24/01/2023 - Views sought on major town centre development
The council is seeking feedback to help create a high-quality development which delivers a wide range of benefits for Luton as part of its wider town centre regeneration plans.
The Stage, a mixed-use redevelopment of Bute Street Shoppers’ car park, is a crucial element of the Town Centre Masterplan and is set to be one of the most exciting regeneration projects in the town centre for over a generation. A public consultation is being held following engagement with key stakeholders and interested parties which took place at the end of last year.
Stakeholders provided feedback on building design, transport, accessibility, sustainability ideas and layout of the high quality public spaces. There was useful discussion about how the development could help attract more people and businesses to Luton and encourage them to stay, how the designs could help develop a safer and cleaner and more attractive area. This would improve the image of Luton and enhance the town for the benefit of Lutonians as well as visitors. The public is now being asked for their thoughts on the layout, and the main elements of development so it’s designed with the needs and aspirations of Luton in mind and becomes a dynamic, welcoming space for those living in the town and for visitors.
Cllr Sian Goding, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth said, “The Stage is such an important project for the town. Not only will it create a dynamic space but it will also help in our aims to level up Luton’s income inequality and eradicate poverty by creating hundreds of jobs throughout construction once it has been completed.
We had some really useful feedback late last year at our workshops which have helped inform the scheme’s design and refinement of the proposals. Now views are being sought from the public and we encourage people to get involved by sharing their views as these will help shape the development design before a planning application is submitted in March this year”.
The Stage, part funded with £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, is a key part of the Town Centre Masterplan. It will be made up of 405 new homes, a community facility with performance space, office and retail space, a cycle hub and improved public realm and will be situated where Bute Street car park currently stands with an aim to complete the project by the end of 2025.
The consultation runs between Monday 30 January and Thursday 9 February on the council’s engagement portal. There is also details on the engagement events www.luton.gov.uk/letstalk.
- Tuesday 31 January - 2pm-7pm (drop-in at any point during the event) Youthscape, 74 Bute St, Luton LU1 2EY
- Wednesday 1 February - virtual event at 6pm. Register https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-Er-5tqpRsa0iWS51tMnKA
- Friday 3 February - 12 noon to 6pm (drop-in at any point during the event) The Mall Luton.