Up to £40 million in government funding has been earmarked for two areas of Luton, with communities set to decide how the money is spent over the next decade.
Central Luton and Marsh Farm will each receive up to £20 million as part of a national programme aimed at improving neighbourhoods and giving residents greater control over local regeneration.
The investment forms part of a wider £1.5 billion government scheme targeting dozens of communities across the country judged to need long-term support.
Under the programme, funding will be spread over 10 years and used to support projects that improve everyday life in local areas. Communities will help shape regeneration plans through local neighbourhood boards working alongside councils and partners.
For Marsh Farm, Luton North MP Sarah Owen described the announcement as a major opportunity for the area.
She said on Facebook: “When Labour came into government we said we would invest in areas like ours – and we meant it. This funding is a game changer for people across Marsh Farm, and local people will be the ones who decide where it is spent. It also comes with new powers for communities to buy and protect local assets, making sure everyone in our town can be proud of where they live.”
The funding could be used for projects such as rejuvenating green spaces, investing in community buildings, protecting local groups and buying empty shops to bring them back into use. It may also help communities tackle nuisance businesses and support local regeneration initiatives.
Meanwhile in central Luton, which includes the town centre and Park Town, Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, said residents would play a direct role in shaping how the funding is used.
She wrote on social media to her constituents: “Great news for Luton! I’m so pleased to have secured £20 million long-term funding for central Luton.
“And the best bit? You get to decide how we spend it. Whether it’s revitalising community spaces, backing community-led projects, or improving our streets to make them safer and more vibrant, this money is to bring our communities together and build pride in our town.”
She added that she had been pushing for additional investment in the town in Parliament after what she described as years of underfunding.
The scheme is designed to move away from short-term funding rounds by providing long-term support for neighbourhood regeneration, with local residents involved in shaping priorities for their communities over the coming decade.
Luton Council has the announcement with Leader Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, saying: “We are delighted that not one but two neighbourhoods in our town will benefit from this long-term investment through the Pride in Place programme. This is a significant sum of money and will be transformational for areas of Luton which truly need it.
“Today’s announcement is another step towards helping us achieve our Luton 2040 vision ensuring everyone can thrive and that no one lives in poverty.
“After the first round of neighbourhood funding allocations last year, we asked the Government to review its methodology to include the most up-to-date deprivation data. We are grateful it has listened to us and has done so.
“As a council, we now look forward to seeing the communities in both areas come together to shape how this money should be spent.”
Further details about how residents can take part in deciding how the money is spent are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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