Morning, MK 👋
Welcome to the very first Loop MK.
Every Thursday, we'll round up the things happening around Milton Keynes that are actually worth knowing about: new openings, things to do, places to try and the local stories that matter.
In today’s Loop:
🏙️ Big plans: Could MK’s old bus station become a new arena?
🍦 Closing: Last scoops for a Stony Stratford favourite
🍺 What’s on: Oktoberfest, 1940s Bletchley, indie books and more
Let’s get into it.
IN THE LOOP
Could MK’s old bus station become a new arena?
One of Central Milton Keynes’ most recognisable buildings could be in line for a major new use.
A new pre-application proposes turning the old bus station opposite MK Central into a multi-use arena of around 12,000 sq m.
The plans include extending and altering the Grade II-listed building, with space for community, retail and commercial uses alongside new landscaping and public areas.
It’s still very early. This is a pre-application enquiry, not a full planning application, and nothing has been approved.
But it gives us the clearest indication yet of what could be planned for a building that has been part of Station Square since the early 1980s.
Last scoops for Great Gelato
If you’ve been meaning to make another trip to Great Gelato, this is your last weekend.
The family-run Stony Stratford gelateria will close its High Street shop on Sunday 27 September, bringing more than four years at the site to an end.
Owners Ethan and Joanna have thanked customers for their support, but it might not be the end of the story.
They’ve hinted that a “new chapter” is coming and say they’ll share more soon.
For now, Sunday is your last chance to stop by for one final scoop.
Wetherspoon has moved a step closer to returning to The Secklow Hundred
JD Wetherspoon applied for a new premises licence for its former Secklow Hundred pub on Midsummer Boulevard earlier this summer.
The council has now published its decision, confirming the licence was approved last month.
The licence allows alcohol sales until 2am Sunday to Thursday and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, along with late-night food and entertainment.
There’s still no reopening date, and the licence doesn’t guarantee the pub will return, but it’s the clearest sign yet that Wetherspoon has plans for the old Secklow.
We’ll keep an eye on it.
QUICK LOOP
🥩 A new steakhouse has opened in Stony Stratford
Chapel Chophouse & Bar has opened inside the former Calcutta Brasserie chapel, with British steaks, cocktails, booth seating and live entertainment.
☕ Starbucks opens at Stadium MK tomorrow
A new Starbucks opens at Stadium MK on Friday 25 September. There’s a launch-day giveaway too. The first 30 customers who make a purchase and say “I saw you on MKFM” will get a Barista Bear, with another 150 goody bags available.
🎧 Unit Nine is trying pay-what-you-like tickets
Independent venue Unit Nine is trying something different for its 2 October drum and bass night, with Sub Zero, Upgrade and Toxinate on the bill. You choose what you pay on the night, including nothing at all. You’ll still need to claim a ticket in advance.
♨️ MK’s low-carbon heat network gets the green light
The Civic offices, Central Library and Woughton Leisure Centre are set to connect to a new heat network using energy that would otherwise go to waste. The £4.35m project could eventually form the basis of a wider network supplying homes and businesses too.
🛍️ Urban Outfitters is coming to MK
Milton Keynes is getting its first Urban Outfitters, with a new store currently being built at Midsummer Place. The retailer is already recruiting for the site at 67 Midsummer Place, although there’s no confirmed opening date yet.
WHAT’S ON
🍺 Stony Stratford Oktoberfest
SAT 26 SEP · 2–10PM · YORK HOUSE · FROM £5
Oktoberfest lager, craft beer, real ale, live Oompah music, street food and fresh pretzels take over York House for the afternoon and evening.
Kids are welcome until 7pm and go free.
🥖 Piccolina Bakery pop-up
SAT 26 SEP · 10AM–2PM · MOLLY’S PANTRY, BLETCHLEY
Local micro-bakery Piccolina is popping up at Molly’s Pantry with handmade sourdough, focaccia and sweet bakes.
Everything is made locally in small batches, so getting there earlier might be wise.
🕵️ Bletchley Park 1940s Weekend
SAT 26–SUN 27 SEP · BLETCHLEY PARK · INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION
Bletchley Park goes back to the 1940s for two days of live music, swing dancing, wartime characters, codebreaking activities and vintage stalls.
Dressing up is encouraged, but not compulsory.
📚 MK Indie Book Fair
SAT 26 SEP · 10:30AM–5PM · MIDDLETON HALL · FREE
Around 100 independent authors and small presses take over centre, covering crime, fantasy, children’s books, memoir, sci-fi and more.
There’ll also be readings, talks and activities for children.
🥧 Waitress
UNTIL SAT 26 SEP · MILTON KEYNES THEATRE · TICKETED
The hit musical Waitress is in MK until Saturday, with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles.
There are performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday if you haven’t caught it yet.
🐕 Woof Walk
SAT 26 SEP · 10AM · FLOODPLAIN FOREST · £1 PER DOG
A ranger-led 2 to 3 mile walk through Floodplain Forest for dogs and their humans.
Dogs need to be over six months old and stay on the lead throughout. Booking is essential.
🎨 Free kids’ craft club
SAT 26 SEP · 11AM–4PM · CENTRE · FREE
This month’s Bright Ideas Kids Club is getting autumnal, with children making their own scarecrow puppets or masks.
You’ll find it by Door 1, outside the M&S Food Hall.
💃 MK Motion Festival
SUN 27 SEP · 12–4:30PM · MIDDLETON HALL · FREE
A free afternoon of dance at centre, with professional performances alongside a community stage featuring young dancers from around Milton Keynes.
🛍️ Something Different Market
SAT 26 SEP · 1–4PM · KENTS HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE · FREE
A local market bringing together small independent businesses selling handmade jewellery, crafts, gifts and a few things you probably won’t find on the high street.
THAT’S YOUR LOOP
That’s your Loop for this week.
Know about a new opening, hidden gem, local story or event we should know about?
Hit reply and tell us.
And if you know someone who’s always asking what’s happening in MK, forward this email to them.
See you next Thursday,
Jake
Loop MK
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