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, as well as examining the likely impacts on tourism and hotel development for the upcoming Universal theme park, situated nearby. Our analysis considered national retail trends, including the growth of online shopping and increasing demand for experience-led town centres.

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 were 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. 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.

The study was prepared specifically to inform the Milton Keynes City Plan 2050. Its findings were translated into the council’s Regulation 18 policies relating to the retail hierarchy, vitality and viability, the sequential and impact tests, the rural economy, new local centres and Central Milton Keynes.

The 2025 update then reviewed representations made on those policies and advised the council on changes or additional explanations required for the Regulation 19 Plan. This ensured continuity between technical evidence, consultation responses and policy drafting.