Power Court a month behind schedule but Luton still aiming for June 2028 move

Luton Town’s plans to build a new ground at Power Court in time are currently running a month behind schedule, although the club are still confident they will still be completed in time for the start of the 2028-29 campaign.

The main snagging point for the 25,000 stadium and supporting mixed-use development at Power Court, which received its final approval in December 2024, after initial outline permission had been granted in 2019, is the rising cost of oil and steel, along with a number of global and geopolitical issues that have raised prices by around £15m. Work is already well underway at the site, as chief executive Gary Sweet, along with recently-appointed Managing Director for Power Court, Barry Webber, gave an update to the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust at their Strategy Workshop held earlier this month.

Writing in Saturday’s match programme ahead of the 2-1 win over Leicester City, revealing the latest about the ground, a statement from the Trust said: “Gary told us that Power Court is currently about one month behind the original schedule, largely due to a 'legacy issue' - an unchartered Victorian sewer - but remains on course, with completion now targeted for June 2028, the aim remains for the ground to be open for the start of the 2028-29 season.

"There are, however, global issues which can't be ignored. The Middle East situation and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are having a substantial impact on not just delays in supply chains but costs which are affecting all construction prices. Oil prices have gone up 70 percent in the last year, which has stark consequences for the cost of steel and concrete, with steel up 40 percent year-on-year.

"This has affected costs, which is being managed so far, but possibly could also affect timings. Recent geopolitical events have increased costs by £15million, and any delays will incur further increased costs. There was some debate about the impact of moving within the season should that have to happen due to unavoidable circumstances. The club have contingency plans and risk management in place, however, and the construction is going well.

"All piling and substructure is 100 percent complete and the superstructure is well under way. On the West Stand, construction has reached the second floor. Raker beams and seating banks - the 'Y' pieces - are being precast in concrete in Ireland and have since arrived and started to be installed.

"The principal contractor - Capital Sky - in line with the principle of keeping things, and jobs, local - with expert support from specialist advisors including a team from Limak, retained for procurement and logistics. Had the club opted for a design-and-build with a major contractor, it would have cost £100 to £120 million more - so much that it would have rendered the project unaffordable.”

Meanwhile, there was also an insight into just how much moving to a new ground would boost the club’s finances due to the number of supporters who could finally buy season tickets, as the statement added: “Gary and Barry discussed the capacity and crowd potential too. Kenilworth Road has basically been fully utilised for the last decade, with 7,500 season ticket holders, just three per cent churn. Waiting lists for season tickets and memberships are at around 5,000.

"This means our fanbase is consequently ageing but also creates opportunity for growth. We have 56,000 ticket purchasers on our database – 30,000 went to Wembley this year – and projections of crowds eventually expected at Power Court, even in our current league, are around 16-18,000, with higher figures obviously forecast if we’re back in the Championship, which we aim to be!

“The number of season ticket numbers the club can offer will increase by 4-5,000, and potential away attendances should double too. At last, we will be able to accommodate the people who want to watch Luton Town matches. The residential build may take a few more years for completion, making the most of a forecast hike in property values over that time, during which time the club will have a manageable ‘mortgage’ to help build the stadium anchor.

“Gary, Barry and James talked of “staying true to Luton” at Power Court – rewarding loyal fans and ensuring that match attendance is affordable for families. The subject of alcohol being available in the seats and standing areas was discussed at length in the workshop sessions, along with “acceptable standards of behaviour” and Gary asked for a show of hands on it for consideration by the club. Many were in favour of it being restricted to specific areas if it is introduced, as is being discussed within the leagues.”