building on the momentum of this initiative, MyMK BID has commissioned a city-wide accessibility audit, set to be completed by the end of January 2025, to further assess and enhance the accessibility of Milton Keynes City Centre. Additionally, in a lasting commitment to inclusivity, MyMK BID has funded accessibility training through Purple Tuesday for all BID businesses, ensuring that the positive change initiated by 'Our Purple City' continues to benefit both businesses and visitors.
The judging process for the Pineapples Awards will take place at the live-streamed Festival of Pineapples, running from 25-27 February 2025. During this event, all 110 finalists, including MyMK BID, will present their projects to an expert judging panel. The judges will then deliberate behind the scenes before selecting the winners. The Festival of Pineapples is free to attend online, offering an opportunity to learn from exemplary case studies and support those competing for a coveted golden pineapple.
Winners will be announced at The Pineapples Awards Party in April 2025, where the best in placemaking will be recognised for their contributions to enhancing urban spaces and communities.
Charlotte Pearson, Marketing Director of MyMk BID, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. 'Our Purple City' is a project that holds great significance, championing accessibility and fostering inclusivity across Milton Keynes City Centre. This recognition highlights the collective efforts of our partners and the wider community in making Milton Keynes a place where everyone feels welcome and supported."
The nomination underscores MyMk BID’s dedication to making tangible improvements in the city centre, ensuring that accessibility and inclusivity remain at the forefront of its initiatives. The BID extends its gratitude to all those who have contributed to 'Our Purple City' and looks forward to presenting its work at the upcoming Festival of Pineapples.
For more information about the Festival of Pineapples and to register for free attendance, visit https://thedeveloper.live/opinion/shortlist-for-the-pineapples-2025-awards-announced

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