Once a much loved scene in Milton Keynes, Bar Central was a venue that catered for every alternative lover. It provided an atmosphere that has been missing in Milton Keynes since its closure in October 2004, and we believe that time has come to change this. To coin a phrase, the Big Society is starting to get pretty big. Social networking took Rage Against The Machine to Christmas No 1, Zopa is a
market force with its offerings of personal loans fronted by everyday people, and co-operative enterprises have been on the rise with communities taking control of their local assets - including pubs. The unit where Bar Central resided has remained unused since its closure. Punch, the letting agents, inform us that the unit remains in all around good condition and is still available to let. The Food Court, housing Bar Central, is subject to redevelopment, and current plans would suggest that it has another 5 years of life remaining, after this, Bar Central will be no more. Bar Central was an incredible venue made by the people that frequented it, the only people that could stand a chance of bringing it back are ourselves. A co-operative, a joint investment, could be the beginnings of the backing needed to re-open Bar Central. Hudswell village formed a co-operative in February 2010 to buy their local pub. With the support of local companies and organisations, 77 residents each chipped in a minimum stake of £500 to get it back on its feet. £500 is a lot of money for the demographic that Bar Central would typically attract, but MK is not a small village like Hudswell - 770 people (for example) might achieve the same with just a £50 minimum stake. A co-operative would give us all joint ownership and control of the once great BC. This page exists in order to drum up as much support as possible, in preparation for the launch of a co-operative in 2012. We hope that you can give your support to your Bar Central.
