Time to invest in CMK Market

Milton Keynes is a city which does things differently. Whereas many places are defined by their past, Milton Keynes is a city which looks forwards to the future. Whether looking at Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre, built in the early days of Milton Keynes; or the much more recent stadium:mk which brought football to Milton Keynes; it's clear Milton Keynes is a city of ambition. We seek to create our own history, rather than dwelling on our past.

That said, it is important we recognise our heritage and that we don't lose sight of the many things which make Milton Keynes such a fantastic place to live.

Many cities across Britain have a Primark. Fewer cities have strong vibrant markets and only Milton Keynes has a grid road system which allows the fast movement and quick distribution of traffic. It's not often you're stuck behind a traffic jam in Milton Keynes!

The problem with the Secklow Gate Primark development was that it sought to damage some of what was good about Milton Keynes.

As I've said many times, I would welcome seeing a Primark built in CMK. Secklow Gate was the wrong location.

I am delighted that the livelihoods of market traders are no longer threatened. However now is not the time to stop the campaign, especially as thecentre:mk may look to submit revised plans on the same location.

Well over 14,000 people signed a petition to save the market, and I'm incredibly proud to have played a part in campaigning from the very beginning.

Now that we know what the market means to the people of Milton Keynes, it is clear we should be looking to invest in it. CMK Market is a highly valued community asset but it clearly needs some attention and a lot of investment.

As long as I remain a Councillor, I will be pushing for investment in CMK Market to ensure it remains a strong vibrant market for years to come.

Emily Darlington backs CMK Market

CMK Market will not survive, if proposals to move the market and make way for a new Primark are approved by Milton Keynes Council according to hard pressed market traders.   

Market traders met with Emily Darlington and local Labour Councillor Paul Williams to express their fear that the market would be lost to CMK and they would lose their livelihoods.

This meeting took place one week after market traders served a deputation at a meeting of Milton Keynes Council to outline their concerns. Market traders also expressed their anger at not being consulted over the plans, which they say would see CMK Market moved to a site with less footfall and 40% less space than the original.

Emily Darlington, Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson for Milton Keynes North opposed plans to move CMK Market after meeting with concerned market traders about the impact on their business and local residents.  

Milton Keynes Council will decide whether to approve the planning application at a meeting of the Development Control Committee later this year. English Heritage have also written in opposition to the plans.

 Emily Darlington, the Labour Parliamentary Spokesperson for Milton Keynes North said, "I am shocked and appalled that market traders have not been consulted over plans which will have a massive impact on their livelihoods and could see an end to over 400 jobs.

 “I am not opposed to a new Primark being built in Central Milton Keynes but the Council should investigate better locations in CMK where this could be built without destroying the market or our central grid roads.

Emily Darlington continued “CMK Market is an important part of the cultural make-up of Milton Keynes. If we lose it, we lose a part of our history”.

Cllr Paul Williams, Labour Councillor for Campbell Park Ward concluded, “Having listened to the views of local residents, and the market traders, I am opposed to the current plans for this development. The proposed development would not only destroy our central grid roads and inconvenience commuters, it would put at risk a vibrant market which is an asset to our community.