A major new plan to bring life back to the vacant Vauxhall factory site is underway, including work to preserve the town’s industrial heritage and the legacy of the thousands of workers who spent generations building cars and vans.
A Luton Taskforce — set up in response to the closure of the Vauxhall van plant earlier this year — held its first official meeting this week to tackle the economic fallout from the loss of vehicle production after more than 120 years. The shutdown by parent company Stellantis directly impacted nearly 1,200 workers and marked the end of an era for Luton’s industrial identity.
Early proposals are aimed at attracting high-quality businesses in advanced manufacturing, logistics and digital infrastructure to Luton.
The taskforce brings together Luton Council, central government, local universities, business leaders and Goodman, the new owner of the Kimpton Road site. It will oversee a series of rapid-response initiatives, from worker support and retraining to a long-term regeneration plan and economic response package for the area.
Council leader Hazel Simmons MBE (pictured above with Industry Minister Sarah Jones) described the closure of the factory as “a profound moment for our town”, adding that it demanded a united and urgent response.
She said: “The Luton Taskforce will lead this charge — working to protect livelihoods, attract investment, and chart a new course for the town’s economic future.
“This is in line with our economic growth strategy which sets out a clear vision for creating a stronger, and more productive economy, which delivers greater opportunities for our residents, improves their everyday lives and ensures that no one is left behind.”
Backed by the Department for Business and Trade, the taskforce will also submit proposals to central government for a dedicated economic response package for Luton. Alongside immediate support for affected workers, it will also promote targeted skills and retraining programmes aligned with the town’s wider 2040 growth strategy.
Industry Minister Sarah Jones addressed the first meeting of the group on Tuesday 20 May, pledging government support for those affected.
“We know this will be a concerning time for Stellantis’ employees and their families, and we fully support the work of the Luton Taskforce to help those affected through this process,” she said.
Jason Harris, commercial director at Goodman, said: “We welcome the establishment of the taskforce and look forward to continuing to work with the council, government, business community and other partners to realise the huge economic growth opportunities for Luton.
“This includes our plans to regenerate the former Vauxhall site at Kimpton Road, which will attract a mix of high-quality businesses to the town from sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, advanced logistics and digital infrastructure.”
The taskforce’s wider membership includes representatives from Stellantis, the Department for Work and Pensions, Chamber Business Bedfordshire, South Midlands Authorities Business Board, Ox Cam Super Cluster Board, London Luton Airport, University of Bedfordshire, Cranfield University and Barnfield College.
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