Plans to redevelop the former Vauxhall factory site in Luton into a major business park have been unveiled, with the promise of 1,700 of new jobs and the chance to reshape the town’s economy after the end of car production earlier this year.
The closure of the van plant in March brought an abrupt end to more than a century of vehicle making in the town and saw over 1,000 people lose their jobs. But in April, new owners of the Kimpton Road site, global property group Goodman, announced regeneration plans that could bring more jobs than were lost.
Goodman has now launched a consultation on its vision for what it calls Luton Gateway, again promising 1,700 jobs, once complete, while revealing that the project would see up to 1.2 million square feet of new industrial and distribution space built, aimed at attracting businesses in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
There would be space for major employers as well as local and regional businesses to locate their operations, and the first businesses could move in as early as 2028, while for residents there would be community amenities such as a café.
The company says the new park will be energy efficient, with solar panels and high environmental standards forming part of the design.
Feedback from residents and businesses are being sought online and there will be a a drop-in event on October 15 at Luton Airport DART Station, from 3-8pm, to help shape the planning application expected later this year.
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