use of the "Fastrack" go-karting arena (the third and final unit on the site), creating a 9,000 capacity multi-arena dance venue, one of the largest of its kind in the country. Regulation The close association of rave with drug culture resulted in the public entertainment licence of The Sanctuary being challenged several times. Generally the local council were supportive as were Thames Valley Police, with the owner working alongside the authorities introducing harm minimisation for "ravers" (including drinking water fountains and on-site paramedic teams with private ambulances) but with parallel strong policing trying to prevent the sale of illegal substances within the venue. In 1997, through a police challenge to The Sanctuary licence, the owner sought the assistance of the then MP for Milton Keynes South Dr. Phyllis Starkey, bringing to the attention of the MP the issues of licensing and in particular, the need for regulated door and event security ("bouncers"). This subsequently led to Dr. Starkey's Private Members Bill to Parliament in 1998 which although unsuccessful, eventually persuaded the Government to introduce the Private Security Industry Act 2001, leading to the formation of the Security Industry Authority in 2003. Closure Due to plans to redevelop the area, the Sanctuary finally closed its doors on 10 July 2004 with rave promoter Slammin Vinyl hosting the final event. The Sanctuary (and surrounding buildings) were subsequently demolished to make way for a new IKEA store. In September 2008, a flashmob event was organised on social networking resulting in a five-minute "rave" within the store. Legacy The Sanctuary was the subject of a January 2022 exhibition at the MK Gallery, celebrating 30 years of the venue. See also List of electronic dance music venues References Buildings and structures in Milton Keynes Dance venues in England Rave culture in the United Kingdom Electronic dance music venues Demolished buildings and structures in England