Priority schemes unveiled for £1.5m of Pride in Place investment for Luton

Such investment would complement the council’s £3m expenditure on these facilities, and enable more sites to be upgraded during the next 12 months, according to a report to the borough council’s executive.

Given the high number of comments about play parks in the public response, a portion of this government funding is expected to be allocated to deliver an interim revamp of selected sites across the town, said the report.

“This work would include repainting play equipment and fencing, as well as installing new child‑themed bins within the parks. There were many calls for more planting, flowering and greenery across the town.

“The local authority is exploring the option of a contract to design‑build‑and‑maintain‑to‑establishment in support of this approach. If this proves affordable and is agreed with the town’s two Labour MPs, the council will deliver the improvements.

“Work would start with five of the roundabouts:

• Kimpton Road/Airport Way (Luton South);
• London Road/junction 10a or Castle Street/Stuart Street (Luton South);
• Telford Way/Bury Park junction (Luton South);
• A505 roundabout by Hilton Hotel (Luton North);
• and New Bedford Road/Dunstable Road (Luton North).

“Subject to available resources, procurement outcomes and delivery timescales, an extension to further locations might be achievable within the allocated budget of £465,000.

“Many general comments asked for improvements to neighbourhood areas, particularly local shopping parades. We’re proposing in response a more targeted approach to refreshing these centres, with an estimated cost of £35,000 per location.

“Where planters exist already, these can be rebulbed as part of the programme. The cost of installing new planters is being assessed, along with the associated maintenance requirements. At least two new benches could be installed in each neighbourhood centre.

“The £35,000 allocation could also enable a series of small high‑impact upgrades, such as repainting railings and street furniture, jet‑washing pavements, replacing worn bins and benches, adding greenery where feasible and improving lighting where required.

“These quick visual interventions provide an immediate uplift, helping neighbourhood parades feel cleaner, safer and more welcoming. We could also explore optional benefits, ranging from small murals or shutter art to deter graffiti to cycle stands, community noticeboards, or vinyl wraps for empty shopfronts.

“These measures would deliver a noticeable change without major disruption, creating brighter more attractive neighbourhood centres which support local businesses and improve the everyday environment for residents.

“For Luton South, we recommend prioritising Whipperley Ring shopping parade. Subject to capacity and procurement, it may be possible to undertake up to three further refreshes across Luton South to be agreed with MP Rachel Hopkins.

“For Luton North, priority locations suggested in the feedback included Hockwell Ring, Marsh Road, Sundon Park Parade, Bushmead shopping area, and St Dominic’s Square in Lewsey. These sites are to be agreed with MP Sarah Owen.

“We plan further consultation with ward councillors and residents to ensure local priorities are fully reflected around the £315,000 investment.”

A community venue improvement fund will allow local organisations to bid for capital funding to redevelop unused buildings and create spaces that deliver services for the community, explained the report.

“We aim to have this live by May, with a total budget allocated of £480,000 currently. If there’s underspend in other project areas, this allocation could be increased to ensure full use of available budgets.”