It’s been just over a year since Unity Place fully opened its doors, and already it’s transforming how people think about business, community and connection in Milton Keynes.
Sitting directly opposite Station Square and just steps from the train station, Unity Place isn’t simply a building – it’s a statement. A bold architectural landmark designed as a gateway to the city, where collaboration, vibrancy and community are built into every corner.
Whether you’re visiting for an event, exploring its dynamic spaces, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Unity Place is a destination that welcomes everyone.
This is no ordinary business hub. Unity Place plays a vital role on the national stage, but it’s equally focused on creating a destination for businesses and the local community alike. At its core, Unity Place is home to a dedicated conference and events centre offering a diverse range of high-spec, flexible spaces designed to host everything from major industry conferences and hybrid events to intimate client meetings and social gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a leadership retreat, an industry conference or a hybrid event, Unity Place has been purpose-built to meet the evolving needs of modern business. In addition to this is 6,500 square metres of co-working space managed by x+why, providing flexible work environments for start-ups, creatives and large businesses alike.
With rooftop lounges, a tech-enabled auditorium, the buzzing Urban Food Market, and cultural programming that brings the space to life, Unity Place offers far more than the typical event venue. It’s where modern working life blends seamlessly with leisure, creativity, and connection – right in the heart of Milton Keynes. In this article, Dave Morgan, Venue Director for Unity Place explains more.
Unity Place describes itself as more than just a venue. What makes it stand out in the events space? It’s all about the experience. When we opened Unity Place, we didn’t want to replicate the typical conference centre model. Instead, we created a destination – a space that energises and inspires people the moment they walk through the door.
For conference and event needs, we provide a fully integrated experience: a 300-seat tech-enabled auditorium, beautifully designed event rooms that can host between 50 and 150 delegates, and truly unique spaces like the Urban Food Market, which can be transformed to accommodate up to 400 people for exhibitions or large gatherings.
For more informal or social events, there’s the Unity Sky Lounge rooftop bar with incredible views of the Milton Keynes skyline, and Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar, offering an intimate mezzanine space ideal for private dining or client events.
The beauty of Unity Place is that it’s completely flexible. Whether it’s a leadership summit, a networking event, or a summer rooftop gathering, the spaces adapt to your needs – not the other way around.
How important is technology in shaping that experience?
It’s absolutely fundamental. Modern businesses expect seamless technology, and we’ve invested heavily to make sure that’s exactly what they get. We have ultrafast Wi-Fi 6 from BT throughout the building, AV-ready rooms with large digital screens, integrated Renkus Heinz sound systems, wireless connectivity and full Zoom and Teams integration.
Our spaces are designed to make hybrid events easy – whether you’re hosting a product launch, a panel discussion or a live-streamed keynote. And beyond the tech itself, we have a dedicated on-site support team to make sure everything runs smoothly. When you book an event at Unity Place, you’re not just getting a space – you’re getting a partner who will help you deliver a flawless experience.
There’s a growing emphasis on creating inclusive events – how is Unity Place embracing this shift? Inclusivity is a top priority for us, and we take a very proactive, hands-on approach to ensure our events are welcoming and accessible to all. A great example is a recent event we hosted for a client focused on supporting neurodiverse employees. We worked closely with them to understand what adjustments were needed – whether that meant creating quiet spaces, adjusting lighting and sound, or rethinking how information was presented, to ensure every attendee felt comfortable and supported.
That level of personalisation is something we’re really proud of. As the needs of businesses and their people evolve, we’re committed to staying agile and making sure Unity Place remains a space where everyone feels welcome.
Sustainability is clearly a big part of the conversation around events today. How does Unity Place support businesses with their environmental goals?
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought here; it’s built into the DNA of the building. Unity Place is powered by more than 400 solar panels and air-sourced heat pumps, and we have rainwater harvesting systems and closed-loop recycling in place throughout.
Our food and beverage partners also play a big role. They prioritise local sourcing and sustainable packaging, and we avoid the typical buffet lunch model. Instead, we offer a vibrant street food-style Urban Market with global cuisine, the acclaimed Dipna Anand restaurant serving ethically sourced dishes, and sustainable coffee kiosks and grab-and-go options.
So, when businesses choose to hold events here, they’re not just getting a fantastic venue – they’re actively aligning their brand with real, meaningful sustainability practices.
Unity Place puts a strong emphasis on wellbeing. How does that translate into the events offering? Wellbeing is central to everything we do. The building itself has been designed with this in mind, from biophilic design elements that bring natural light and greenery into our spaces, to eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems that create a healthier environment for everyone who uses them.
For event attendees, that translates into spaces that don’t just function well, they feel good to be in. Whether it’s a leadership retreat in a calming, thoughtfully designed space or a lively social event on the rooftop with views over the city, we want every experience here to leave people feeling recharged and inspired.
What’s next for Unity Place as you move into your second year?
We’re excited to keep building on the momentum. There’s such a real need now for spaces where people can come together, especially as so many teams work remotely or in hybrid environments. Unity Place is perfectly positioned for that.
We’ll continue to grow our events programme, from major conferences and industry gatherings to more community-led experiences. You’ll see more of our Unity Live Lounge sessions bringing great live music to the city, our Quiz Nights offering fun ways for colleagues and friends to connect, and creative events like Sip & Paint, continuing to inspire people to try something new.
Whether you’re bringing colleagues together for a big business announcement, meeting friends for drinks at sunset on the rooftop, or enjoying a family-friendly film screening during the holidays, Unity Place is here to bring people together, and to make every experience one to remember.
Visit their website to find out more about what’s on at Unity Place.
