03/02/2026 - Two Luton Community Centres Set for £3.7m Transformation
Luton Council has announced an investment of more than £3.7 million to refurbish and modernise Lewsey Community Centre and Bury Park Community Centre.
To allow for the refurbishment, Lewsey Community Centre will be partially closed from 15 February, with works scheduled to be completed by late summer or early autumn 2026. Bury Park Community Centre will close fully this summer and is expected to reopen around nine months later.
During the partial closure at Lewsey, some groups will continue to operate from the centre. Where this is not possible, groups have been temporarily relocated to nearby community centres. Library services will continue, with operations temporarily moving to Lewsey Learning Centre to ensure uninterrupted access for local residents.
Refurbishment plans for Lewsey Community Centre
Lewsey Community Centre will benefit from a range of improvements designed to make the space more welcoming, accessible, and fit for the future. Key upgrades include:
- A redesigned entrance, with the reception and library relocated to improve public access
- Three new community spaces
- A fully refurbished kitchen
- Enhanced Wi-Fi and new digital screens to support meetings, training, and conferences
- New windows and energy-efficiency upgrades
Refurbishment plans for Bury Park Community Centre
Bury Park Community Centre will undergo a full redesign to transform its historic commercial layout into flexible, modern community spaces. Planned improvements include:
- A redesigned entrance, with reception relocated to improve public access
- Complete ground-floor redesign, creating flexible, future-proof community spaces
- Increased capacity for events and functions
- A new fully fitted commercial kitchen
- Upgraded windows and enhanced Wi-Fi
- New conference, training, and hybrid meeting facilities
- A range of energy-efficiency improvements
Together, these full upgrades will help ensure the centres are sustainable, efficient, and able to deliver a balanced mix of activity and services to meet local community needs.
Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said: “Our community centres are more important than ever, and this investment reflects their vital role in bringing people together in their communities and neighbourhoods across Luton. These improvements will ensure they are welcoming, accessible and fit for the future, contributing to our 2040 goals while strengthening connections between residents, community organisations and council services. While we recognise there will be some temporary disruption, the long-term benefits for residents and community groups will be substantial.”