Hatters seek investors for J10 jobs site

‘Gateway to Luton’ is envisioned as a multi-purpose development on Junction 10, with 500,000sq ft earmarked as potential office space.

The site’s owners, Luton Town Football Club, backed by Luton Borough Council, will appear at MIPIM trade exhibition from today until Saturday in a bid to attract investment to the site.

LTFC’s purchase of the four acres of land off Junction 10 was announced in September. There was conjecture it may be used to build a new stadium, but the club have since revealed it to be an investment project to finance a new stadium likely to be built elsewhere.

Gary Sweet, chief executive of LTFC, said: “Not only do we have a wonderful opportunity to unlock our future over the next few days but we also have a welcome duty to be influential in changing the perception of our town with such an iconic Gateway site, a role we’re more than happy to accept.

“Starting with the launch of over 500,000 sq ft of offices which will bring some 2,000 jobs to the site, our aims for the Gateway to Luton at Junction 10 will be bold, aspirational and innovative but also realistic and deliverable.

“I genuinely believe we have entered a new era for Luton and Luton Town, being ambitiously and encouragingly led by a Council who have every right to be described as progressive.

“For the next three days we’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder with the Council supporting each other and promoting our shared future.”

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: “The Council wants to see a successful, sustainable Luton Town Football Club that helps promote the many positive aspects of the town, and a move to a new stadium is a long held aspiration for the club, supporters, the council and the town.

“We have been interested to learn of the club’s ambitions to attract investment on land near M1 J10a which have the potential to deliver wider benefits for the town.

“Initial discussions have taken place with the Council’s planners on potential options and assessment work is ongoing. At this stage we have not received an application which would be subject to full planning processes.”