A groundbreaking ceremony has been held marking the start of work on a £136 million mixed-use development in Luton.
Once built, The Stage, a project led by Luton Council, will deliver 292 apartments, including 84 affordable rental units, commercial space, a 600-capacity performance venue and a public garden square.
Constructed at the town’s former bus station, which was most recently a car park, the development, in Bute Street, is expected to be completed in 2028.
Councillor James Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Council, said: “The Stage is our largest capital investment in a generation, and the latest milestone in our journey to reshape our town centre for the long term.
“It was wonderful to come together with some of our key partners to celebrate that we are turning this vision into reality.”
Council Chief Executive Mark Fowler and Cllr James Taylor spoke at the ceremony about how The Stage fits into the long-term vision and wider regeneration of the town.
Speeches were also made by Luton South and South Bedfordshire MP Rachel Hopkins and Simon Ramage, Managing Director for lead delivery partner Willmott Dixon’s London and East construction region.
The Stage is a major project within the Luton Town Centre Delivery Plan, and is partly funded with £20m from the Local Regeneration Fund (previously the Government’s Levelling Up Fund).
Rachel Hopkins MP said: “It was brilliant to be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony for The Stage today.
“This moment not only acts as a marker for this exciting development to begin taking shape physically, but also the start of a new chapter of regeneration and investment in our town centre.
“With works to install lifts at Luton Station and Luton Town Football Club’s new Power Court Stadium under way, our town centre will transform over the next few years, becoming a hub of economic opportunity and investment.
“We are reinvigorating pride in Luton, making our town a fantastic place to live, work and be.”
Simon Ramage added: “Groundbreakings not only mark progress on site, but they’re also about recognising the people behind the project. Today celebrates everyone who has helped turn the vision for The Stage into reality.
“We’re proud that this project will not only deliver a great building, but also create jobs, opportunities and a lasting legacy for the local community.”
