Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) has named ATG Entertainment as its preferred partner to operate a brand-new, multi-purpose events venue in the heart of Milton Keynes.
The £76 million venue, located at the Old Bus Station on Elder Gate, will have a capacity of 4,000 and is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors annually. Hosting over 100 headline events each year, it will complement ATG’s successful operation of Milton Keynes Theatre by enabling larger-scale music performances and live experiences that the existing theatre cannot accommodate.
This transformative project is forecast to deliver £158 million in economic and community benefits and create around 70 new jobs. It forms part of MKDP’s updated Business Plan for 2024–2027, which focuses on placemaking projects to enhance the city centre.
The venue will sit adjacent to the revitalised Station Square and close to Unity Place, Santander UK’s new £150 million headquarters and community hub.
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.”
MKDP will begin the planning process later this year, 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.
More information can be found here.
