The city centre of Milton Keynes is a mecca for street sports because of the modernist infrastructure and is widely regarded as one of the top five cities in the world for street skating.

Damage caused to areas in the city was becoming a concern and pressure was being placed on Thames Valley Police to act to deter street sports participants from practising their sports and causing nuisance and damage.

It also became clear that street sports enthusiasts were also concerned about the levels of damage and were keen to see them enhanced and protected.

The SK8MK initiative was undertaken to devise a long-term design and management solution to areas of 'conflict'; to recognise that there is more about 'street sports' than unintended side effects.

Milton Keynes embarked on a massive consensus building exercise involving all sectors of the community to find a permanent, managed solution to harness the energy of street sports while dealing with the concerns of other users, such as elderly pedestrians.

The "Buszy" opened in March 2005 and has been inundated by street sport enthusiasts who have praised the design and construction as one of the finest facilities in the world.

The consultation process involved a wide range of people including Councillors, Thames Valley Police, Youth Service, businesses and skateboarders to determine the extent of feelings about the issues surrounding street sports in the city centre.

It was decided a consensus-building event would be necessary to allow all parties a full expression of their strongly held views. The event was a success highlighting a number of key areas to be examined in more depth.

A brand was established 'SK8MK' and was instrumental in holding the process together. Research findings from workshops and questionnaires helped to develop a street based design.

Over 140 people participated in workshops and over 300 questionnaires were received from a wide cross section of the public. SK8MK has achieved £130,000 of funding for the construction of The Buszy.

SK8MK successfully involved young and older members of the streets sports community with the design of dedicated facilities in consultation with local land owners. As part of the process young street sports enthusiasts have become empowered to affect change and engage in the democratic process.

Street sports community – young and old.

Funding was obtained from the joint venture for Central Milton Keynes a partnership between Milton Keynes Council and English Partnerships; additional funding was sourced via a grant from EBMK.

Milton Keynes Council
Phone: +44 01908 252270
info@milton-keynes.gov.uk

/10/2002

case

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing quality

Housing design & standards