Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has selected ATG Entertainment (ATG) as its preferred partner to operate a new multi-purpose events venue in Milton Keynes.
The 4,000-capacity venue at the Old Bus Station, Elder Gate is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors annually, hosting a diverse range of performers and acts. It will complement ATG’s operation of Milton Keynes Theatre by enabling larger-scale music performances and live experiences that the existing theatre cannot accommodate.
ATG Entertainment owns, operates or programmes 72 venues across Britain, the US and Continental Europe. In the UK, its portfolio includes historic West End theatres such as the Duke of York’s, Piccadilly, Savoy, Apollo Victoria, the Lyceum and the Phoenix Theatre, as well as the operation of venues in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Swansea and many more.
This Milton Keynes project represents a £76 million investment from MKDP (an independent organisation owned by Milton Keynes City Council) and is forecast to deliver £158m 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 projects to enhance the city centre. The venue will be located adjacent to the recently revitalised Station Square and close to Unity Place, Santander UK’s new headquarters and community hub.
This new venue will expand Milton Keynes’ entertainment landscape, giving residents and visitors access to concerts and large-scale live experiences, with over 100 headline events planned annually.
Later this year, MKDP will begin the planning process, including a public consultation. Construction is expected to start soon after, with the venue scheduled to open in 2029.
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, multi-purpose events venue of this kind
Nick Potter
Nicola Sawford, chair of MKDP, said: “Identifying 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 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.”
Nick Potter, chief operating officer for ATG Entertainment, said: “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, multi-purpose events venue of this kind.
“This new venue will complement the success of 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 residents and 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 MKDP, the City Council, and the local community to create a world-class destination that delivers lasting cultural and economic benefits for the city.”
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.musicweek.com ’
