Interview with Jock Campbell Part 1

Jock Campbell recalls that his appointment to be Chairman of MKDC Board was ‘… a marvellous job to be offered. …simply a great challenge.’ He recalls his preparation for the role and his determination to ‘go for excellence in Milton Keynes’. Talking of his staff, he considers that: ‘Milton Keynes’ success is due to three, quite exceptional, General Managers, all at the right time, in the right place and pointing in the right direction’: Walter Ismay, Fred Roche and Frank Henshaw. During the interview, Jock discusses his reasons for appointing all three of these General Managers, and the varied skills they brought to the task in each case.

His first task was to write the brief for the planners; there were detailed goal seminars, with representatives from local Councils and other stakeholders, to discuss the principles for development (particularly in transport and housing). Jock was determined that the plan for MK should have flexibility, to keep options open during development. MKDC Board discussions included the proposal for the Open University, the proposal for an airport at Cublington, bringing industry to MK, and the inclusion of a comprehensive social development policy. As an experienced Chairman, he says he always aimed for consensus at meetings. Once the interim plan was drawn up, he attended all the public meetings, wanting to inform local people honestly about the effect of development. Once the Master Plan was finalised, MKDC staffing was built up gradually; Jock describes changes in the management team as development began to grow. Jock himself spent quite a lot of time in Whitehall, lobbying and discussing plans with civil servants. In his opinion, on the whole they had good relationships with the Department of Environment. He also discusses many aspects of MK’s development. (Continued in MKP/045/02)