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Delayed town regeneration could resume in new year

Euan Duncan,Local Democracy reporterand
Danny Fullbrook,Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageLuton Borough Council An artist's sketch of the proposed new buildings including flats and The Stage, a large red brick building. In the foreground is a large square with people drawn walking around. There is a blue sky.Luton Borough Council
A performance venue called The Stage and a food court are included in the project

Work is expected to start after Christmas on a delayed town centre regeneration project that is costing about £136m.

Construction of The Stage in Bute Street, Luton - made up of a performance venue, homes, commercial space and a food court - was supposed to begin in 2024.

But progress ground to halt after an assessment by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

Luton Borough Council's director of property and infrastructure, Roger Kirk, has since told the authority's scrutiny finance review group that work could take place after the festive period.

"I'm pleased to report we've established a constructive and open relationship now with the building safety regulator," said Mr Kirk.

He said he was expecting sign-off from the regulator this week and work could start on site from 5 January, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

News imageLuton Borough Council A sketch of what the residential blocks could look like with drawings of people walking around an open green space in front of them which have lots of public seating.Luton Borough Council
Two residential blocks of nine and 10 storeys are included in the plans

The scheme is being built at the former Bute Street railway station, which was replaced by a bus station and later demolished in 2008.

The development is underpinned by £20m in government levelling-up funding.

Liberal Democrat councillor David Franks, who chairs the review group, asked whether the government grant was safe.

"Safe and secure, yes," Mr Kirk replied.

Asked if contractors could charge the council extra fees because of delays, he responded: "With the extended time, we'll have to revalidate the cost plan.

"Our best guess at present is that the negative impact, in terms of the capital project, is less than £1m."

The Health and Safety Executive, the umbrella organisation for BSR, confirmed: "There's been significant progress in resolving the outstanding concerns and we are moving forward towards a positive outcome.

"As required by law, BSR is currently consulting with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service regarding the projects before reaching any final determinations."

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