Power Court: Consultation sheds light on Hatters' plans for new stadium

Droves of Hatters fans have had the chance to see how Luton Town FC's plans for a new stadium are shaping up, as the club opened its doors on Saturday for the start of an eight day consultation roadshow.
Architect Manuel Nogueira (left) and Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet share a joke as the lid is lifted on LTFC's plans for Power CourtArchitect Manuel Nogueira (left) and Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet share a joke as the lid is lifted on LTFC's plans for Power Court
Architect Manuel Nogueira (left) and Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet share a joke as the lid is lifted on LTFC's plans for Power Court

By the end of June, LTFC will submit planning applications to build a new ground on Power Court and a mixed-use enabling development off M1 J10a.

As the club prepares its final submissions, fans and Luton residents were invited to Kenilworth Road to take a look at the proposals and offer their thoughts.

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More than a thousand people turned out on Saturday and many more are expected over the course of the week as the roadshow moves across the town.

LTFC chief Gary Sweet speaks through the elevations of the new stadiumLTFC chief Gary Sweet speaks through the elevations of the new stadium
LTFC chief Gary Sweet speaks through the elevations of the new stadium

The event has cast light on the finer details of LTFC’s proposals, which, if granted planning permission, are expected to be completed by the start of the 2020-2021 football season.

As well as a 17,500 seater stadium LTFC is planning to transform Power Court with;

- 500 apartments spread across five blocks

- 50,000 sq ft of bars, restaurants, lifestyle retail units and a small niche cinema

Architect Manuel Nogueira points to the most striking part of the club's plans for Newlands ParkArchitect Manuel Nogueira points to the most striking part of the club's plans for Newlands Park
Architect Manuel Nogueira points to the most striking part of the club's plans for Newlands Park
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- A 1,800 capacity live venue that could double up as a space for fans on match days

- A public piazza with a seating area by a deculverted section of the River Lea

- A 25,500 sq ft supermarket, hotel and 980 car parking spaces

The interior of the stadium also promises a range of innovative features, as the club is attempting to steer clear of creating a ‘soulless bowl’.

LTFC chief Gary Sweet speaks through the elevations of the new stadiumLTFC chief Gary Sweet speaks through the elevations of the new stadium
LTFC chief Gary Sweet speaks through the elevations of the new stadium
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Among them is what LTFC has called the ‘halo’ – the stadium’s LED flood lighting that is said to limit leakage.

Greater detail is also now known on the club’s other development off M1 J10a – a site now known as Newlands Park.

The proposal is comprised of;

- 500,000 sq ft of office space

Architect Manuel Nogueira points to the most striking part of the club's plans for Newlands ParkArchitect Manuel Nogueira points to the most striking part of the club's plans for Newlands Park
Architect Manuel Nogueira points to the most striking part of the club's plans for Newlands Park

- A hotel

- Retail space to be anchored by a quality department store

- 3,000 car parking spaces

- A crystal shaped complex with a cinema and other leisure attractions

LTFC has said that the retail element of its plans for Newlands Park will be ‘aspirational’ and will ‘enhance’ what is currently on offer in Luton town centre.

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> This morning LTFC’s exhibition pitched up at Venue Central, Leagrave Road, where it will on continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It will then move to The Hat Factory, Bute Street, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 26, 27 and 28).

For more on the consultation pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Luton News/Dunstable Gazette

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