A multi-agency group has been set up to drive positive change in Luton to make the town centre a welcoming place everyone can enjoy.
Alongside millions of pounds being invested to regenerate and rejuvenate the area, the new Town Centre Task Force includes a huge emphasis on policing and enforcement, with Bedfordshire Police and Luton Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team patrols working together to cover hot spot areas and deal with repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour.
The task force includes the council, Luton BID, Luton Point, The Culture Trust, and the police, who are working together across several areas to drive forward short—and medium-term improvements to the area.
The council’s Waste Investigations Support Team (WISE) team will continue to work on enforcement. To support this increased presence, teams from housing, public health and homeless charity partners are working to support people with complex needs, such as those sleeping rough.
Further investment is also going into the public realm, and shortly there will be commissions for new public artwork, which will soon brighten up some less attractive areas such as George Street, Guildford Street, New Bedford Road, and Chapel Street.
In addition, people will see improvements to lighting with The Viaduct being energised with some coloured lighting, festoon lighting going into the Hat District, works to the Beacon and a range of events, small and large, in St George’s Square, Hat Gardens, and Market Hill, with a fun-packed, family-friendly programme of activity planned for Halloween and the school holidays.
Longer-term projects are also on the horizon, such as The Stage, which will transform the former Bute Street shoppers’ car park into an area with homes, community space, retail, and green space, and Luton Town Football Club’s property arm, 2020 Development’s, proposed Power Court stadium and associated development.
Since the Town Centre Masterplan was launched three years ago, providing the roadmap for future development in the town and visible steps have already been taken, such as the culverted River Lea being opened up and transformed into Hat Gardens, a popular spot for people to sit, relax and enjoy.
To help make the town centre a welcoming place there has been an increase in enforcement with the WISE supporting the council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team – with almost 5,000 fixed penalty notices issued in the last 12 months. And there has been the co-location of the council’s NET team and the police’s town centre team, along with a more visible police presence in the town centre.
Councillor James Taylor, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Council, said: “A rejuvenated, clean, safe and more vibrant town centre is key to achieving our vision for Luton 2040. We must ensure that investors and businesses see it as an ‘investible’ town centre where residents and employees will enjoy living and working, and find it enjoyable and safe.
“The Town Centre Masterplan is really ambitious and deliverable, but it is also realistic that things won’t happen overnight, and we are up against some real challenges.
“We have already seen some positive physical changes, and we are doing a lot that is making a visible difference, but people have said it’s not a place they want to spend time, so we need a coordinated, targeted and sustained effort to address issues so it’s safe and welcoming.
“We also need to communicate these changes so people are aware of the positive activities and actions taking place. We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the transformation of our town centre.”
Chief Inspector Adrian Cunningham, who oversees the Luton Community Policing team, said: “This is a true opportunity for all partners to work in collaboration to develop the vision that has been set by us all.
“Whilst, traditionally, Bedfordshire Police has been seen as enforcement-based, we are committed to problem-solving, preventing criminality and working closely with the community on what matters most to them. We will be working in partnership with the council, businesses and volunteer agencies and charities to help and support those who use what is a vibrant town centre.”
Julia Horsman, Luton BID Engagement Manager, said: “Luton BID is delighted to be playing a pro-active role in the town centre task force, representing the business community and ensuring their views, concerns and interests are heard.
“It’s encouraging to see such a focus on our town centre from our partners across the town, working together to make the best use of resources and expertise which will benefit both businesses and residents. With two large scale developments coming in to the town we have so much to look forward to, but it’s vital that we continue to carry out short term action to ensure that Luton continues to flourish throughout the building phase of the exciting projects.”
