Now known as The Centre MK, this very modern shopping centre is located in the very heart of Milton Keynes, and in the past year a large extension was also opened. Much like the city in which it resides, The Centre MK is sprawling and evolving!
The original centre is a very large rectangular shaped building with two main walkways spanning I would estimate at least a mile. It certainly feels longer though as you trawl up and down, especially on a busy weekend!
The newly opened extension I mentioned was built at a right angle to the existing centre, and is much more airy and spacious, as the original centre does sometimes feel cramped.
The shops you’ll find are on the whole chain stores with just a scattering of local companies trading. There are not many stores you won’t find really, although a lack of decent shoe shops has been noticed. There are some trendy shoe shops, but only one ‘normal’ shop (Barratts). Well that’s to the best of my knowledge anyway, I tend to visit the centre about once per month, and there is always some shop opening and another closing or moving.
This strikes odd really, as the centre as always very busy, even on any weekday. Maybe the rents in the centre are high, I don’t know but I suspect so.
You’ll find a number of ‘flagship stores’ in MK Centre. These are the super large stores, which are on a number of levels, and are situated at the ends of the centre. These superstores are Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, and Debenhams. You could also count Woolworth’s, WHSmith, BHS and Virgin Megastore as they too occupy larger than standard stores.
Eating in the centre is something we’ve never done, but there are a few places to eat inside. There’s a pub, McDonalds, Burger King, ice cream stalls and a number of sandwich and coffee shops. In the new part of the centre there are also some stylish eateries but I cannot think for the life of me what they’re called!
Parking at the centre can be stressful if you want to park close to the doors, so I recommend to park a little further away, but obviously still near the doors. Most parking is on a pay and display basis (20p for every 20 minutes you wish to stay) but if you park at the Food Court (a short walk away where Sainsbury, Waitrose and a number of specialist shops and restaurants are also located) or at the new XscapeSportsVillage then here you can currently enjoy free parking. This is at your own risk though, I suspect you’re supposed to be actually visiting these places to use the free facility!! Alternatively if you’re coming to MK from the M1 then there is a free Park and Ride at the Coachway, which is situated just off Junction 14. The bus ride to the centre is about 10 minutes.
All in all, the centre is well worth a visit, as you’ve got everything under one roof and it can make for a good afternoon out, although be warned it does get very crowded, especially on Fridays to Sundays!
Opening hours are 9am – 8pm each and every day, most stores do stay open till 8, but check before travelling if you need to be sure a particular shop stays open late. http://www.centremk.co.uk is a site you can visit should you require further information.
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Great op, very useful. I live nearby in Cranfield and love MK shopping centre so much so I go there about two or three times a week (sad I know, but they've got so much there). You seem to like the place a lot as well. I've also wondered why so many shops move or close and I think you're right with the high renting rates. Apparently, from a mate who used to work at Woolworths, their rent is somewhere near 1 million a year (unbelievable, I know). Cheers for the nice read - Nathan.
Oh, by the way, you can park for free on top of the new shopping centre extension (entrance by Debenhams) and you get fantasic views across MK thrown in as well.
kornkid2001 15.10.2001 18:08
good helpful op! ill be sure to try it next time i visit milton keynes!
craigy_baby_2000 14.10.2001 22:23
Great opinion, well constructed as well! Thanks :)
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