Luton Borough Council

09/12/2022 - Vision for Green Horizons in Luton

Concepts for Luton Rising’s proposed Green Horizons Park next to the airport in Luton have been discussed by industry and investment leaders.

Formerly known as New Century Park, Green Horizons Park is a 100-hectare site that would act as another catalyst in Luton’s economic and employment success.

Located within two-and-a-half hours’ drive time of 28 million people, and a similar flight time of hundreds of millions more, the vision is for an exemplar development serving the innovation, green technology and enterprise sectors.

A dedicated workshop was attended by thought-leaders from businesses that can positively impact the future of industry, representing organisations including Stellantis, bp pulse, Ricardo, PwC, Connected Places Catapult, GKN Aerospace, Deloitte, Arup, and the University of Bedfordshire.

Delegates were also able to take a ride on the pioneering Luton DART which will provide a seamless and sustainable transfer to the airport for rail passengers when it opens next year.

Luton Rising is the Luton Council company that owns London Luton Airport with a mission to promote economic and employment growth, and maximise the social investment it provides for the voluntary and charitable sector.

Graham Olver, Luton Rising Chief Executive Officer, said: “We see Green Horizons Business Park as a stitch that can link both town and the airport together through a new eco-system that has the potential not just to deliver jobs and growth but to support our social impact mandate.

”It was extremely positive to hear the buy-in and support that exists for Luton’s future.”

Together with Luton Council, delegates looked at the future of finance, technology and sustainability in sectors including aviation, aerospace, real estate, manufacturing, electrification, energy and mobility.

Cllr Javeria Hussain, chair of Luton Rising, said more events are planned to focus on specific industry sectors, leading local and international businesses, and finance.

“Green Horizons Park offers clear synergies with Luton’s 2040 Vision to alleviate poverty and become a carbon-neutral town, and an opportunity to grow the financial support we are able to provide for Luton’s incredible voluntary and community sector which supports the most vulnerable people in our communities.” she added.

The event took place a day after Luton Council’s Think Luton Conference which brought businesses together to focus on future economic and employment opportunities arising from upcoming developments across the town.

With a focus on town centre regeneration, the conference heard about latest progress on projects including work to open up the River Lea.

Cllr Sian Goding, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Council said: “It’s been an extremely difficult time for many businesses, but with over £1.5bn investment coming into Luton and £500m town centre investment, this brings a number of great new opportunities.

“This is all an important part of our longer-term plan to create a strong economy and assist the business community in recovery, resilience, growth and ultimately prosperity.”