To stop developers vandalising the city's Shopping Centre, it must be given listing status. The 3rd December advertising announcement in the The Citizen newspaper by the Centre's Director (Mr Robert Goodman) was pure sophistry. He argued that such status would stop future retailers and investment being attracted to the city centre. What nonsense! Listing status would not inhibit changes to the Centre if they are in good taste, and do not affect the quality of the shopping experience.
When first built, the Centre attracted shoppers from afar. The modern high quality structure with mirrored glazing provided a unique and very attractive shopping environment. Friends visiting MK always marvelled at the cavernous open space of Middleton Hall. Indeed, many likened it to the Main Concourse of New York's Grand Central Station. The lush shrub and tree planting along Silbury and Midsummer Arcades, and the pleasant gardens and high quality granite fountain in Queen's Court also impressed my friends.
Alas, no more! They, like me, are most unhappy with past and future, so called, enhancements to the shopping centre. Regrettably, the Shopping Management Company (SMC) do not consider their shopping building to be anything special. Cynically, they deem it to be nothing more than a big shed in a prime location where they can cram in retail units and obtain ever more rental income.
Surely, the SMC must have hoodwinked MK Council's planning department when they claimed, some ten-years-ago, that shoppers would benefit from having fewer seats, trees and shrubs along Silbury and Midsummer Arcades. Many people opposed their removal; however, the SMC got its way, arguing that the increased space would enable shoppers to cross more freely from side to side along the arcades.
Of course, we all know what happened. The SMC rented out the free space to market stall holders, selling carpets, fitted kitchens, handbags, etc. Now, having a pleasant carefree walk along the arcades is impossible. One must always be on guard to avoid an encounter with a stall vendor wishing to 'ask a question.'
The SMC cannot abide public spaces. They are not profitable. Accordingly, builders are now digging up the gardens and demolishing the granite fountain in Queen's Court to accommodate four restaurant units. The SMC claims that extensive new landscaping will provide a more welcoming, contemporary environment. However, I wait to see if the 'revitalised' smaller central courtyard is an improvement.
When proposing the Queen's Court redevelopment, some five years ago, the SMC also announced plans to enlarge the John Lewis store and neighbouring shop units. Deviously, though, they never mentioned that this would require a 40% reduction in the size of Middleton Hall. The recession may have stalled this development; however, I am sure that the SMC intends to reinstate it in the future.
Presently, Middleton Hall plays host to exhibitions, fairs and dances throughout the year, and to the very popular display at Christmas. Clearly, reducing its size would be a tragedy. Therefore, protecting the shopping building from the likes of Mr Goodman and his fellow SMC vandals is vitally necessary.
|
Stop the Vandals Destroying Our Shopping C...
MikeDevine
1-Feb-10
Have you visited this area yet? Read about car parking changes in MK, traffic management, car share, buses, powered cycling and other sustainable transport initiatives 
