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Demolition of 1970s shopping centre a step closer

Amy HolmesMilton Keynes political reporter
Milton Keynes City Council A black glass fronted building, about three storeys high with the words "THE BRUNEL CENTRE Shopping" at the top. There is a black metal bandstand in the foreground and another glass-fronted row of shops on the right. Several pedestrians walk through the open plaza in between the two buildings.Milton Keynes City Council
The Brunel Centre was built in the 1970s, but Milton Keynes City Council says it was no longer suited to commercial needs

Contractors could be sought to demolish a 1970s shopping centre if the idea is approved next week.

Milton Keynes City Council has earmarked the Brunel Centre site, plus the former Wilko building, for redevelopment after being awarded £22.7m as part of the government's Town Deal Fund in 2021.

If approved at a meeting on Tuesday evening, procurement could begin later in the month with demolition works expected to start in phases later this year.

Labour's Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "This is a major milestone in the transformation of Bletchley as the Town Deal programme is helping us unlock significant opportunities across the town centre."

Martin Heath/BBC The exterior of Bletchley railway station, which has a single-storey ticket office and waiting room, with a ramp and yellow handrail. There is a wooden portico with a station sign around the top. There are posters along the front wall, and a single brown door to the right. There is a doubled-door entrance under the portico. There is a strip of yellow "no waiting" paint on the roadway, which has white direction arrows on both sides.Martin Heath/BBC
In June, the government put forward £17m to support construction of an eastern access to Bletchley station

The shopping centre was developed in the early years of Milton Keynes new town in the 1970s.

However, it has become increasingly outdated and the authority said it was no longer suited to modern commercial needs.

The council, which is run by a Liberal Democrat and Labour alliance, says the appointed contractors will meet with nearby residents and businesses to explain how they will keep the demolition safe.

In June it was announced that millions of pounds of funding had been confirmed to create a new entrance at Bletchley railway station on the East West Rail route.

The government put forward £17m to support construction of an eastern access on top of a commitment of up to £5m from the council.

It will create a direct gateway between the station and Bletchley's main shopping area, where the Brunel Centre is. It also aims to improve access for passengers and to support businesses.

Hume said: "As East West Rail enhances Bletchley's role as a strategic transport hub, we're determined to ensure the town centre is ready to seize the opportunities that brings.

"Demolishing these outdated buildings will help unlock future investment and create something new that residents can be proud of."

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