Willmott Dixon has finally received approval from the Building Safety Regulator to start construction of a £136m mixed-use project in the former Bute Street Shoppers car park in Luton town centre.
The Stage will comprise 292 apartments, commercial units, a multipurpose venue and a public garden square. It will include sustainability features such as photovoltaic panels to generate onsite renewable energy and sustainable urban drainage systems.
Willmott Dixon secured the contract through the Southern Construction Framework. The project is part of the Luton Town Centre Masterplan, which is backed by £20m from the government’s Local Regeneration Fund.
The contractor is working with consultancies Rider Levett Bucknall and WSP to deliver the project.
Stewart Brundell, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon’s construction business, said: “We are proud to be delivering this transformational project for Luton. The Stage represents exactly the type of comprehensive urban regeneration that can revitalise town centres and create a lasting positive impact for communities.”
Councillor 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.”
