MyMiltonKeynes seeks renewal as it unveils five-year vision for Milton Keynes City Centre
Businesses from across Milton Keynes City Centre gathered at Hotel La Tour last night (Monday 14th September 2026) as MyMiltonKeynes BID launched its Business Plan for 2027-2032 and formally began the process of seeking renewal for a third five-year term.
The event brought together levy payers, partners, stakeholders and city leaders to reflect on what has been achieved through ten years of collective investment, while focusing firmly on the opportunities and ambitions that lie ahead.
Guests were welcomed by MyMiltonKeynes BID Chair Diane Wehrle and heard from Chief Executive Jill Farnsworth as the BID unveiled its new Business Plan, Milton Keynes City Centre: Investing Together 2027-2032.
The evening featured a performance from comedian Matt Richardson, following his appearance at the inaugural Milton Keynes Comedy Festival earlier this summer, and a presentation from Savills, who have been commissioned by the BID to explore the potential impact and opportunities for city centre businesses arising from the proposed Universal UK theme park development in nearby Bedford.
As part of the event, MyMiltonKeynes premiered a new short film featuring the BID team and Board directors, along with local business representatives, highlighting the impact of collective investment and the role the BID plays in supporting the success of Milton Keynes City Centre.
Attendees were also able to explore a series of displays showcasing the BID's work over the last ten years, spanning public realm improvements, city centre security, place marketing, business engagement, accessibility initiatives and partnership projects.
Under its proposed Business Plan, MyMiltonKeynes has committed to delivering more than £9 million of investment into Milton Keynes City Centre over the next five years through four priorities:
Enhance - creating a cleaner, safer and more attractive city centre.
Experience - creating a vibrant and compelling city centre destination.
Shape - influencing and delivering the future of Milton Keynes City Centre.
Connection - building a stronger and more connected business community.
Key commitments include continued investment in city centre security patrols, environmental improvements and festive lighting, further development of the My-MK City Centre brand and marketing activity, support for new events and experiences, strategic projects designed to help businesses benefit from future growth opportunities, and initiatives that help businesses connect, collaborate and influence decision-making.
Diane Wehrle, Chair of MyMiltonKeynes BID, said:
"For almost ten years, businesses have invested together through MyMiltonKeynes BID to strengthen Milton Keynes City Centre. Many of the projects, services and partnerships that businesses now benefit from simply would not exist without the BID. As a Board, we believe the BID has an important role to play in the years ahead and we are proud to support a Business Plan that builds on what has already been achieved whilst helping prepare the city centre for future opportunities."
Jill Farnsworth, Chief Executive of MyMiltonKeynes BID, said:
"Milton Keynes is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history. While it remains important that we continue delivering the services and initiatives businesses value today, this Business Plan is also about ensuring the city centre is ready for what comes next. We want businesses to have a strong voice, to benefit from future opportunities and to continue achieving more together than they could alone. The launch event was a chance to celebrate how far we've come, but more importantly it was about looking ahead to the future."
The BID's full Business Plan is available to view at www.mymiltonkeynes.co.uk/ballot and will be distributed to all eligible levy-paying businesses ahead of the ballot.
A ballot on the renewal of MyMiltonKeynes BID will take place between 25 September and 22 October 2026. To be successful, the proposal must achieve both a majority of votes cast and a majority of the total rateable value represented by those voting.
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