Architects unveil ‘ambitious vision’ to turn Centre:MK rooftop into elevated greenway like urban landmarks in New York and Rotterdam

Dubbed ‘Rooftop:MK’ the project – which has been compared New York’s elevated greenway known as the ‘Highline’ and a neon pink staircase feature in Rotterdam - aims to promote Milton Keynes’ as a world-class city.

Benchmark Architects, which has an office in Milton Keynes, is behind the plan.

The company explains the concept was inspired by innovative design solutions for public spaces such as the Highline and staircase podiums in Rotterdam.

It says the city should have ‘equally ambitious visions’ for its future.

The proposed roofscape would occupy two of the 16 blocks of Milton Keynes’ city centre urban grid. The site sits adjacent to the central connection of Milton Keynes train station through to Campbell Park, which according to a report, is an ideal opportunity for an alternative elevated pedestrian route through the core of the city.

The route would be dotted with public green spaces, while the rooftop would also offer an open platform opportunity for small businesses to operate. This could include sports facilities, markets, entertainment spaces and public amenities.

As well as the environmental benefits of the greenway, the company wants to introduce community allotments to bring people together. They say the produce could potentially be sold via rooftop markets.

The allotments would also serve as a base for rainwater harvesting while further ambitious proposals suggest the use of solar panels and wind turbines to generate clean energy, meaning the area would be self-sufficient. The rainwater would provide for the new toilet facilities, as well as irrigation for the allotments and green roofs.

According to the report, the company believes the new attraction could bring in more than one million visitors a year, based on a five per cent increase on current annual visitors to the shopping centre, meaning the attraction would, in time, invest money back into the city.

Managing director Mark Doohan said: “Rooftop:MK is a creative study and innovative concept for the next step in Milton Keynes’ development as a leading city of the future with sustainability, design and well-being at its core.”