Milton Keynes at 50: The making of a new town

  • Video report by ITV News Anglia's Stuart Leithes

Famous for its concrete cows and roundabouts, Milton Keynes is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The project to build a ‘new town’ in Buckinghamshire to relieve a housing shortage in London began on 23 January 1967.

The then housing minister Anthony Greenwood granted permission to transform 8,850 hectares of farmland and undeveloped villages into a town of 250,000 people.

In five decades, it has changed beyond recognition.

MK - as it is known to locals - is now used as a model for cities around the world.

The original village is now found just off one of the roads that form a grid system - a town plan that is unique in the UK.

The road network was built in the 1970s - and Milton Keynes has become known for its high number of roundabouts.

Architectural artist Helmut Jacoby's 1970s drawing of how the 'new town' would look in the 1990s.

The Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes, who grew up in the town, takes pride its unique identity.

Cllr David Hopkins believes those who live there have "nothing to be ashamed of".

Milton Keynes is bidding to become the European City of Cultures in 2023. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Milton Keynes Council is now looking ahead to the next half century.

They recently created the MKFutures 2050 commission to decide what the borough needs to ensure future prosperity.

It is also in the running to become the European City of Culture in 2023.

MKFutures 2050 commission has been launched to decide what is needed next for the borough. Credit: Milton Keynes Council

In 1967 the plan for a new town called Milton Keynes was innovative and ambitious.

Now they want to map out a road ahead that continues to follow a futuristic route.