30/10/2024 - Task force set up to address town centre challenges and drive forward positive change

However, along with many towns and cities across the country, Luton faces urgent challenges, and to address this a multi-agency group has been set up to drive positive change. The aim is to make the town centre a welcoming place everyone can enjoy.

The new Town Centre Task Force, chaired by the council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, is a testament to the power of collaboration. It is made up of key partners from the council, Luton BID, Luton Point, The Culture Trust, and Bedfordshire Police, who are working together across several areas to drive forward short—and medium-term improvements to the area. 

Part of this includes a huge emphasis on policing and enforcement, with Bedfordshire Police and the council's Neighbourhood Enforcement Team patrols working together to cover hot spot areas and deal with repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour. Police-led action days are planned, and the council has recruited a new dedicated town centre anti-social behaviour officer. There will be increased data gathering by members of the Task Force to help resolve issues in a joined-up way.

The council’s WISE team will continue to work on enforcement. To support this increased presence, council teams from housing, public health and homeless charity partners are working to support people with complex needs, such as those sleeping rough.

Further investment is also going into the public realm, and shortly there will be commissions for new public artwork, which will soon brighten up some less attractive areas such as George Street, Guildford Street, New Bedford Road, and Chapel Street. In addition people will see improvements to lighting with The Viaduct being energised with some coloured lighting, festoon lighting going into the Hat District, works to the Beacon and a range of events, small and large, in St George’s Square, Hat Gardens, and Market Hill, with a fun-packed, family-friendly programme of activity planned for Halloween and the school holidays.

Longer-term projects are also on the horizon, such as The Stage, which will transform the Bute Street Shoppers’ car park into an area with homes, community space, retail, and green space, and 2020 Development’s proposed Power Court stadium and associated development.

Councillor James Taylor, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Council, said, "A rejuvenated, clean, safe and more vibrant town centre is key to achieving our vision for Luton 2040. We must ensure that investors and businesses see it as an 'investible' town centre where residents and employees will enjoy living and working, and find it enjoyable and safe.

“The Town Centre Masterplan is really ambitious and deliverable, but it is also realistic that things won’t happen overnight, and we are up against some real challenges.

“We have already seen some positive physical changes, and we are doing a lot that is making a visible difference, but people have said it’s not a place they want to spend time, so we need a coordinated, targeted and sustained effort to address issues so it’s safe and welcoming.

“We also need to communicate these changes so people are aware of the positive activities and actions taking place. We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the transformation of our town centre."

Chief Inspector Adrian Cunningham who oversees the Luton Community Policing team said, “This is a true opportunity for all partners to work in collaboration to develop the vison that has been set by us all.  Whilst traditionally Bedfordshire police has been seen as enforcement-based, we are committed to problem-solving, preventing criminality and working closely with the community on what matters most to them.  We will be working in partnership with the council, businesses and volunteer agencies and charities to help and support those who use what is a vibrant town centre.”

Julia Horsman – Luton BID Engagement Manager said, “Luton BID is delighted to be playing a pro-active role in the town centre task force, representing the business community and ensuring their views, concerns and interests are heard.

“It’s encouraging to see such a focus on our town centre from our partners across the town, working together to make the best use of resources and expertise which will benefit both businesses and residents. With two large scale developments coming in to the town we have so much to look forward to, but it’s vital that we continue to carry out short term action to ensure that Luton continues to flourish throughout the building phase of the exciting projects”.

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