Luton Borough Council Website

Introduction
The town centre is being prepared for some exciting changes aimed at ensuring that Luton can really live up to expectation as a first choice for shopping, leisure and business.

In July 2004, people who live and work in the borough, and people who visit the town centre, were given the chance to add their views on proposals to revitalise the town. These ideas have been encapsulated in a Draft Development Framework commissioned by Luton Borough Council and its partners.

When finalised, the Development Framework will be used to guide the way in which change takes place in Luton. Specifically, this plan will identify areas for improvement within the town centre and ensure that growth and development takes place in a fully co-ordinated way. In short, the Development Framework aims to make Luton a vibrant and attractive place for those living and working here, as well as encouraging more people to visit the town.

A team of specialist consultants headed by David Lock Associates (DLA), widely regarded as one of the UK's leading town planning and urban design consultancies, has drawn up the Draft Development Framework which is outlined here. These proposals seek to address many of the concerns which have already been identified by town centre users as part of previous consultation exercises. In addition, the team has built on recognised national and international best practice as well as recent experience of work in other town centres.

What is the thinking behind the proposals?
Three main objectives underpin the Draft Development Framework .

• A far more accessible destination which is easy to get to by foot, by bike, by public transport and by car;
• A place which people can really enjoy and be proud of with beautiful public squares and tree lined streets that are lively and well used; and,
• A focus for investment with realistic opportunities for new retail, leisure, residential, and business development.

Underpinning these goals is a strong commitment to first class urban design. This means ensuring that the town centre is designed for people first, allowing all users to move around easily and conveniently without getting lost or confused, and creating a top quality built environment that builds upon the considerable history and identity of Luton.

In order to achieve this, the Draft Development Framework sets out proposals for thinking about the town centre in terms of eight distinct but overlapping districts, each with its own character and identity which together make up the town centre. This will make different parts of the town centre more memorable, reinforcing the identity of the town centre as a whole, and helping to ensure that there are a better range of joined-up destinations available for residents, workers, and visitors. The Development Framework also identifies eight public squares, both new and existing, and recommends that these are linked together by enhanced pedestrian friendly streets, designed to ensure ease of mobility for everyone.

The structure of these districts, squares and streets will help to guide the location and layout of any new development in the town centre making sure that potential opportunities can be progressed in a co-ordinated way which brings maximum benefit to the town. Key proposals are highlighted on the plan opposite.

Public Consultation 
The Development Framework shown here is a draft. The proposals need to be refined to ensure that they effectively address both the concerns and the aspirations of local people. During the public consultation period, Luton Borough Council alongside the consultant team invited residents, businesses and visitors to Luton's town centre to comment and critique the plans.

Staff from Luton Borough Council and the team of consultants involved in drawing up the draft ideas were available to respond to queries and to help in completing the questionnaire.

Key Proposals
1, Improve the appearance of the ringroad, with tree planting, artworks, and new and improved signage.

2, Re-connect residential communities to the west and south of the ringroad with the town centre by providing new, surface level crossings that are safe and convenient.

3, Enhance Luton's central retail district through improvements to the Arndale Centre at St George's Square, and broadening the mix of shops and other outlets along George Street.

4, Promote the development of a defined Hat Factory District with a vibrant mix of shops, new homes, cafes and bars, including radically improved links to the Station area.

5, Enhance the Station area and create an impressive and welcoming gateway to the town centre.

6, Ensure that Power Court is linked in with the rest of the town centre to provide new retail, residential and commercial development opportunities.

7, Create a new public walkway along the River Lea within Power Court, featuring a series of water inspired features along its route.

8, Ensure Luton Dunstable Busway (formerly known as Translink)  connects up with bus destinations to make using public transport straightforward and convenient.