The Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has selected ATG Entertainment (ATG) as its preferred partner to operate a brand-new, multipurpose events venue in the heart of Milton Keynes (City in England, UK).
‘mkdp.org.uk’ stated that ATG, the global leader in live entertainment with over 30 years of experience, will bring its national and international expertise to the 4,000-capacity venue at the Old Bus Station, Elder Gate.
The Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) is an independent organization owned by the Milton Keynes City Council and responsible for the strategic development of the City’s land assets. Its role is to help make Milton Keynes an even better place to live, work and do business by bringing forward well‑planned, high‑quality development that supports the City’s long‑term growth.
The ATG Entertainment is proud to stand at the forefront of the live entertainment industry. Their expertise and capabilities enable the producers and other creatives to bring their visions to life and create unforgettable performances for the audiences present in our landmark venues and delivered with exceptional hospitality. It is the passion of the teams that cover every discipline across the live entertainment industry that underpins their continuing strategic growth and success.
‘mkdp.org.uk’ further stated that alongside shaping the built environment the MKDP also generates essential financial returns that help fund important local services and community projects. It is expected to contribute £7.8 million to the Milton Keynes City Council by 2027 rising to a forecast £23 million by 2035-2036.
The venue is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors annually hosting a diverse range of performers and acts. It will complement ATG’s highly successful operation of the 1,400-capacity Milton Keynes Theatre since it opened in 1999 by enabling larger-scale music performances and live experiences that the existing theater cannot accommodate.
This landmark project represents a £76 million investment from MKDP and is forecast to deliver £158 million in economic and community benefits alongside creating approximately 70 new jobs. The development forms part of MKDP’s updated Business Plan for 2024–2027 which focuses on transformative placemaking projects to enhance the City Centre and provide facilities befitting a growing City. The venue will be located adjacent to the recently revitalised Station Square and close to Unity Place, Santander, UK’s new £150 million headquarters and community hub.
The ATG has a proven track record of attracting major acts and strengthening cultural offerings. This new venue will expand Milton Keynes’ entertainment landscape giving the residents and the visitors access to blockbuster concerts and large-scale live experiences with over 100 headline events planned annually.
Later this year, the MKDP will begin the planning process including a public consultation to ensure local voices help shape the development. Construction is expected to start soon after with the venue scheduled to open in 2029.
Noted Nicola Sawford, Chair of MKDP, “Identifying the ATG as our preferred partner takes us one step closer to delivering a world-class events venue for Milton Keynes. This project reflects our shared vision with the Milton Keynes City Council to create a vibrant, welcoming City Centre that offers something for everyone. The venue will not only bring incredible live entertainment to the heart of the City but also boost the local economy, create jobs and strengthen Milton Keynes’ reputation as a destination for music, culture and events. We’re excited to work with ATG and the community to make this vision a reality.”
Added Nick Potter, Chief Operating Officer for ATG Entertainment, “We are delighted to be named preferred partner for this landmark new venue in Milton Keynes. The City has ambitious plans for its future, a growing population and a strong cultural appetite making it an ideal location for a large-scale, multipurpose events venue of this kind. This new venue will complement the success of the Milton Keynes Theatre by enabling larger-scale live music, comedy and entertainment experiences that cannot currently be accommodated broadening the City’s cultural offer for the residents and the visitors alike. As the global leader in live entertainment we work with the world’s leading artists, promoters and producers to present concerts, comedy and live events at scale and we look forward to bringing that expertise to Milton Keynes. We’re excited to work in partnership with the MKDP, the City Council and the local community to create a world-class destination that delivers lasting cultural and economic benefits for the City.”
The MKDP is an independent organization owned by the Milton Keynes City Council. Through strategic land development the MKDP generates funding to support placemaking projects across the City. By 2027, the MKDP will have provided £7.8 million to the City Council for placemaking projects rising to £23 million by 2035-2036.
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