centre:mk is proving to be a fantastic example of how sustainable initiatives and responsible practices are helping to shape the future of the retail industry.
At the heart of Milton Keynes, the Grade 2 listed building covering 1.3 million square feet has an ambitious target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035. Rated as one of the top performing schemes in the country, centre:mk is already rated 5* by GRESB and very good for BREAM in use.
As part of the centre:mk’s Little Things campaign, centre:mk are putting the spotlight on how customers can get involved and support the circular economy, by designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems.
This weekend it welcomes the huge “Second Life’ preloved fashion pop-up event to centre:mk. This fast-growing second life fashion business, runs pop-up events across the country, selling high quality secondhand garments with over 500,000 items resold rather than going to landfill since 2021.
At the same time, centre:mk will be highlighting a range of retail and leisure operator initiatives that seek to reuse, repair and recycle items, such as John Lewis and Partner’s Fashion Cycle scheme and the clothing donation point in Primark. Many beauty retailers including H beauty, Boots and Superdrug have collection points to recycle beauty product and makeup packaging, which can be harder to recycle at home.
Centre:mk will also be highlighting everyday activities that the centre team complete in order to reduce the use of natural resources. Initiatives include the UK’s first carbon neutralizing roof, recycling 1350 tonnes of waste, 22% of which is converted into renewable energy and 10 tonnes of coffee grounds from the coffee shops which is used as fertilizer for the beautiful plants and landscaping in the malls.
Kevin Duffy, Centre Director said, “We’re really excited to be holding this event. It’s important that we all play our part in making the world a more sustainable place, and hosting events such as this which promotes the circular economy, fits perfectly with our own sustainability initiatives, and also gives our retailers a platform to talk about the range things they are doing to address environmental issues and sustainability within their own businesses. If our customers can take advantage of one initiative for the first time it will all help in making a difference.”
The ‘second life’ event will include sportswear, dresses, t-shirts, denim, streetwear, jackets and much more, in a full range of sizes. The ‘Gold’ area at the event will also feature a range of designer brands, with individually priced pieces offering brilliant value.
Tickets for the ‘Second Life’ event in Middleton Hall are available on Eventbrite although you can walk in on the day and will be open from 9am till 8pm on Friday 24th February, 9am till 7pm on Saturday and 11am till 5pm on Sunday.