The future of the former Vauxhall factory in Luton has moved a step closer as plans to redevelop the historic Kimpton Road site into a major new employment hub have been recommended for approval.
The application, which is due to be considered by Luton Council’s Development Management Committee next week (July 22), would see the former manufacturing site transformed into a modern business park providing industrial, manufacturing, logistics and technology space following the closure of the van plant last year.
In January, when the application was submitted, Goodman said the plans would represent an investment in excess of £400 million and will contribute almost £160 million each year to the local economy, while creating approximately 2,400 jobs, once complete.
The proposals would also create up to 116,000 square metres of employment floorspace across a series of new buildings, with uses including advanced manufacturing, engineering, research and development, storage and distribution. The scheme also includes a café, extensive landscaping, cycle routes, walking links and public realm improvements.
The redevelopment would mark the beginning of a new era for one of Luton’s most historically significant industrial sites, where vehicle production had taken place for more than a century before previous owner Stellantis announced the closure of the factory, bringing vehicle manufacturing in the town to an end.
Planning officers say the scheme would secure the long-term future of the brownfield site by bringing it back into productive employment use while supporting the Luton’s economy.
The report concludes that the proposals would provide a high-quality employment development in a sustainable location, with improvements to transport infrastructure, landscaping and biodiversity also forming part of the plans.
The application includes new internal roads, parking areas, servicing space and infrastructure designed to accommodate a range of businesses. Buildings would be developed in phases, allowing different occupiers to move onto the site over time.
A range of technical issues, including transport, air quality, flood risk, ecology, noise and contamination, have been assessed as part of the planning process, with officers recommending conditions to mitigate any impacts.
If councillors approve the application, it will pave the way for the comprehensive regeneration of the landmark site, replacing the former vehicle production lines with a mixed employment destination intended to attract new businesses and investment into Luton.
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