Overview

We prepared the Milton Keynes Retail and Commercial Leisure Study to inform the Local Plan to 2050. The study assessed existing retail and leisure provision and forecast future needs across the city, examining also the likely impacts on tourism and hotel development for the upcoming, nearby, Universal theme park.

Our analysis considered national retail trends, including the growth of online shopping and increasing demand for experience-led town centres.

Project scope
Local Plan to 2050
Retail and leisure provision
Future needs forecasting
Universal theme park impact
National retail trends
Hotel capacity review
Our role

We undertook a household survey to understand shopping patterns and expenditure retention, finding that the city provided very well for its residents in terms of convenience retail provision. However, our assessment showed that population growth and increased spending are expected to generate demand for comparison retail over the long term.

In the leisure sector, a shortfall in restaurants, cafés and bars was identified as the city expands. We also assessed the vitality of centres across Milton Keynes and provided recommendations to support resilient, mixed-use centres.

Evidence base We prepared the retail and commercial leisure study to support the city’s emerging Local Plan.
Needs assessment We assessed existing provision and forecast future retail and leisure needs across the city.
Household survey We used survey work to understand shopping patterns and expenditure retention.
Town centre analysis We reviewed the vitality of centres across Milton Keynes and considered changing retail trends.
Leisure provision We identified a shortfall in restaurants, cafés and bars as the city expands.
Hotel capacity We reviewed hotel capacity in relation to business, tourism and large-scale events.
Outcome

In addition, we reviewed hotel capacity, concluding that further provision may be required under higher growth scenarios to support business, tourism and large-scale events.