Milton Keynes Leads the Way as UK’s First ‘Purple City’ Championing Disability Inclusion

Milton Keynes will make history on Tuesday 12 November as the city unites to become the UK’s first ‘Purple City’ – a major step towards championing accessibility and inclusivity. In collaboration with MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District (MyMK BID) and in celebration of Purple Tuesday, centre:mk, Midsummer Place, and other city centre businesses will participate in this city-wide initiative to enhance access and inclusivity for people with disabilities.

The initiative forms part of Purple Tuesday, a global movement across 30 countries that focuses on improving customer experiences for disabled individuals and their families. Milton Keynes’ efforts extend beyond the day itself, as MyMK BID launches substantial long-term projects, including Purple 365 and a strategic partnership with AccessAble, which will embed accessibility improvements in the city.

MyMK BID has committed to funding Purple 365, a year-long accessibility training programme offered to BID businesses. Delivered via the Purple Tuesday platform, it will include monthly webinars and resources designed to equip staff across the city with skills to provide an exemplary service for customers with disabilities.

In addition, MyMK BID’s partnership with AccessAble will commission a comprehensive accessibility survey of the city centre. Findings will contribute to the creation of detailed Access Guides for key areas in Milton Keynes, including Xscape, The Hub, Station Square, centre:mk, and Midsummer Place. These guides will highlight critical accessibility features, such as Changing Places toilets, accessible parking, and pedestrian-friendly crossings. Updated annually, they will be available on the mymk.cc website, giving residents and visitors reliable and up-to-date information to navigate the city according to their accessibility needs.

As part of the celebration, iconic buildings across Milton Keynes will light up in purple, signalling the city’s dedication to accessibility. These include Milton Keynes Theatre, Hotel La Tour, 12th Street, Xscape, Unity Place, and centre:mk. Local businesses and organisations will host pop-up displays throughout centre and Midsummer Place, showcasing services for people with disabilities. Highlights include PACA (Parents and Carers Alliance MK), HK Hair and Wellness, Spectrum Place and the Umbrella Project, The Parks Trust, Camphill MK, Medical Detection Dogs, MK Theatre, and Cineworld.

Kim Priest, Head of Marketing at centre:mk, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Purple Tuesday and make Milton Keynes the UK’s first ‘Purple City’. By collaborating with local businesses and organisations, we’re actively improving the experience for people with disabilities in our community, bringing together resources and information year-round. This is more than a one-day event; it’s part of our commitment to building a truly inclusive city for everyone.”

Charlotte Pearson, Marketing Director for MyMK BID, added, “Milton Keynes has always been a ‘City of the Future’, and that future must be accessible to all. Through our Purple 365 programme and AccessAble partnership, MyMK BID is dedicated to making Milton Keynes City Centre a welcoming, supportive place. This year’s initiatives are the first steps in a long-term journey towards creating a city where everyone can fully participate and feel at home.”

For further details on Purple Tuesday activities in Milton Keynes, visit https://mymk.cc/events/purple-tuesday