RLB has been appointed as project management consultants and Employer’s Agent on the delivery of The Stage, a landmark £136 million mixed-use regeneration project that will transform the heart of Luton town centre.
This flagship development forms a central part of the Luton Town Centre Masterplan and is supported by £20 million from the Local Regeneration Fund, with a team including Willmott Dixon and WSP.
Situated on the former Bute Street Shoppers car park, The Stage will create a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring 292 high-quality apartments, including 84 affordable rental homes. The development will also deliver commercial units to stimulate local economic activity, a multi-purpose performance venue with curated food and beverage offerings, and a new public garden square that enhances community connectivity and green space in the town centre.
Sustainability and long-term impact are central to the project’s design, featuring energy-efficient building systems with enhanced insulation and photovoltaic (PV) panels for on-site renewable energy generation. The development will also include landscaped environments designed with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) and biodiverse green infrastructure.
The project represents a significant milestone for Luton’s regeneration ambitions, strategically positioned near the rail station, bus interchange, and taxi rank – making it one of the most accessible areas to live, work and visit in the town.
Cllr James Taylor, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Council, said:
“We’re at an exciting point in regenerating the town centre. This project will help transform the area into a vibrant space we can all be proud of. This is a crucial element of the Town Centre Masterplan and supports our mission to eradicate poverty in Luton.
Improving this gateway to the town will help create a more positive first impression, making it more welcoming for visitors, workers, and families, with enhanced public spaces, air quality, and connectivity.”
Geraint Morris, Partner, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) which were appointed to project manage the development comments:
“We recognise the transformative impact that developments like The Stage can bring to town centres like Luton. Working alongside Luton Council, Willmott Dixon Construction, WSP and other key stakeholders, we’re proud to start the delivery of a destination that will drive footfall, support regeneration and create a vibrant space for both local communities and visitors.”
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