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1. Evidence of Need 2. Stakeholder Engagement Plan
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For more information, please visit www.hatch.com
CONTENTS
1. Introduction 4 2. Existing growth and regeneration initiatives in the Town Deal area 6 3. Principles and Objectives of Engagement 10
4. Stakeholder Engagement Strategy 12
5. Monitoring, feedback and evolving the Stakeholder Engagement Plan 34
Appendix A - Membership of the Town Deal Board and Terms of Reference 36 Appendix B - MK: Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Deal Stakeholder Mapping 38
Appendix C - Questionnaire Survey analysis 42
Appendix D - Membership of Sub-groups 52 1 Introduction
The Town Deal Board Wider Stakeholders The Stakeholder Engagement Plan and collaboration with local The Towns Fund allocation refers Looking to the future, there are The role of the Bletchley and The Bletchley and Fenny Stratford has been produced to support businesses and communities and to the town as ‘Milton Keynes’. significant opportunities for Fenny Stratford Town Deal area has a substantial number the preparation and delivery of has their buy-in. The stakeholder Milton Keynes Council considered economic growth and investment Board is to define the vision and of stakeholders reflecting the a Town Investment Plan (TIP) for engagement plan should be that the most appropriate and in the area on the horizon. The strategy; develop and agree an diverse nature of its communities the Milton Keynes Town Deal published alongside the TIP and relevant area for the purposes new East-West Rail route will evidence-based Town Investment and the different character of the focus area of Bletchley and Fenny demonstrate the approach to be of the Towns Fund would be the place Bletchley at the focal Plan; develop a clear programme neighbourhoods that make up the Stratford. Its purpose is to set taken to involving and working southern extent of Milton Keynes, point of strategic east-west and of interventions; and to co- area. out the stakeholder engagement with others over the project’s focussed around Bletchley and north-south routes and thereby link ordinate resources and influence Initial stakeholder mapping and undertaken to date and how that lifetime. Fenny Stratford. Bletchley is with major centres of economic stakeholders. has assisted in the development of considered the most strategic activity. The National Infrastructure analysis has been undertaken (as the TIP. The Plan also outlines how The MK: Bletchley and area of Milton Keynes that would Commission has identified the The composition of the Board has set out at Appendix B). This has engagement will continue and Fenny Stratford Town benefit from a Town Deal, with the Oxford-Cambridge Arc as a been determined based on the helped to inform the approach evolve following the submission Deal intention that future investment here potential hub of knowledge requirements and guidance set to engagement and will be of the TIP, in order to support would deliver the greatest benefits intensive industry and Milton out in the Towns Fund Prospectus reviewed on an ongoing basis to On 6 September 2019, the and includes representatives help build and develop the profile the delivery of interventions Government announced that in ‘levelling up’ that area as well Keynes and Bletchley and Fenny and projects in the Town Deal as having benefits for a wider Stratford in particular, lie at the from a number of partners and and understanding of all key Milton Keynes was included in organisations across Milton stakeholders. to unlock the area’s economic the places invited to develop hinterland. heart of the Arc. Building on this potential. and the legacy of code breaking Keynes who have an interest in proposals for the new generation In terms of challenges, the at Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford The Stakeholder Engagement Plan of Town Deals. In November Bletchley and Fenny Stratford College is opening a new area. Chaired by John Cove, has been prepared in line with of that year, the Government area includes areas that are Institute of Digital Technology Chair of MK Dons SET the Board information set out in the ‘Towns published the Towns Fund amongst the most deprived in working with industry partners held its inaugural meeting on 3rd Fund Prospectus’ published by the Prospectus which sets out the England including parts that including Microsoft, KPMG, July 2020. Ministry for Housing, Communities framework of expectations for are in the most deprived 5%, McAfee, Evidence Talks, VWFS, and Local Government the Town Deals. The Government based on income, employment, Details of the membership of the Activate Learning and Cranfield (MHCLG) in November 2019 selected towns across England education, health, crime, housing Town Deal Board and its terms University. The Institute will be and the subsequent Towns Fund and included locations that are and environment (English Index of reference are included at an inclusive centre for technical further guidance produced in part of the Northern Powerhouse, of Multiple Deprivation 2019). Appendix A. qualifications, apprenticeships, June 2020. Under the guidance, Midlands Engine and Oxford- The investment provided by a and training to plug the growing the TIP will need to be able Cambridge Arc. Town Deal would provide a very gap between demand and supply to demonstrate that it has significant opportunity to ‘level for key technical and digital roles, been produced in partnership up’ this area with the surrounding including cyber security. Milton Keynes area.
4 SENYEK_NOTLIM 5 2
Issues & Strengths & Existing growth and regeneration Challenges Opportunities initiatives in the Town Deal area • Car-parking provision needs • Bletchley’s location and Central Bletchley to be considered against the planned connectivity Plan:MK Prospectus the backdrop the delivery of improvements create a East-West Rail. strategic opportunity for In addition to the opportunities Plan: MK is the statutory local The Central Bletchley Prospectus • Engagement with key significant growth and afforded by the new East West plan for Milton Keynes. It sets was published in December stakeholders on the draft • Breakdown the “east-west development. Rail route, Bletchley and Fenny out the Council’s approach and 2018 by Milton Keynes Council Prospectus over October divide” (areas to the west of Stratford are the focus of a policies for the Borough of Milton following engagement with and early November, 2019, the railway line are relatively • Development should include number of recent projects and Keynes for the period up to the local community. It seeks including a ‘drop-in’ event at affluent compared to the area culture including more public initiatives which are supporting 2031. It was produced following to capitalise on the significant Bletchley Library and further east of the railway line). art the area’s future socio-economic several rounds of consultation and opportunities presented by East- presentations to members of growth. These projects have been engagement, including a series West Rail and Central Bletchley’s Bletchley & Fenny Stratford • Improve the connections from • Turn Saxon Street from a prepared through a process of Topic Papers in 2014, Vision location and connectivity at Town Council and West the Station to Queensway barrier to an integrator with active frontages by involving local consultation and workshops in 2015, Strategic the centre of the Oxford to Bletchley Council; • The Brunel Centre represents engagement and the responses Development Directions in 2016 Cambridge Arc, to deliver downgrading and redesigning • Individual stakeholder a barrier to access to and to those consultation exercises and consultation on the draft and the renewal of Bletchley town it, incorporating it into an meetings, discussions and visibility of Queensway which provide valuable insight into how submission versions of the plan in centre which is economically eastern train station entrance. presentations [e.g. local is currently cut off from passing the area is changing and could 2017 and 2018. successful, socially inclusive and councils, resident associations, pedestrian traffic. • The eastern core north of change further over coming years. environmentally sustainable. Stephenson House and Policy SD16 sets out a number landowners/agents, operators • Retail investment should not including the Co-op and land of principles that will guide Whilst only applying to a specific and potential investors] held be focussed on the western north of it should be seen development in the Central part of the Town Deal area, throughout 2017-2019; Central side of the railway line as this as a unique development Bletchley Prospectus area the opportunities set out in the Bletchley Urban Design would dilute the town centre including the density of new Prospectus provide an important Framework Stakeholder opportunity that should be residential development; the need starting point for the consideration Workshop [Nov, 2017]; and, • Improve public realm holistically masterplanned to improve pedestrian connectivity of potential projects and maintenance and wayfinding • a Stakeholder Information • Future land uses – support for and legibility; an improved public interventions for the TIP. • The canopies covering the affordable housing; a hotel realm and the refurbishment/ Session [March 2019]. The Prospectus identifies narrow pedestrian route and conference centre; a redevelopment of key sites and Findings from the stakeholder opportunities, challenges and between Wilkinson’s and leisure / sports hub; night time buildings. The need to improve engagement are summarised in place-making themes which have Brunel Centre should be economy and leisure facilities pedestrian access to and from the following table and many of been informed by engagement removed to make this key Bletchley Station is recognised them remain current and relevant • Queensway should focus on with the local community and pedestrian route more and the policy seeks to ensure to the development of the Town having a niche retail offer but stakeholders. This included: attractive. that any new development should Investment Plan: needs restaurants as well. not preclude the delivery of an eastern entrance to the railway station. Table 1: summary of feedback from Central Bletchley Prospectus engagement
6 SENYEK_NOTLIM 7 Lakes Estate regeneration Neighbourhood Plans The Prospectus area is designated potential footfall and spend in Milton Keynes Council is The Lakes Estate Neighbourhood be mutual benefits between but sets out ideas around potential in the recently adopted Local Plan and around the town centre undertaking a major regeneration Plan was one of the first such the plan making process scale and directions of growth (Plan:MK) which indicates that area. project on the Lakes Estate to plans in the country to be made, and the preparation of the and future change across the the Council is seeking to deliver following the introduction of Town Investment Plan. The area. • Maximise opportunities to the south of the Town Deal area. transformational regeneration of neighbourhood planning in Neighbourhood Plan covers create a high quality station Focussed on the redevelopment of Responses to the draft strategy Central Bletchley over the plan the Localism Act, 2011. It was the Town Council area with the gateway that will be the main Serpentine Court, the project will in early 2020 that relate to the period (2016-2031). Work is prepared through a process of exception of the Lakes Estate for arrival/departure point for include proposals for some 589 Bletchley and Fenny Stratford now starting on the preparation extensive engagement with the which a separate Neighbourhood people travelling to/from new homes, 279 of which will area include: of an Urban Design Framework residents of the estate and aims Plan was made on 25th October Bletchley by train be council homes, a community Supplementary Planning hub and retail facilities as well to safeguard what the community 2015. The Neighbourhood • A recognised need to improve Document (SPD) for Bletchley • Create a more efficient and as improvements for the wider treasures in the local area; meet Area for the new plan has been the image and branding of which will provide urban design effective transport interchange Lakes Estate. The regeneration local needs; identify and support designated and the Town Council Bletchley. principles and guidance to in the area. project has involved consultation any required improvements to is planning an Issues and Options • Questions as to whether inform the holistic renewal and with the residents, the formation local amenities and community consultation in late autumn 2020 Engagement on the project has Bletchley is a place that young redevelopment of the Prospectus of a Serpentine Court Residents’ facilities and to ensure that the which will allow the outputs from included a stakeholder workshop people want to be or where area. Steering Group, workshops and Lakes Estate remains a vibrant the Town Deal work to contribute comprising representatives from investors will want to invest. meetings and a referendum of place in which to live, socialise to this early engagement process. Fixing the Links project, organisations including Milton residents of Serpentine Court and work. • Opportunities to improve 2014 Keynes Council, Bletchley Park, in which a significant majority links to green and blue MK College, Network Rail, West Bletchley Council’s of those voting opted to fully MK Strategy for 2050 infrastructure. East-West Rail will place Bletchley Arriva Buses, Thames Valley Neighbourhood Plan was made at the intersection of strategic redevelop the area. Police, Buckinghamshire Fire on 20 March, 2019, following a Milton Keynes Council has begun • The potential to develop east-west and north-south rail Authority and the two town The regeneration proposals will successful referendum. The Plan to think about a future vision and Bletchley as an equal but routes linking key centres of councils (Bletchley & Fenny be among the first to meet the was prepared following extensive potential future growth across alternative option to Central economic activity. The ‘Fixing the Stratford and West Bletchley). sustainability standards set out in community engagement over a the Council Area. The ‘Strategy Milton Keynes and as a green Links’ project aims to maximise the The Disability User Group was Plan:MK and be an example of number of years and is being used for 2050’ draws upon various transport and technology hub. potential benefits for Bletchley of also represented. The workshop affordable zero carbon living, effectively by the local council to background papers related East West Rail including through • The ambition for Bletchley provided information on potential reducing energy bills for residents. guide its land use and planning to the work of the MK Futures the provision of better links to the should be for it to be vibrant improvements at the Station approach. 2050 Commission. A draft for Town Centre. The project aims to: and active in the day with a and an emerging strategy for engagement was published in Bletchley and Fenny Stratford thriving evening economy. • Improve the quality of improving links between Station Town Council is at an early January 2020. The strategy is pedestrian links between the and key destinations followed stage in the preparation of a not a formal planning policy Bletchley railway station and by a discussion on priorities and Neighbourhood Plan and it document and therefore has no the town centre, addressing benefits of the approach. is anticipated that there will weight in the planning process, existing barriers which limit the
8 SENYEK_NOTLIM 9 3 Principles and Objectives of Engagement
Principles Objectives The Council will work to the To ensure that the Town Deal • Keeping all those with an Resources have been committed following principles which engagement and communication interest fully informed of to manage the consultation, will inform the approach to offer is meaningful, clear the progress of the Town communication and engagement consultation, communication and and informs work on the TIP Investment Plan and the commitments for the development engagement: and longer term projects, the Town Deal through a single of the TIP and in addition to the approach will focus on the interactive website with links Groundbreaking Bletchley & Clear and concise Open and transparent: following objectives: provided from partner/ Fenny brand, use will be made of • The approaches to • All reasonable steps will stakeholder websites; a wider range of existing networks • The outcomes from • Developing constructive consultation, communication be taken to ensure that the through press releases and and communication channels, engagement will be shared relationships with key partners and engagement will be communities of Bletchley and articles in local papers; where these are the most efficient with the community and and stakeholders supporting based on ease of access to Fenny Stratford are aware of Facebook, Twitter and other and effective way of engaging to stakeholders to demonstrate their active participation in information, the way that it is the Town Deal, its ambitions communication channels. avoid duplication of effort. how feedback has been used the development of the Town provided, and the language and what it means for the area to shape the Town Investment Investment Plan and the To achieve these objectives, used will be simple and and for them. Plan and the delivery of delivery of its ambitions. there will be a strong culture straightforward. • All reasonable steps will be projects agreed in any Town of clear communication and • Developing positive • Consultation, communication taken to make partners and Deal. transparency, based on a relationships with existing and engagement activities stakeholders aware of the commitment to genuine interaction communities in the area. A will be worthwhile, timely, and Town Deal and its ambitions, with stakeholders and local ‘locally led’ focus will be undertaken efficiently. how it relates to their communities. promoted to encourage respective areas of interest Inclusive participation in the The approach will be coordinated and activity and how they can development of the Town and presented via the new contribute to the delivery of • A range of methods will be Investment Plan and the design ‘Groundbreaking Bletchley those ambitions. used, recognising that a one- and delivery of the eventual & Fenny’ brand and identity. size-fits all approach would • There will be opportunities town Deal funded projects. This has been established to not support the objective for the local communities and present an identifiable identity for of engaging and involving stakeholders to contribute the Town Board and for its work as many people with an ideas to support the going forward. interest in Bletchley and Fenny development of the Town Stratford as possible. Investment Plan and take an • All reasonable steps will be active part in developing taken to ensure that no one emerging proposals. is excluded from accessing information and providing their views.
10 SENYEK_NOTLIM 11 4 Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
A staged approach to stakeholder engagement It is important that the views and A key aim for the current The engagement programme has The engagement programme aspirations of the local community engagement approach is to use been undertaken in the context for the Town Deal focusses on and stakeholders in the Bletchley the feedback to check whether the of COVID-19 and the associated three key stages, Stages 1 and 2 and Fenny Stratford area are views and priorities of stakeholder restrictions on public gatherings leading to the submission of the represented in the TIP so that the and the wider community have and guidance on social TIP in October 2020 and the third vision of the Town Deal area and changed recently, particularly distancing. A digital first approach stage looking beyond submission the proposed projects have the in light of the impacts of the has been adopted although, as to the delivery of the Town Deal support of the people they are COVID-19 pandemic. An set out below, the use of printed projects and interventions. designed to serve. analysis of the feedback from the media and other, more traditional engagement activities undertaken engagement tactics have also As noted in Section 2 above, for the preparation of the Town been used. there have been a number of Stage 1: Identifying MyTown Portal comments [151 as of 09/10/20], Investment Plan is included in challenges and however the majority of these other projects and initiatives in the Looking ahead to the delivery An initial phase of data gathering Appendix C to this Plan. opportunities in the Town relate to the wider Milton Keynes Town Deal area in recent years of the Town Deal projects, it for the Town Deal began in Deal area area, rather than to Bletchley and which have evolved through a The engagement strategy seeks will be necessary to monitor November 2019 when the Fenny Stratford. process of engagement with the to ensure that an accessible and, if necessary, review the This stage involves a review of Government launched the local community and a wide engagement and consultation engagement programme in feedback from previous projects, #MyTown campaign on its Key themes from the Portal range of stakeholders. Whilst process is undertaken with light of changes arising from the as outlined in Section 2, and dedicated website https:// responses include: not a substitute for effective stakeholders and the wider COVID-19 restrictions including a period of engagement with mytown.communities.gov.uk. • Improving local transport: engagement on the TIP, the community of Bletchley and Fenny the potential relaxation of stakeholders and the local The purpose of the #MyTown providing an efficient and feedback from these previous Stratford during the preparation restrictions on public gatherings community to understand the campaign was to begin a affordable public transport engagement activities provides stages of the Town Investment which would enable more face- issues and challenges facing conversation with local residents system; improve the quality an important insight into the local Plan. The feedback received to-face engagement to resume. Bletchley and Fenny Stratford; in each of the 101 towns to seek challenges and opportunities throughout this process will feed of existing cycle paths and Regardless of ongoing COVID-19 the area’s strengths, and the early ideas of how they think the and a useful starting point for into the final Town Investment provide more to connect restrictions, digital engagement opportunities that exist to tackle £25 million should be spent in considering the vision, strategy Plan shaping the future vision different parts of Milton is expected to be an increasingly those challenges. The feedback their respective area. and potential projects to be and economic sustainability of Keynes; more emphasis on important tool for reaching a wide from this Stage has helped to included in the TIP. the area. The strategy also looks The page for Milton Keynes on green technology – focus on section of the community and key inform the vision and strategy ahead to the delivery of the Town the portal has been shared on the electric car charging facilities stakeholders, including some of for the Town Deal area, the Deal and how stakeholders Milton Keynes Council webpage and autonomous vehicles. the harder to reach groups such identification and prioritisation of and the wider community will for the Town Deal and has as younger people who tend not projects. be engaged in the design and received a significant number of to engage through traditional implementation of the final means such as events and public projects. meetings.
12 SENYEK_NOTLIM 13 • Land use and planning: Stage 1 engagement • Community, Health & Ward councillors: all Milton • Sharing information about the • An article in the September build innovative and activity Wellbeing, Heritage and Keynes Council ward members Town Deal and promoting edition of West Bletchley affordable housing that Culture. for the Town Deal area were the survey on their respective Council ‘Open Door’ Town Deal Board members: can be adapted over time; contacted and asked for their websites and social media newsletter, delivered to all Board members were Membership of the Sub Groups upgrade existing housing stock feedback on key issues and and with their councillors. 9,500 homes across the requested to share the information has been drawn from Board to improve its sustainability. opportunities together with a parish. A second article will across their networks and members, senior Council officers • Bletchley and Fenny request to raise awareness of the be published in the October • Skills and enterprise: contacts. A video of the Chair, and strategic partners who will Stratford Town Council has Town Deal and questionnaire edition providing an update Bletchley is soon to be John Cove, introducing the Town have a key role to play in the provided paper copies of the survey with their local residents. on progress on the TIP. linked by the East-West rail Deal and encouraging people successful delivery of the Town questionnaire survey for those line to Oxford, Cambridge to get involved has been widely Deal including representatives Local town and parish unable to access it online and beyond. It is the shared on social media and from the South East Midlands councils: the two local councils and West Bletchley Council perfect place to invest in YouTube. Local Enterprise Partnership – Bletchley and Fenny Stratford staff have been assisting their information communication (SEMLEP); the Principal of MK Town Council and West Bletchley residents in completing it by Questionnaire survey: To raise technologies firms/start-ups College; Network Rail; the Chief Council are both represented on using the council’s hand-held awareness and gather feedback and infrastructure that will Executive of Bletchley Park; the the Board. Meetings have been tablets in 1 to 1 conversations. on the issues and challenges, take in apprenticeships in Council’s Development Partner, held with the clerks to understand strengths and opportunities facing STEM fields and relates to the MK Development Partnership; Arts their councils’ views on the local Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, historic legacy of Bletchley Gateway MK and the Bedford challenges and opportunities and an online questionnaire survey Park; invest in a start-up to Milton Keynes Waterway Trust; to identify ways in which they can was launched in August 2020. technology hub for future and local businesses. Details of assist in the engagement process. Over 300 responses had been technology research and the sub groups’ membership are This assistance has entailed: received as at 10/10/20 and the development such as transport set out in Appendix D. key themes and issues raised are or energy, collaborating with summarised in the feedback from The discussions at the sub local universities and well engagement section below. groups have provided valuable established businesses; invest insight into the challenges and in youth services to improve Thematic sub groups: four sub opportunities facing the area as the prospects of young people groups have been established well as to support the work to – improve local secondary to bring together strategic public evolve the Vision and Objectives schools and provide a place and private partners to support and identify potential projects. for young people to meet, the work of the Town Board in It is anticipated that the sub study, seek support and gain preparing the Town Investment groups will continue to be an new skills. Plan. The four groups cover: important part of the stakeholder • Arts, culture and heritage: • Land use and planning engagement approach going provide more leisure facilities forward, with the membership that are affordable. • Economy and Skills evolving and widening. • Place and Connectivity and
14 SENYEK_NOTLIM 15 Theme: Urban Regeneration, Planning and Land Use Strengths • ‘Small town’ feel – friendly and self contained, providing something different from Central Milton Keynes, and a place where people like to Residents Associations: Milton Keynes Council: the Milton Keynes Youth Cabinet: Stage 1 engagement feed- shop locally with a number of independent shops and businesses the Consortium of Bletchley Council has shared information the Town Deal was discussed in back • Different character areas across the Town Deal area including older areas Residents Associations (COBRA) on their website and social an interactive session at the Youth with attractive buildings. Some older buildings in Fenny . Online questionnaire survey is represented on the Board media pages as well as through Conference on 5th September, • Queensway – wide pavements, attractive, tree-lined shopping area and has been active in sharing a number of press releases over held online. The Town Deal and Questions 1-3 of the online • A good range of local facilities – library, shops, health services, nursery information about the Town Deal several weeks which has raised the opportunities it represents questionnaire survey asked for with their residents. Information awareness and built momentum in for the area was shared with the views on what people like about on the Town Deal and the survey the interest about the Town Deal. young people and they offered Bletchley and Fenny Stratford (the Challenges was circulated to the chairpersons An internal mailing to all Council their views on what Bletchley and strengths); what was holding the of the residents associations in staff has also served to raise Fenny Stratford is like for them, area back (the challenges) and • Poor quality of public realm (Bletchley especially) – littering, poorly maintained roads and parking areas the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford awareness. their likes and dislikes and where where investment could improve • Feels unsafe and unwelcoming area; posted on the Facebook investment could make a real the area (the opportunities). pages of COBRA and Bletchley difference. • Empty buildings - the old Pollards in Fenny and the Co-op building in Question 4 enabled respondents Bletchley Park Area Residents Association Local business associations: to prioritise where investment • Lack of diversity in the retail offer - references to too many charity shops, (BPARA), and shared to the Conversations with the local should go, based on the Town nail bars etc. Lack of healthy food options administrator of MK Bletchley business association represent- Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Deal intervention themes. • The closure of Sainsburys will have a significant impact on the area and Chit Chat Facebook page to atives for Bletchley and Fenny Town Deal website: A bespoke on people’s ability to access relatively healthy food publish. Additionally, information Stratford to understand their views website for the Town Deal (www. • The Brunel Centre building closes off views to Queensway from the has been included on the BPARA on the issues and current trading groundbreakingbletchleyandfen- The following tables provide railway station to the west - Queensway is hidden website and circulated to BPARA conditions in the area and what ny.co.uk) has been developed a summary of the feedback • Pressure from developers to redevelop existing buildings for residential members (almost 300 households, investment they would like to see and will be a central hub for grouped according to the themes use in Bletchley town centre which would further reduce the diversity and including around 70 paper copies in the area. information about the evolution of Urban Regeneration, Planning variety of the offer delivered to those not on email). and delivery of projects across and Land Use; Skills and Enter- the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford prise; Connectivity; and Culture area as well as a channel for and Heritage. Opportunities advertising future consultation • Invest in Bletchley town centre to improve maintenance and the quality and engagement activities. Social of the environment; landscaping in Queensway and create a space for media pages have also been community events and a regular market. created on Twitter (https://twitter. • Address car parking – enforce illegal parking and plan for more car com/bletchley_fenny) and Face- parks, especially if the Sainsburys store car park is lost. book (https://www.facebook. • Reuse/redevelop empty buildings for new uses – creative industries/ innovation hub or incubator space for start-ups com/GroundbreakingBletchley- Fenny/). • Improve signage in both Bletchley (especially to public conveniences) and Fenny Stratford – signs to area from the A5 and from the canal to encourage visitors. • Redevelopment opportunity around he Brunel Centre
16 SENYEK_NOTLIM 17 Theme: Skills and Enterprise Theme: Connectivity – local transport and digital Theme: Culture & Heritage
Strengths Strengths Strengths • Good local businesses such as Fenny Kitchen • Good connectivity to rail and roads • The green open spaces, the trees, the plentiful play and the Chequers; Fabric World, Butchers, Green • Proximity to the railway station parks. Grocers. Local run cafés. • Convenience of local amenities, green spaces, train station that can take you to MK north, Bedford and south to London and • Canal walks • Its independence from Milton Keynes plus there beyond, broadband and AI deliveries (nowhere else in the UK can match it) • Bletchley Park on the doorstep – the history of the is car parking in Bletchley high street which is • Easy links to the remainder of MK area is something that many people are proud of important for its success and survival • Bletchley public transport is already very good though it would be nice to have a decent bus stop rather than the present wind tunnel.
Challenges Challenges Challenges • Independent companies not able to afford rents in • Digital poverty – inability to access broadband and lack of skills • Blue Lagoon suffers from littering and some anti- the main high street area. • Fenny Stratford – run more frequent train services from here and run later into the evening. More digital displays at Fenny social behaviour • Lack of jobs and help for people that need it most, Stratford station. homelessness, alcoholics and drug users • Entrance roads on Newton Leys Willow Lake side need to be adopted – 6 years on and still not completed. • Lack of support for local start-up businesses in town • Working from home has highlighted just how bad the internet connections are here Opportunities • Better training /back to work opportunities, youth • Need for better Redways and more cycling lanes. Access to the Redways is still very poor and prevents commuting to MK for • Signposting: Large numbers of tourists go along clubs/services, cycle routes. work. Connecting Newton Leys to central Bletchley/Bletchley Station with a cycle path through the Blue Lagoon would be the canal but there is nothing to publicise Fenny • Poverty, lack of jobs at all levels good for commuters as a good stopping place / watering hole. The • Limited digital connections and training - Issue is with • Not enough parking since the multi-storey was knocked down meaning people shop elsewhere ‘Welcome to Bletchley’ signs at some entrances to digital poverty – inability to access broadband and • Enforce parking regulations, targeting those who park on footpaths and yellow lines Fenny are a massive own goal and should have lack of skills been removed or replaced years ago. There should • Poor bus connectivity be a sign on Queensway to show where both • Dangerous to cycle round the area at present. Bletchley and Fenny start and finish. • Improve access to the railway station - an east facing station with a foot bridge to the bus station is so important as a connection • Create green spaces where people can relax, between the bus station and east west railway. Opportunities children can play safely • Invest in the Blue Lagoon Nature Reserve to improve • Support/funding for local start up business Opportunities facilities and encourage residents to take better opportunities pride in it. • East West Rail • More youth opportunities and places for young • There should be heritage boards in both towns. people to meet, access services and gain skills • Improved access to Redways network We have something most of MK doesn’t and that is • improvement to public libraries • Bus routes that take people to industrial areas as well as/instead of shopping areas. Most industrial estates are impossible to history. get to by public transport especially at the times required for shift work • Providing opportunities and aspirations for local • More facilities for young people that are affordable. families through volunteering, training, employing • Faster Broadband • More social community events to build bridges in parents in school hours, empowering people. • To create a safe “off Road” route for walkers and cyclists for leisure and access to schools and town centre - this should join the wonderfully diverse community. Events like the • A Community/Adult Learning Centre - a place to existing Rights of Way to allow access to adjoining villages and the MK network. Also to include horse riders around the canal festival, Fenny Poppers and West Bletchley go for advice and learn skills (digital, financial). periphery of Bletchley so riders can access the Bucks and Milton Keynes network of Bridleways. carnival are fantastic there needs to be more of this. Somewhere local for people to enrol in courses from • Redesigned railway station to provide an exit on the town centre side • Make more of the canal and the health & well- fitting a plug to computer literacy. • A public transport hub in Fenny Stratford where nearly all buses stop. This should have a sign that advises next buses and where being opportunities it offers they go but also the next trains from Fenny Stratford train station. • Invest in culture & heritage to nurture the community • Improved cross-Bletchley bus journeys – reduce the need to change & present a distinctive character to the wider area
18 SENYEK_NOTLIM 19 Theme: Urban Regeneration, Planning and Land Use Strengths • Clear strengths for Bletchley include the proximity to Bletchley Park; the new Institute of Digital Technology; its connected location/transport hub, with the new East West Question 4 of the survey asks The focus on improving the gardens, more playing and Rail route, West Coast Mainline, bus station and central location within the Oxford- for views on where future quality of the local environment exercising areas for younger Cambridge Arc. investment through the Towns relates closely to the future generations”; “improving the Fund should be focussed. The success of the town centres and awareness of green spaces… such majority of responses prioritised is seen as a necessary first step as Leon recreational ground and Challenges improvements to the quality of to encouraging greater footfall, Waterhall Park and providing • How to encourage more visitors to Bletchley and Fenny Stratford. The tourist the local environment especially with comments from respondents nature trails around the local attraction of Bletchley Park is seen by many local businesses in Bletchley as an in the town centres followed by including: “Make the high street a areas and points of interests for opportunity to draw new visitors in the town centre, combining their leisure trip with improvements to local transport, more welcoming and hospitable children and adults”. shopping/dining experiences. The challenge is how we can make the environment in the town centre and the range of facilities and services there more attractive to creating more and better jobs place”; “Improve the quality of the those potential visitors. and improving skills. The lowest town centres and engender pride. • Bletchley felt to be rather unwelcoming – the result of a number of factors including priority was given to improving Introduce more evening facilities Thematic Sub Groups the scale of dilapidation and vacant premises; the poor quality appearance of the digital connectivity which likely such as restaurants. Make the feedback Brunel Centre and limited range of shops/ vacancy rates. The town can feel unsafe reflects recent works by City town centres feel safe at night.” and is not a place where currently you would want to linger. Fibre across the area and Milton Greening the area and improving The Sub Groups have considered Keynes as a whole to roll out fibre local parks and open spaces as the challenges and strengths of to the premises in partnership with well as improving links between Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, Opportunities Vodafone, significantly increasing them is also a common theme identifying potential opportunities • The tourist attraction of Bletchley Park is seen by many local businesses in Bletchley access to high speed broadband. under this priority: “Community for change and investment and as an opportunity to draw new visitors in the town centre, combining their leisure trip have also reviewed initial drafts with shopping/dining experiences. of the Vison and objectives • Opportunity arising from East West Rail (EWR) and the strategic connections and for the Town Deal area. The location of the area discussions with the Sub Groups has led to the identification of a number of potential projects to Challenges be considered on the initial ‘long • Bletchley needs a new identity – should this relate to the innovation associate with list’ and members of these groups the codebreakers’ legacy? have provided valuable contacts • Improve the quality of the public realm in the town centres – make them ‘cleaner and with and introductions to other greener’ parties with an interest in the area. • Reference to the potential interventions in the Central Bletchley Prospectus which outlines opportunities in relation to the improvement of space and place. The eastern The Sub Groups’ comments have access to the station is a possible area for improvement, where the Brunel Centre been summarised under the 4 currently acts as a visual and physical barrier for access into the town. themes: • Improving entry points into Bletchley in particular should be considered
20 SENYEK_NOTLIM 21 Theme: Skills and Enterprise Theme: Place and Connectivity
Strengths Strengths • The history of innovation and computing associated with Bletchley Park is a significant strength for the area. • EWR presents a huge increase in passenger numbers and potential for investment in the area. The impact on rail • The area’s diversity provides an extensive talent pool for businesses passenger numbers from COVID-19 is unlikely to be a significant issue here due to the projected scale of increase in usage that will arise from EWR. • The ‘small town feel’ has gained greater importance and value with COVID – people shopping and staying more locally and choosing to walk or cycle. • Creative & Cultural – huge opportunity to draw on the Bletchley Park heritage when redesigning the railway station.
Challenges Challenges • Performance of local secondary schools is below that seen elsewhere in Milton Keynes. There is a need to improve the • Schools/ colleges need to be better connected, especially by public transport, walking & cycling to where people live. educational attainment of local children and to raise their expectations Work by MK College shows that lack of connectivity around Bletchley and to the rest of MK is impacts student choices • Impacts of COVID-19 on local employment opportunities in the short term (especially those living in the Town Deal area) of where they choose to study and therefore the courses available to them. • Perception of Bletchley - how to draw the opportunities eastwards, over the railway line and into the town centre of Bletchley. Noted that businesses having to vacate the Manor House at Bletchley Park have moved away from the area • MK College study shows that where students have to rely on more than one bus to get to college, they have a higher (eg to Cranfield) rather than looking for new premises elsewhere in the Bletchley area. drop-out rate. • Failure rate of start-ups after the first year • When looking at levels of active travel in the area, how much of this is due to the lack of cycle routes/ lack of connection to the MK redway network, and how much due to demographics and an inability to afford a bike? • Importance of affordable public transport – reference to the now defunct All-in-One card which gave young people Opportunities discounted travel on the buses as well as discounts with some shops/cafes. • The new Institute of Digital Technology (MK College working with key partners including Microsoft, KPMG, Bletchley • Severance issue of the dual carriageway (Saxon Street) – a key issue raised in the CBP as it has a significant adverse Park) provides opportunities to reach into local schools, raising expectations and enhancing skills and opportunities impact on pedestrian/cycle movement and the quality of the place. which can start to address the current imbalance in educational attainment between this area and the rest of MK. • Current concerns from traders in Queensway around the pedestrianization and social distancing measures put in place • Attract people and businesses from London, Oxford and Cambridge where rents and costs are higher – requires the by the council and the impact these are having on passing trade, deliveries. right environment to be in place and marketing to facilitate • Issues of crime and vandalism in the area – need for improved CCTV, as part of making the place better and safer
Challenges Opportunities • A Technology and Innovation Hub, building on the IoT; Bletchley Park and connectivity of the area arising from East- West Rai l– the Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Skills Bridging [Multi-Agency Hub] - suggested name: Bletchley Skills Hub, • Improvements to the layout of Bletchley railway station – joint project between Network Rail, MKC and the EWR super would develop skills and enterprise infrastructure in Bletchley town centre with a ‘high street’ shop-front. The Hub would station proposal. bring together those agencies [e.g. Careers Sparks, National Careers Service, Job Centre Plus] who will be directly • Closure of Sainsburys in Bletchley is a significant concern locally due to loss of food store and car park, although it responsible for supporting individuals and communities with skills bridging activity to access sustainable employment. would present a redevelopment opportunity alongside possible work to the Brunel Centre to improve permeability and • There may be interest from a social enterprise company looking to deliver a small business development in the access to the town centre. Bletchley/Milton Keynes area. The company has developed successful spaces in Brixton and Hackney and is keen to look for more opportunities. • A marina/wharf on the canal at Fenny Stratford – making more of the canal as a connector and leisure/heritage asset Challenges • YMCA have an ambition for a drop in facility in every part of Milton Keynes, providing access to skills support, services and health and well being • Improvements to the layout of Bletchley railway station – joint project between Network Rail, MKC and the EWR • A curated landscape – joining up all of the different strands of heritage, green space, accessibility, safety - ensuring that superstation proposal people can move around safely • Strategic land acquisition in Bletchley to address east-west connections. • Support hub for start-ups to help improve survival rates. Example of the Nat West entrepreneur hubs – flexible space in an office environment were businesses can come to meet each other and get access to a range of financial and business support
22 SENYEK_NOTLIM 23 Theme: Community, Health & Well-being, Theme: Community, Health & Well-being, Heritage and Culture Heritage and Culture
Strengths Challenges • The Grand Union Canal provides an important north-south connection, linking B&FS with the countryside to the south • Work with the B&MK Waterway Trust and Canalside Forum to enhance the role of the canal and its visibility within the and the rest of Milton Keynes to the north. It can contribute significantly to improving health and wellbeing in the area, area and role as a key north-south connector. providing access to outdoor recreation and nature. • Cultural seeding: Arts Gateway currently operating out of 22,000sqft unit at Kiln Farm – home to 60 creatives (https:// • Heritage of the area, especially the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Bletchley Park www.artsgatewaymk.org/about/artscentralmk/) . Consider creation of a creative workspace hub somewhere close to • The network of parks and green spaces through the area. Bletchley station. • A strong community spirit in the area – notable on the Lakes Estate. • Mapping the heritage assets of the area: Look at the gateways/ arrival points into the area and how their appearance • The Blue Lagoon is a (currently) under exploited green and blue resource can be enhanced and signage/ wayfinding improved
Private Sector Feedback Despite these challenges, there in the town centre will involve Challenges is optimism and a sense that the residential development Discussions with local businesses • Impact of poverty on the lives of local residents in the area area does have a bright future rather than new employment in Bletchley and Fenny Stratford • Bletchley has survived so far on its past, as the original main town before Milton Keynes grew. It is an area of differing and considerable potential to opportunities. town centres have highlighted character and great disparities in wealth and life chances and needs a new focus and identity. both maintain its role meeting current concerns around the The businesses are supportive of • There is a strong association with Bletchley Park, but this isn’t carried through into visitor spend in Bletchley town centre, local shopping needs as well as pedestrianisation and one-way opportunities for more events in due to the severance effect of the railway line, the lack of diversity and quality in the retail/leisure offer in the town and attract new visitors and become a the general poor quality public realm. system introduced in part of the town centres and, to make destination in its own right. • Arrival points/gateways into the area do not give the right impression – visitors to Bletchley Park comment on the Queensway, Bletchley as part more of the local heritage assets poor quality of the environment on the way there. Visitors manage to find their way, but wayfinding/ routing could be of a number of social distancing Vacancy rates in much of – the legacy of Bletchley Park improved. measures by Milton Keynes Queensway and in Fenny and the history of Fenny Stratford • The area suffers from lack of connection to the MK redway system – this prevented MKC from being able to identify a Council. Concerns around Stratford were not identified as as a market town with links to the heritage cycle trail for the area due to the lack of safe cycling routes – a further disadvantage for the area and inhibits the promotion of the area by the wider MK catchment. difficult trading conditions and a problem. Concerns focussed Grand Union Canal. Improved • Cultural impact of not having a university – need to find an alternative mechanism to attract students and young people, the precarious nature of their on a number of long-term empty waymarking and signage is a for example, establish studios in the area and market them in London – attracting people by easy rail access and future viability arising from the buildings which should be brought factor for both areas to improve cheaper rents and accommodation impact of COVID-19 have the back into use. Further concern the visitor experience; in Bletchley potential to be a least partially was expressed around recent a long standing need for signage addressed through interventions planning applications seeking to the public toilets has been to improve the quality of the local to redevelop existing retail units identified, whilst in Fenny Stratford, Opportunities urban fabric and the visibility into residential use. An example there is an opportunity to improve • Bedford & MK Waterway Trust community boat to be based at the new Campbell Park wharf, will travel the canal and accessibility of this area, of this was a recent proposal to signage to the town from the throughout Milton Keynes, with new landing points to be created, and will provide a focus for events and community especially from the station area redevelop the Home Bargains A5 to the south and from the involvement which can help to catalyze increased awareness and use of the canal in the Bletchley & Fenny Stratford to the west. The availability of car unit in Queensway – a successful canal, possibly as a brown sign area. Improve waymarking and signs from the canal to Fenny Stratford as part of that. parking was a particular issue. business which attracts shoppers highlighting the area’s hotel and • Need to strengthen the connection between Queensway and the area to the west. Queensway could become a high Petty crime and vandalism of shop to the area – where a change of restaurants as well as the church quality meeting place and should become a key east-west connection, including a new green linear park/ greenway to enhance the environment. Make the area a focus for SMEs, creative and innovation industries, independent businesses. windows was noted in Bletchley use to residential was successfully and car park. • Improve/ exploit internal connections and connectors through the neighbourhoods of the area, linking up open space town centre, with a request for defended on appeal. There is a – helping people to get out and about and enjoy the local area. Improved wayfinding and the introduction of public art improved CCTV to be installed to concern that further development and information about features along routes would help to enliven the spaces. address this.
24 SENYEK_NOTLIM 25 Stage 2: Vision for the area and potential projects and interventions Youth Feedback discounts in a number of shops This stage has seen the analysis together into a SWOT analysis Sub-groups • Promote the area as a future and facilities. The value of this of the feedback from Stage 1 to for each for the 4 themes and a tech hub, building on the The discussion at the Youth A draft vision and set of objectives card to young people, especially inform the development of a Vision number of shared objectives were innovation of the Bletchley Conference revealed that whilst was discussed with each of the in regard to access to affordable and set of strategic objectives for identified for discussion: Park codebreakers some of the young people like sub-groups in advance of the public transport, has also been the Town Deal which form part Bletchley and Fenny Stratford • For the place to thrive and be meeting of the Town Deal Board. • Address the area’s schools highlighted by representatives of the ‘golden thread’ running as they are small and, Bletchley successful, create new jobs Feedback from the sub-groups is current underachievement from MK College in the Place and through the process to identify especially, can be accessed by and provide new opportunities summarised below: through employer-led skills Connectivity sub-group. and prioritise the projects to be bus. Whilst here are some small, for local people training, apprenticeships included in the TIP. Land and Development sub- independent shops and cafes, it Bletchley Park was known to many • To create an attractive and group: • Encourage more cycling and was felt that there were too many of them and they recognised The Towns Fund Further Guidance, safe place, promote quality walking – creating a greener, fast food and charity shops and that it would be great for there June 2020, is clear that TIPs Key ideas for inclusion in the and enhance the built and healthier, more sustainable not enough to do there for young to be more partnership working should set out a vision for the Vision and objectives natural environment place and community people that was affordable. with local schools - the maths town and a strategy that can set • Include a reference Mass competition was mentioned as a the direction for the economic • To revitalise and improve the Economy and Skills sub- The Youth Cabinet has been Rapid Transit/ MK 2050 good example of what could be turnaround of the town. The vision town centres with distinct offers group looking at ways of creating done. should have broad ownership and characters • Address the diverse and more affordable things to do Key ideas for inclusion in the and commitment from a range of disparate nature of the whole around Milton Keynes as a • To be well connected and Vision and objectives stakeholders. area whole and had developed a accessible with an emphasis • The Vision should say more proposal for a youth café, that In setting a vision, regard has on public transport, walking, • Draw out the area’s USP at about where we are and would have local services and been had to existing visions in cycling and a pedestrian the heart of the OxCam Arc where we are going to be, resources on offer and a quiet documents such as the Central friendly environment and opportunities due to rail rather than where we are not space where they could work. A Bletchley Prospectus and the connectivity • To be respectful of local facility in Bletchley town centre made Neighbourhood Plans • It must deliver an elevator assets, cultural life and the • Should the Vision better reflect would be a possibility, given the of the Lake Estate and West pitch proximity of MK College. The Bletchley, as well as to the appeal of the area. the Town Deal themes? • Celebrate the diverse group raised the value of the, feedback from the Stage 1 • To include new development • Emphasise the area’s community & population in now withdrawn, All-In-One card engagement and the Evidence that contributes to the quality locational advantage a the whole area – reference which had provided discounted of Need report. Information from of life of local communities. catalyst for future investment; travel on public transport and all of these sources was drawn the Bletchley Park heritage of people from different
26 SENYEK_NOTLIM 27 backgrounds coming together Place and connectivity sub- Community, Health and Town Deal Board edition of ‘Open Door’, the West As with the evolution of the vision to make a difference and group Wellbeing, Heritage and Bletchley Council newsletter and objectives, wider community The Board considered the draft show the value if having Culture which is delivered to the 9,500 engagement at this stage has Key ideas for inclusion in the Vision and Objectives and a diverse talent pool for households in the parish area. focussed on providing information Vision and objectives Key ideas for inclusion in the outcomes of the sub-group businesses. about the possible projects and Vision and objectives meetings. This led to a further Potential projects and • Reference Mass Rapid how they are being prioritised to • Reflect the SWOT analyses in iteration to reflect the Board interventions Transit/ MK 2050 • Include ‘healthy’ in the Vision produce a short list to be included the objectives to make them members’ views. & objectives - a healthy place Drawn from the responses to the in the TIP. more specific to the area and • Build on the local pride and help to support healthy people With regard to the engagement questionnaire survey, interviews its challenges value of the Bletchley Park approach at this stage for with local stakeholders and the heritage – the area is in the • Address the diverse and • Envisage the future for the the community and wider discussions at the thematic sub- right place between London, disparate nature of the area as a journey, showing stakeholders, this has focussed on groups, a ‘long list’ of potential Oxford & Cambridge then community across the whole how children in the area will informing them of the evolution projects was prepared and and now; connecting diverse area be supported and inspired of the vision and objectives and shared with the Town Board groups/social classes (then) through their educational years • Addressing the skills deficit providing feedback on how the members, sub-groups and who would not otherwise have through to their working life; and underachieving schools outputs from Stage 1 activities, ward councillors. As part of this worked together to improve life chances and especially the questionnaire exercise, the team preparing the • Stress the locational • Address crime (install new health and wellbeing survey, are being used to inform TIP engaged with organisations advantage as a catalyst for CCTV) to create a safe the direction of the TIP. which had identified projects to future investment • Encourage people to play, environment obtain suitable information. The walk & cycle This has been done through • Aim for the formation of a Town Fund project prioritisation • Create spaces in the town information on the new tech hub, building on the • Join up the green spaces tool has been used to deliver centre for events promoting Groundbreaking Bletchley innovation of Bletchley Park for a greener, healthier, a transparent process for the businesses and the diverse & Fenny website and social codebreakers; addressing more sustainable community selection of the projects to go communities media, and through articles on the area’s schools current forwards into the TIP. (or group of connected partners’ websites, especially underachievement through • Encourage more cycling communities) - creating a Milton Keynes Council, the local employer-led skills training and walking – a greener, ‘Green Ring’ around Bletchley Town Councils and Residents and apprenticeships. healthier, more sustainable • Investigate the implementation Associations. An article has also place and community. of Healthy Streets and the 15 been included in the October minute city idea (responding to COVID-19) - daily urban services within a 15 min journey on foot or by bike.
28 SENYEK_NOTLIM 29 Stage 3: Post submission of Future engagement Town Investment Plan activities
Whilst the engagement with broadly the same community Going forward into the medium Stakeholder identification and delivery on-site, will provide Digital communications undertaken leading to the and stakeholders. Whilst there to longer term, resources can be engagement opportunities to involve • Groundbreaking Bletchley production of the TIP is vital to is a risk of ‘consultation fatigue’ made available to support more young people in interactive • Work to identify and engage & Fenny brand and understand the views of the local and potential confusion about the traditional forms of engagement engagement activities in which with the diverse communities website: the website and its community, stakeholders and role and purpose of the different including workshops, meetings they can apply their strengthen and stakeholders across the associate social media pages key partners and using those to activities, they do offer valuable and exhibitions but only if it aligns their skills and knowledge area will continue, building will provide the main source shape the vision for the future of opportunities to share information to Government guidance. to good effect. Similarly, on the contacts that have of information on the Town Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, the and messages to keep people despite efforts to establish Moving into the delivery phase been made. Engagement Deal and what is going on in involvement of these groups in the informed on progress on the contacts with the local Muslim of the Town Deal, the Board will with specific sub-groups of the area. Its content will be development and delivery of the Town Deal. It is expected that community, more work is be supported by a Town Deal stakeholders to provide more maintained and updated to chosen projects is just as important the ‘Groundbreaking Bletchley needed to ensure that all Implementation Group which detailed ‘drilled-down’ insight. both report on progress of the to ensure that they can shape the & Fenny’ website will provide a parts of the diverse population will manage the stakeholder Analysis of the questionnaire bid as well as to report on long term development of their central hub for information about of the area is engaged engagement, marketing and survey responses showed that other related activities, events area. all projects. effectively going forward. communications activities to younger people were under- and news items relevant to The planned engagement The engagement approach has communicate progress to the represented overall. Given • As work on the development the area. The website will approach and activities for Stage been prepared in the context of wider community through the the emphasis on building skills and delivery of projects link to other partners’ web 3 build on those already started the COVID-19 pandemic and ‘Groundbreaking Bletchley & for the future and attracting progresses, more project pages to provide a central in Stages 1 and 2 and aim to associated guidance for social Fenny’ brand. The Group will new investment into the area, specific communications hub of information for the enhance and expand the reach distancing. Over the short term do this alongside its key role engagement with young and engagement activities Town Deal area, including of these activities to the wider going in to 2021, it is anticipated to oversee the development of people will be a key focus will be developed as part to Milton Keynes Council for community. In addition to the Town that restrictions on gatherings detailed business cases and of activity, and we will seek of the project management the emerging Urban Design Deal projects, the preparation and face to face meetings are adopt a programme management to develop closer working approach to identify those Framework SPD for Central of two other documents is likely to continue in some form approach to support the delivery relationships with local schools stakeholders who could add Bletchley and to Bletchley planned for 2020/2021 – the and, as a result, a bespoke of the Towns Fund Investment as well as engaging students specific value to that project, and Fenny Town Council Central Bletchley Urban Design programme of engagement is Programme in addition to at MK College and working as well as ensuring that the for the development of their Framework SPD and the considered to be required, based overseeing the delivery of the with the Youth Cabinet. This wider community are also neighbourhood plan. The Bletchley and Fenny Stratford primarily on a continuation of Town Deal projects and advising next stage of the Town Deal involved. promotion of the website Neighbourhood Plan. The virtual engagement platforms and the Town Deal Board on progress. process including the design and social media will preparation of these documents opinions gathering, with material of projects, development maximise awareness of the will involve a programme of available in physical locations as of business cases and Groundbreaking Bletchley consultation and engagement (and if) appropriate. and Fenny brand and identity.
30 SENYEK_NOTLIM 31 • Partners’ websites and • Online meetings and Printed media Mapping of existing and Town Deal Board sub-groups social media: continuing resources: online resources planned activities in the Town • Printed media will use the • The four sub groups that have and building on the approach to maximise opportunities Deal area Groundbreaking Bletchley been established at Stage at Stages 1 and 2, maximum for people to engage will and Fenny brand to reinforce • Working with the Town Deal 1 will continue to meet to use will be made of the online be developed. This would the identity. Whilst mindful of Board members, especially consider particular themes resources of our partners to encompass a wide range of COVID-19 guidelines, posters, the local councils and Milton and issues, especially as share information as widely engagement and feedback flyers, and printed newsletters Keynes Council, a mapping the projects in the TIP are as possible. To date, this has mechanisms, such as through and consultation survey exercise of activity underway developed and delivered. primarily used the online the use of online surveys forms will be used to raise across the area would The Membership of the sub- presence of Milton Keynes & polls, live/recorded awareness and encourage identify potential partners and groups will be kept under Council, Bletchley & Fenny webinars/broadcasts; the use feedback from those without projects which the Town Deal review, ensuring that the right Stratford Town Council and of inspirational animations access to digital channels. engagement could ‘piggy stakeholders, knowledge and West Bletchley Council as and video clips and online back’ on to raise awareness experience can be pooled well as the local residents interactive sessions with and potentially reach parts of to work through issues, associations in COBRA. whiteboards/feedback the community that may not challenges and opportunities Other Town Board members mechanisms. Face to face activities otherwise engage. for the future. The membership will be encouraged to share Online interactive sessions • When circumstances allow, of the Land and Development information on their own will be advertised through the the engagement approach will sub-group, for example, could websites and encourage Town Deal website as well as make use of more ‘traditional’ be expanded to include partners in their own networks being arranged directly with approaches, including private sector landowners in to do the same. key partners and the sub-groups. workshops, meetings, and the area. • Email: updates and These approaches are useful drop-in sessions, including key messages will be methods to employ when face those that take place at communicated through existing to face approaches such as community events such as the networks, facilitated by exhibitions cannot be used but West Bletchley Carnival and Town Deal Board members; will, in any case, form part of the Fenny Poppers. The use of ward councillors; residents’ the digital first approach to empty shop units for ‘pop-up’ associations and Milton engagement. information sessions can both Keynes Council. bring life and animation to an otherwise blank façade and take information direct to those using the shopping areas.
32 SENYEK_NOTLIM 33 5 Monitoring, feedback and evolving the Stakeholder Engagement Plan
The Town Deal Board will be supported by the Town Deal Implementation Group and the project working group will monitor and evaluate communication and engagement activity in a number of ways in order to measure the impact of the activities and recognise gaps in the chosen approaches:
• By recording variations in • Through the use of digital website hits software tools to measure social media activity and • By recording variations in media coverage the number of local people involved with Town Deal • By developing mechanisms activities that capture the effectiveness of our public engagement • By providing a regular activities. Demographic data Engagement Report to the is being collected from the Town Deal Board online survey and will be • By seeking participant reviewed to understand who feedback on our engagement is responding and whether a initiatives targeted campaign to certain groups is needed to ensure a more diverse response.
34 T 35 Appendix A Membership of the Town Deal Board Terms of Reference
The Bletchley & Fenny Stratford • Charles Macdonald. CEO of Town Deal Board Milton Keynes Development Partnership. • John Cove, Chair of the Board. John is Chairman of • Hilary Chipping. CEO at the Milton Keynes Dons FC Sport South East Midlands Local and Education Trust. Enterprise Partnership. • Councillor Pete Marland. • Denise Wetton. Commercial Leader of Milton Keynes and Business Development Council. Director at Network Rail. • Delia Shephard. Clerk to • Iain Stewart MP. Member of Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Parliament for Milton Keynes Town Council. South. • Helen Hupton. Clerk to West • Catherine Butt. Vicar of St Bletchley Council. Frideswide’s Anglican Church in Water Eaton. • Angie Ravn-Aagaard, Treasurer of the Consortium • Dr Vann Canthaboo, GP at of Bletchley Residents Westfield Road Surgery Associations (COBRA). • Ian Revell. CEO of MK Community Foundation. • Dr Julie Mills OBE. CEO and Group Principal of MK College. • Oliver Mytton. Deputy Director of Public Health at Milton Keynes Council.
36 T 37 Appendix B MK: Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Deal Stakeholder Mapping
Characteristics of the local The total number of residents in the People of an Asian/Asian British area built-up area in 2011 was 37,114 ethnicity made up 7.3% of the of which 18,045 were males and population, of which the largest The population profile of the 19,069 females. sub group was the Bangladeshi Bletchley and Fenny Stratford community at 3.1%. Town Deal area, taken from the Age: 2011 census has been reviewed Black/African/Caribbean/Black The age structure of the population and the following characteristics British people made up 5.3% of the area shows a relatively identified. These characteristics of the total population, of which young demographic: have and will be used to identify 3.5% were African. those groups within the community • 23.9% of the population was Other ethnic groups comprised that might be harder to reach as aged 17 or under 0.4% of the total population. well as to monitor the responses • 8% between 18-24 years to engagement activities to ensure Household language: that they are representative of the • 45.3% between 25-59 years area as a whole. Of the 15,026 households in the • 22.6% aged 60 years or over area, in 91.1% all people aged The Bletchley Built-up area sub over 16 in the household had division Local Area Report • The average age across the English as a main language. (https://www.nomisweb. area was 38.6 years 3.9% of households has at least co.uk/reports/localarea?com- Ethnicity: one member (but not all) with pare=E35000902) has been English as a main language. 1% used for this analysis. Although the With regard to ethnicity, 83.7% of households had no one aged Local Area Report excludes the of the total population of the area 16 or over but did have someone recent development at Newton were White (77.9% of which aged 3-15 with English as a main Leys, that area is include within the were English/Welsh/Scottish/ language. 4% of households had Town Deal focus area. Northern Irish/British). Those no-one with English as a main Figure 1: Bletchley Built-up area sub division, 2011 Census people from a Mixed/multiple language. ethnic group made up 3.4% of the population.
38 SENYEK_NOTLIM 39 Organisation Type Level of Influence Ask or Desired Output
Town Deal Board Owner Key - critical to success Request Board Members’ support for sharing engagement information and material across network
Internal Working Project management Key - critical to success Ongoing sharing of information and contacts Group
Town Board sub groups Technical Important and influential Thematic outputs based on sub group members’ specialist and technical knowledge.
Parish and Town Owner (via Board) Key - critical to success Share information on Town Deal on website and social media Councils Political & Community Assist with sharing written and printed material Provide contact details for local businesses and key stakeholders Ward Councillors Political Important and Influential Share information on Town Deal with their local contacts and networks Provide local insight and views on the Town Deal challenges and potential projects Business Associations Business/ community Important and Influential Share survey and seek feedback from members. and business contacts Willing to engage (take an interest and could Provide local insight and views on the challenges and opportunities facing the local businesses and input to the be advocates) Town Deal process. Young People Community/ target group Important but maybe hard to reach Share information and survey to Youth Cabinet and local schools and MK College
Residents Associations Community Wiling to engage (take an interest and could Request support in sharing information with members and encouraging participation be advocates)
Faith Groups Community Willing to engage but maybe hard to reach Request support in sharing information with members and encouraging participation
VCS groups Community Willing to engage (take an interest and could Request support in sharing information with members and encouraging participation. be advocates) Community Action to share in weekly newsletter and on social media Arts and Culture Community Willing to engage (take an interest and could Contribute insight and views on culture and the arts; be advocates) Contribution to sub group Health & Wellbeing Community Willing to engage (take an interest and could Seek input on projects and interventions be advocates)
40 SENYEK_NOTLIM 41 Appendix C Questionnaire Survey analysis
The questionnaire was developed The following analysis is based Question 1: What do you like Question 2: What, if anything, shop units and the prevalence of The responses to Question 3 on the SurveyMonkey platform on the responses received as about Bletchley and Fenny is holding your community charity shops/ lack of diversity echo the strengths and challenges and launched on 21st August, at 10th October, 2020. The Stratford? back? on the retail offer. The word cloud identified in Questions 1 and 2 2020. The survey remained responses to Questions 1-3 highlights these concerns and above. Improvements to Bletchley The word cloud highlights the What are the issues and open until the end of October have been summarised under the those around parking; the lack of town centre are a key area for frequency of key words in the challenges? We are particularly 2020 in order to capture as themes of Urban Regeneration, jobs and the need for investment future investment; as is improved responses and shows the value interested in how the funding can many comments as possible. Planning and Land Use; Skills in the area. public transport and the need that people place on the area’s be used to address things such as Comments received up to the and Enterprise; Connectivity; for better connections to the history, especially the connection a lack of jobs, skills and training, start of October have been used and Culture and Heritage in Milton Keynes redway system. to Bletchley Park; the sense of limited digital and transport to inform the development of the Section 4 of the main Stakeholder Question 3: What investment Encouraging new businesses community; the local parks, connections; the quality of the vision and objectives for the Town Engagement Plan. do you feel would make the and supporting existing ones is green spaces and the canal; the local environment and the health Deal area as well as the priorities biggest difference to your important to many respondents as character of the area and the and wellbeing of the community. for investment and potential community? is improving connection between ‘small town’ feel of the area. projects. Comments received Many of the responses to the train station and the town The Town Deal money could be during October still help to inform this question focussed on the centre. invested in a number of ways, the post-bid work to develop the challenges facing Bletchley town such as better public transport, projects. centre, with concerns raised improvements to the town centres, about the poor quality and The survey responses will also faster broadband, improved run-down feel of the town centre be used to provide background facilities for businesses. Tell us environment including litter; empty information for the preparation of what you think is most important. the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Neighbourhood Plan Issues and Options stage, as well as other documents such as the Central Bletchley Urban Design Framework SPD.
42 SENYEK_NOTLIM 43 Question 4: What should the Improving transport links: Town Deal bid focus on in the Better links between the rail station areas set by Government? and bus services in Bletchley and The Government set out some Fenny Stratford were important, as themes which the Towns Fund was the need to improve access should focus on. What do you to redways and safe cycle routes think could be done to improve in the area. Bletchley and Fenny Stratford? The need to change buses in Respondents were able to select order to travel across Bletchley more than one theme, and were was highlighted as a problem able to provide written comments which increases the length of against each one. Of the 5 journeys. themes, the largest number of responses were for improving the place and local environment. Creating more and better jobs: Attracting new businesses to Improving the place and local the area was important but environment there was a need to up-skill Aligning with the responses local people alongside this to to Questions 1-3 above, the enable them to take advantage comments emphasise the need of new opportunities. Whilst to improve the appearance of some respondents commented Bletchley town centre in particular, on the need to encourage new in order to make it attractive for retail businesses to the town visitors and investors. centres, others considered that the area should be seeking to attract investment from new sectors, including green and creative industries, that could be encouraged to move into the area from London, due to the excellent rail connections.
44 SENYEK_NOTLIM 45 Improving skills: Question 5: How often do you visit Bletchley or Fenny Providing opportunities for local Stratford? people to develop new skills ad to retrain was important to some, The responses show a difference with MK College see as having between Bletchley and Fenny a key role to play in improving Stratford town centres in terms access to employment based of the frequency of visits. For skills. The role of community- Bletchley, there is a fairly even based training skills like job clubs, split between those people using community skill share projects and it on a daily, many times a week youth clubs was highlighted by a and weekly basis, whereas visits number of respondents as was the to Fenny Stratford tend more value of adult education classes. towards weekly, monthly or a few times a year.
Improving digital connectivity: Question 6: Why do you visit?
Overall, the area was considered working from home in response to afford access to broadband For Bletchley, the main reasons for to have good broadband speeds, to the COVID-19 measures has or the equipment to access the visiting the area are to access the likely due to the recent investment highlighted issues with broadband internet – the provision of internet railway station and for shopping, in fibre to the premises by City speeds still need to be improved. cafes or places to access the with a close relationship between Fibre across Milton Keyes as An important issue highlighted internet and training was seen as other reasons including those a whole. There remain some was the need to address digital a way forward to address this. people who live and work there areas where the fibre roll-out poverty, where people are unable and those using other local needs to be completed, and services, visiting friends and using leisure facilities. In Fenny Stratford, the highest proportion of those responding were passing through the area, with visiting cafes and bars being the next most popular reason.
46 SENYEK_NOTLIM 47 Question 7: What could Section 3 of the survey encourage you to come to the asked questions about the town centres more often? respondents’ age, gender and ethnicity. Respondents were asked to tick all that apply from the following list of Question 8: How old are you? reasons: The majority of responses came • A more attractive environment from the older age groups. More targeted approaches to • Better walking and cycling younger people, for example access through the local schools and • More community facilities, MK College students should such as a meeting place or be undertaken to engage this community centre section of the local community who have a vital role to play in the • More leisure and cultural area’s future prosperity. The next facilities, such as restaurants or stage of the Town Deal process street events including the design of projects, • More professional and development of business cases employment opportunities and delivery on-site, provide opportunities to involve young • Other people in interactive engagement A more attractive environment activities in which they can apply was the most popular intervention their strengthen their skills and that would encourage people to knowledge to good effect. visit the town centre more often. This aligns with the responses to earlier questions where the Question 9: What is your responses highlighted concerns In response to the ‘Other’ option, gender? with the quality of the town residents were asked to specify a More responses came from centre environment, especially reason. Reasons given include a females than males. in Bletchley. More leisure and greater range of shops including cultural activities as the next a regular market and events; more most popular reason with better and better controlled car parking walking and cycling access to the and making more of the area’s town centres third. heritage.
48 SENYEK_NOTLIM 49 Question 10: what race/ Question 11: Please tell us ethnicity best describes you? your postcode Despite attempts to establish Of the 299 responses to this contacts with the local Muslim question, 279 came from the community, more work is needed postcodes MK2 and MK3 to ensure that all parts of the which cover the majority of the diverse population of the area residential areas of the Town Deal is engaged more fully going area. forward. Making use of existing contacts across Milton Keynes Council such as in relation to the recently published report: “Rethinking Cultural Inclusion and Diversity: A Call to Action for Milton Keynes”, by the Arts and Heritage Alliance Milton Keynes (AHA-MK) (September 2020) may provide connections into the local communities in Bletchley and Fenny Stratford.
50 T Appendix D Membership of Sub-groups
Land and Development: Place and Connectivity: Community, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage & The sub-group brings together • Liana Sinclair, Estates, MK • Sophie Lloyd, Strategic Lead The sub-group comprises partners be given to expanding the group’s Culture: key partners for development and College – Economy and Policy, Milton from the Council’s placemaking membership to include someone placemaking, including Council Keynes Council team alongside those with an with knowledge of this latter point. The group’s current membership • Paul Hammond, Area officers with roles in planning, interest in connectivity locally. has a strong focus on heritage, Manager, MK Land & Tariff, • Dr Julie Mills, Principal, MK • Paul Hammond, MK Land & culture and placemaking. Milton The involvement of Network Rail culture and health. Representatives Milton Keynes Council College Tariff, Milton Keynes Council Keynes Development Partnership means that work at Bletchley from the local voluntary and provides valuable skills and in • Neil Sainsbury, Head of • Yvette Lamidey, Chair of MK railway station, in association with • Jack Pickering, Network Rail community sector is lacking terms of land assembly, promoting Placemaking, Milton Keynes Business Council; area lead East-West Rail is represented. MK although this is recognised and • Craig Broadbent, MK Cycle development and delivering social Council for the Federation of Small College have a particular interest work is underway to address this. Forum and economic value; whilst MK Businesses (FSB) in the Thames in local travel as it impacts the Economy and Skills: • Oliver Mytton, Deputy College is a key partner in terms Valley and SEMLEP Board ability of their students to access • Lee Parker, MK College Director of Public Health, of both use and development of The sub-group’s current Member courses of choice and is a factor • Neil Westerby, local business Milton Keynes Council land in the Town Deal area and membership brings together the in student drop-out rates. Given • Paul Thompson, Employment & owner, Bletchley the delivery of skills and support Council’s Economic Development the limited access to cycle routes • Iain Standen, CEO Bletchley Skills Manager, SEMLEP for enterprise. As discussed in Inward Investment lead, alongside and the Milton Keynes redway Park Trust the body of the Stakeholder skills provider, MK College • Jerry Taylor, Managing system, the representative from the • Shane Downer, Heritage and Engagement Plan, the membership and strategic employment and Director, WSA – The Cycle Forum provides valuable International Partnerships, of the group would benefit from skills support from SEMLEP. Communications Agency insight on potential routes, whilst Milton Keynes Council the addition of a representative(s) The MK Business Council and (local business) the local business representative from private sector landowners/ Federation of Small Businesses are is able to share his experience • John Best, Arts Gateway; • Martyn Smith, Programme investors in the area. represented and provides access and that of his fellow traders. Canalside Forum and Bedford Manager, Milton Keynes Digital connectivity in the area • Tracy Darke, Service Director to those networks. The addition of to MK Waterway Trust Council is generally good due to recent of Growth Economy and Jerry Taylor to the membership has work by CityFibre; there is, • Deborah Cooper, MK Cycle Culture, Milton Keynes provided a valuable perspective however, an issue with regard Forum Council from the local business sector. A potential addition to the to people’s inability to access • Tim Roxburgh, Special Projects membership of this group could broadband due to poverty and a Director, Milton Keynes be a representative from a lack of skills. Consideration should Development Partnership local social enterprise company providing training and support for young people.
52 SENYEK_NOTLIM 53 Document produced by Milton Keynes Council on behalf of the Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Towns Fund Board with support from: