Plans to reopen River Lea and hat factories in Luton will lead to a new heritage attraction

The Plaiters’ Lea conservation area in Luton town centre - including Bute Street, Guildford Street, Cheapside and Silver Street - is to become a blueprint for four other local heritage sites.

A management plan has been drafted by Luton Borough Council to oversee the changes and set the tone for the remaining four conservation areas in the town.

The local authority approved plans last month to open up the River Lea and landscape the surrounding area at the corner of Silver Street and Bute Street.

Now its executive has agreed a package of measures to help promote the area as a heritage attraction.

Labour South councillor Paul Castleman said: “Historic England considers the area maintains the character of an artisan quarter, in the same way as Birmingham’s jewellery quarter or the Northampton boot and shoe quarter.”

Councillor Castleman told the committee that his preferred name change was "Plaiters’ Lea: The Hat District".

“It’s proposed to make two small changes extensions to the boundary,” he explained.

“These include buildings used in the Hat District or to house its workers and the remainder of a vacant lot at the Power Court end to create a more logical boundary.

“We’re also going to get a heritage enabler from the lottery fund,” he added.

“So hopefully when we get some more money, we’ve now got templates and can get the others completed.”

Liberal Democrat Barnfield councillor David Franks said: “I’m supportive of the management plan and absolutely delighted to see the extensions.

“There was never any logic in the old BP filling station site being excluded.

“I just hope the resources are going to be available to actually make that plan work.”

The Plaiters’ Lea conservation area was established in 1991, according to a report to the executive.

“It contains the towns’ most densely concentrated and some of the best preserved surviving elements of the hatting industry and related trades, with other industrial, commercial and residential components,” said the report.

Labour Lewsey councillor Aslam Khan said: “We need to retain our heritage and also make use of it.

“After this piece of work, we want to uplift the area within the framework.

“Much more needs to be done, whether it’s bringing money in or engaging with the owners.

“We need to attract more people to come into Guildford Street and make the best use of the buildings we have.”

Councillor Castleman, portfolio holder for planning and transport, responded: “The Luton Cultural Trust is very much on board with what we’re doing there.

“It’s got properties in that area. I’ve got to do something about Guildford Street, which is a pedestrianised area.

“The amount of joyriders is as bad as Manchester Street. Unfortunately, everything takes time.”

Labour Lewsey councillor Jacqui Burnett said: “We need to be giving hope to our community that we’re not giving up, that we’re not beaten down by what’s taking place and we’re offering a future beyond Covid-19.

“And I really hope I live to see the River Lea opened up as a feature in our town centre for everyone to appreciate.”