Memorial for Tony Jules unveiled as Marsh Farm regeneration project reaches another milestone

ENGIE, the contractor responsible for delivery of the regeneration project, also attended the event, where John Healey MP, shadow secretary of state for housing, and Denise Elcock-Jules unveiled a commemorative plaque on Anthony Jules Court.

The court has been named in honour of Denise’s late husband, Tony, who had been part of the original Marsh Farm regeneration steering group.

Whilst terminally ill, Anthony had helped raise over £40,000 for local charity, Keech Hospice.

Denise said: “I am delighted to be here today. Marsh Farm meant such a lot to Tony. To think that future generations will be made aware of his legacy is truly humbling and together with his sons I am honoured to see him remembered in this way.”

The final phase comprises of 83 apartments, 11 houses, play areas, parking and new landscaping.

The housing is all affordable rented accommodation for council residents, four of the houses have four-bedrooms, of which two are dedicated to families with disabilities, including ground floor double bedrooms and wet rooms with capacity for a through floor lift to enable users to have access to all parts of the home.

John Healey said: “I am proud to join Denise today to unveil this plaque to Anthony Jules. Despite the lack of support from the Conservative Government, Luton Council is doing sterling work to crack the housing crisis.

“Everyone knows someone who can’t get the home they need or aspire to. This new council housing is what’s needed for communities like Marsh Farm and is proof of the difference a Labour council makes.

“Nationally Labour’s alternative vision for housing is so important to ending the crisis: a big council housebuilding programme at scale, new rights for renters, help for first-time buyers with new discount homes linked to local incomes, and an end to rough sleeping.”

ENGIE is pleased to say that the scheme was handed over ahead of schedule.

Andy Collyer, Business Development Director, ENGIE, said: “It is great to see the project come together after years of hard work. We are delighted that we could deliver such a pinnacle scheme for Luton and offer a new heart to the regenerated Marsh Farm neighbourhood."

The extensive £32m scheme is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to regenerating Luton, attracting new businesses to the town and offering more local jobs for local people.

The project has also provided valuable apprenticeships for school leavers looking to begin a career in the construction industry.

Phase 1 of the project, which was completed in September 2017, saw the provision of six new retail units with modern facilities, and 24 new apartments.

The second phase was the demolition of the Purley Centre which had, over time, become run down. This demolition paved the way for the final phase which includes the eleven new houses built.

The entire scheme was designed in partnership with the Marsh Farm Steering Group which consisted of residents, businesses and key stakeholders from the Marsh Farm estate.

Cllr Tom Shaw, portfolio holder for Housing, added: “This is a momentous day not just for Marsh Farm but for the whole town.

“We are committed to providing top quality buildings local people can make their homes. Incoming investment is being translated not only in to bricks and mortar, but opportunities for residents as we work towards our goal of tackling poverty by 2040.”