Work begins on £136m The Stage development set to transform gateway to Luton town centre

Construction has officially begun on a £136million regeneration project that council leaders say will transform a key gateway into Luton town centre.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today (Thursday 5 March) to mark the start of work on The Stage, Luton Council’s flagship mixed-use development on Bute Street and a central part of long-term plans to reshape the town centre.

Council leaders gathered at the site to mark the milestone with a symbolic first dig and speeches were delivered by the council’s chief executive Mark Fowler and councillor James Taylor, portfolio holder for regeneration and inclusive growth, alongside Luton South and South Bedfordshire MP Rachel Hopkins and Simon Ramage, managing director for lead delivery partner Willmott Dixon’s London and East construction region.

Guests then visited the construction site itself, where work is now under way on land that most recently operated as a car park. Historically the site has also housed the town’s main bus station and, before that, the original Luton Bute Street railway station.

When completed in 2028, The Stage will include 292 apartments, with 84 of those offered as affordable rental homes. The development will also feature commercial space, a 600-capacity performance venue, food and drink outlets and a new public garden square.

The scheme forms a major element of the Luton Town Centre Delivery Plan and has secured £20million in government funding through the Local Regeneration Fund, previously known as the Levelling Up Fund.

Councillor James Taylor said: “The Stage is our largest capital investment in a generation, and the latest milestone in our journey to reshape our town centre for the long term. Together with Power Court, we will create a vibrant new gateway to the town centre, elevating the area to new heights.

“It was wonderful to come together with some of our key partners to celebrate that we are turning this vision into reality.”

Mark Fowler said the development would play a significant role in the town’s economic future.

“Our recently launched economic growth strategy is driving inclusive and sustainable growth over the long term, turning Luton into a regional powerhouse for investment, innovation and skills,” he said.

“The scale of opportunity in Luton is huge, and The Stage is an integral part of this future success. Today’s groundbreaking signals progress, and demonstrates that regeneration in Luton is not theoretical, it is happening.”

Rachel Hopkins said the start of construction marked the beginning of a new phase of investment in the town centre.

“It was brilliant to be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony for The Stage today,” the MP said. “This moment not only acts as a marker for this exciting development to begin taking shape physically, but also the start of a new chapter of regeneration and investment in our town centre.

“With works to install lifts at Luton Station and Luton Town Football Club’s new Power Court stadium under way, our town centre will transform over the next few years, becoming a hub of economic opportunity and investment. We are reinvigorating pride in Luton, making our town a fantastic place to live, work and be.”