Interview with John Walker (b.1948).
John Walker came to Milton keynes in in 1975 to work in the Planning Department of Milton Keynes Development Corporation on economic development and policy analysis. He describes his work at MKDC; in 1980 he became Planning Director ‘responsible for strategic planning of Milton Keynes and also market research, transport and media relations along the way’. For the last five years of MKDC (1987 to 1992) he was Deputy General Manager to Frank Henshaw, with Bob Hill; he then became Chief Executive of Commission for the New Towns (CNT).
First impressions of Milton Keynes when staying with a friend: ‘The excitement of working here was apparent … I was immediately attracted to it.’ He talks of the inspiring vision of MK and the influence of the pioneering spirit. He remembers the effect of political changes on planning, and talks of the importance of MK becoming a mixed community, and innovations such as shared ownership housing. Remembering colleagues at MKDC he recalls: ‘The camaraderie of the team, the focus on a truly inspirational mission were some of the great things.’ In his opinion, the main weaknesses were public transport and local centres. Nevertheless he says: ‘I think it’s a huge success … What really symbolises MK is … the attitude and the spirit of creativity, enterprise.’
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