Council agrees on recommendations to rejuvenate Luton’s nightlife

The borough council’s executive agreed the 15 recommendations made by a scrutiny task and finish group to help rejuvenate the town’s nightlife.

Liberal Democrat South councillor Steve Stephens described it as “a cross party group” which he chaired, saying: “We held meetings with the business, cultural, education and entertainment leaders in the town.

“We adopted guidance from other authorities. It took longer than the proposed seven months, so that we could produce an intense piece of work.

“We believe, if implemented, these 15 recommendations will help to engender a safe and vibrant nighttime economy covering entertainment and culture, while making better use of market squares within the town.”

Labour High Town councillor James Taylor explained: “The nighttime economy is the beating heart of any town, as it’s where we go to enjoy life and make memories.

“The decline of Luton’s nighttime economy matters to all of us. While our town’s struggles aren’t unique, it’s important to understand any local factors which we can influence for the better.

“The response shows the passion and appetite in our town for a stronger safer and more vibrant evening offer.

“This provides a valuable evidence-base and recommendations to help shape our plans. Luton has an unprecedented chance to develop a strong visitor economy for the first time in its history.

“With the £1.7bn town centre transformation having begun, Luton is uniquely positioned to establish itself as a major destination for tourism and overnight stays, within the next three to five years and beyond.

“To fully seize this opportunity, the new visitor economy plan must be underpinned by a significant strengthening of Luton’s core offer. Several of the recommendations are being looked at and implemented by local authority teams and other partners already.

“These include more new events into the evening to activate certain spaces across the town centre, this year. Officers have begun work on seven of the recommendations that require going through in more detail to identify cost and levels of demand for uptake of local businesses.”

Labour Northwell councillor Rob Roche asked: “Are we confident we can deliver across these recommendations?

“There’s also the finance to consider because there’s a loss of revenue here. We need to look at how we generate that money elsewhere from another source.”

Portfolio holder for regeneration and inclusive growth councillor Taylor replied: “A can do attitude is needed from everyone. What can we do to help encourage events?

“All of these recommendations will return to the scrutiny board with a detailed action plan under each to say what we’re doing. We’re confident we can implement most of these, with the odd tweak or change.”

Labour Farley councillor Javeria Hussain said: “Our nighttime economy offer needs to improve drastically, particularly for our diverse communities.

“It’s good to see there’ll be something for everyone here. This will also increase employment opportunities for residents, while ensuring local businesses get the support they need to thrive.”

Labour High Town councillor Umme Ali added: “We want to put Luton on the map. This is so comprehensive and provides those suggestions to achieve that.”