Local politicians giving ‘full support’ to big tender.
The three Labour MPs for Milton Keynes are giving their full support to the bid for the city to be named as UK City of Culture in 2029.
Milton Keynes City Council announced this week its intention to join the competition for the title, which could see £10 million of government investment brought to the city. Previous winners include Bradford, Coventry and Hull.
The Members of Parliament join a list of other supporters of the Milton Keynes bid, including the Open University, Stadium MK and Universal, who plan to build the UK’s largest visitor attraction near to the city.
“As soon as you step foot in central Milton Keynes from the train station you are greeted by the stunning Yinka Ilori artwork that encapsulates our city’s vibrant spirit, and it will soon also be the site of a new multi-million pound events venue,” said Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central.
“From incredible city centre events like the International Festival, Midsummer Festival and India Day MK to our excellent theatre and the wonderful MK Gallery that hosts prominent shows like Warhol and Lowry, Milton Keynes is full of culture.”
“I’m proud to be backing this bid and I hope that it will bring even more attention to Bletchley’s culture and heritage, as we continue with ambitious regeneration plans and improved transport infrastructure,” Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, said.
“Of course, I’m keen to see Bletchley Park form a key part of the bid, as the home of modern computing and a vital cultural asset, and as I look to drive more investment into the town, this platform would be invaluable.”
“Having grown up in Milton Keynes, I know all too well the jokes that we are ‘soulless’, and admittedly I didn’t always recognise the abundance of culture our city has in my younger years,” added Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North.
“That is what the bid is all about: taking the incredible culture that exists across all parts of the city, boosting it and putting it at the forefront of our city’s identity, which I hope will, at the same time, make it more accessible to all who live here.”
“It is great to have MPs who truly recognise and value the vibrant culture that exists in our city today and share a vision of what our city can be,” said Councillor Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking on Milton Keynes City Council.
“I’m grateful for their support, and I know they’ll continue to do everything they can to champion Milton Keynes as we compete to be the UK’s next City of Culture.”
