Luton Investment Framework April - June 2018

www..gov.uk/LIF Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018 2018: The year so far… It’s been a busy spring with signifcant progress in many areas - all having a positive impact on the people of Luton.

Once again helping to improve skills has very There have also been some really good stories much been on the agenda with European to tell about cultural activities with more funding made available for the coaching and renovations and refurbs in the cultural quarter training for specifc groups who really need as part of the Hat District works, and national the help to get into employment. There was recognition for the great night time ofer also the launch of the Aspiration Centre - a available in the town. mobile unit which gives access to information 2 on jobs and training opportunities for the This along with the Luton International whole town and helps people see what they Carnival and the Luton Town Football Club’s need to improve career prospects. promotion celebration in May, the Big Iftar and Imagine Luton in June shows the diversity We also saw developments with a number of in the town as well as demonstrating Luton as health and wellbeing schemes. A new Food a desirable place to live, work and enjoy life. Plan was put in place which will go a long way to help improve health. We saw a school health and wellbeing conference and a new service which ofers integrated emotional and physical wellbeing support set up.

Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE Leader of Luton Council April

Olly Lee and Lloyd Jones, players from Luton Town Football Club (LTFC), joined staff and pupils at Beech Hill Community Primary School Luton Council announced an agreed for the official opening of the brand new investment package of a £3.2m grant with multi-use games area. With a match funding Peugeot SA, securing the Vauxhall van grant of £132,438 by Sports England the factory’s future and the creation of over 200 school built a new 3G rubber crumb sports new jobs. This will also mean protecting many pile pitch. This can be used by pupils for a local supply and support jobs which depend variety of sports including football, cricket and on the operations of the plant. The package hockey. The multi-use games area can also be also includes reduced business rates. There used for netball, basketball and badminton. will also be support for the recruitment of 3 additional workers needed for the plant’s expansion, and help to secure permanent jobs The Women Like Me conference, celebrating at the plant for the over 50s and long-term the achievements of Luton’s women, was held unemployed. in conjunction with Women Talk as part of the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement and some women’s right to vote.

The Luton Food Plan was formally approved at a council Executive meeting. The four year initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and good food to improve health, the town’s food sustainability and economy. It focuses on 3 priority areas: A ground-breaking ceremony at the site of • the council providing healthier food the Luton DART marked the official start of options through its catering service, the works on the state-of-the-art £225m fast removing unhealthy vending machines transit system. The DART will link London from council premises and infuencing with Luton Airport Parkway local businesses to improve food options station in just under 4 minutes. • encouraging access to healthier food Lord Porter of Spalding, Chairman of the options and working with food outlets to Local Government Association turned the reduce sugar, fat and salt content frst sods of earth at the event. It is planned to be in operation by spring 2021 and will • increasing access to green space and create 500 construction jobs over 3 years, 30 empowering residents to grow their own apprenticeships and 17 permanent positions. fruit and vegetables

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018 Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018

Wizz air launched its UK subsidiary based at The new Total Wellbeing service for Luton was London Luton Airport and introduced a fourth launched at Hightown Community Sports and aircraft to its fleet as well as the UK’s only low- Arts Centre. This is the first of its kind in the fare direct flight to Albania. It also announced UK offering integrated emotional and physical a further seven new routes from the airport wellbeing services and is a partnership including Athens, Tallinn and Reykjavik. The between the national social enterprise Turning airline will have a total of eight aircraft based Point and Active Luton. The programme will at the airport in 2018. be delivered in leisure centres and community settings across the town in partnership with community organisations to ensure they are as accessible and flexible as possible for Luton residents.

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The ‘Link’ Community Led Local Development The Secretary of State for Education, Damian Workforce Coaching and Leadership Hinds and Children and Families Minister, programme gained momentum with a number Nadhim Zahawi, visited Rothesay Nursery of local people successfully completing School. It provided an opportunity to promote training which has led to employment. the importance of early years and the work done to improve children’s early language The European Social Fund project aims to skills. Staff emphasised the good practice break down barriers to employment among taking place in Luton within the Flying Start specifc groups in Luton including women, Children’s Centres, nursery schools, and early people over 50 and those with mental or years providers as part of the early years physical health problems. strategy, and Flying Start, which aims to give The project links people with free training children the best possible start in life. opportunities to help them where various factors such as lack of qualifcations or confdence, age, disability, and language or cultural barriers may have left them feeling excluded. During Walk to School Week pupils from Luton schools put their artistic skills to the test by designing posters as part of a competition organised by the council’s Road Safety Team to promote walking to schools.

closed for refurbishment and will re-open again in spring 2019 with a new entrance, reception, theatre foyer and skills and learning spaces. While the improvement works are going on Luton Culture will continue to deliver its outstanding artistic programme in other locations in the Hat District and across its other sites: Wardown House Museum and Gallery, Stockwood Discovery Centre and Central Library. Internationally renowned Some Luton pupils took part in the Football artist Tim Head met with the designer and for Peace tournament at LTFC. The event was arts team to work on ways of integrating his organised by 20 peace ambassadors aged work into the new Hat Factory space. His work 16 and 17 years and was the culmination ‘Light Rain’ was commissioned in 1998 by the of a series of events aimed at improving community cohesion in the town. council when the Hat Factory Arts Centre was 5 known as Artezium Arts and Media Centre. The council and LTFC Community Trust joined forces with Football for Peace enabling young people to work together within communities May to create greater mutual understanding and respect, while developing personal skills in the process.

Luton town centre received Purple Flag status by the Association of Town and City Management for its diverse, safe and Opto Property Group won Developer of enjoyable nightlife. Luton is now one of 70 the Year at the 2018 Property Wire Awards town and city centres in the UK and Ireland for delivering three purpose-built student with the award which is comparable to the developments in Luton. ‘Green Flag’ for parks and ‘Blue Flag’ for The high quality of the developer’s work beaches. This is a sought after accreditation helped the company to be crowned this year’s for areas with a vibrant mix of dining, winner. entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and Altogether, Opto Property Group has residents. delivered over 800 purpose-built student rooms across these three high specifcation buildings in Luton.

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018 Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018

Strategic Community Services teamed up with Hundreds of fans attended the celebration for MIND-BLMK to hold a mental health services LTFC’s promotion to League One. The event themed networking event during Mental included live music and an open top bus tour Health Awareness Week. 97 professionals which travelled from to St attended. George’s Square. The players and officials These regular themed events aim to raise the joined the Mayor on stage for celebratory profle of Voluntary and Community Sector speeches and were then welcomed into the (VCS) organisations, promoting partnership town hall for a civic reception. working and increase dialogue between VCS and the statutory sector. 6 ALMOST 1.5 MILLION PASSENGERS TRAVELLED THROUGH LONDON

The Aspiration Centre was launched at an event in St George’s Square. The pilot LUTON AIRPORT project aims to provide people with the skills they need to improve their jobs and career 3.6% INCREASE prospects. This mobile unit forms part of the COMPARED TO MAY LAST YEAR £1.9m skills and opportunities programme – a three year plan to drive aspiration and THIS IS THE 16TH CONSECUTIVE MONTH highlight career opportunities across Luton. The centre promotes the skills platform which THAT OVER ONE MILLION provides an accessible resource to promote education, job and career opportunities across PASSENGERS Luton. The centre moves from location to location making it accessible to all residents HAVE PASSED THROUGH so they are able to fnd out what jobs are THE AIRPORT AND REPRESENTS available in their ward and the town, how to access these new opportunities and how to THE BUSIEST MAY EVER improve their skills and life chances. Sports Park new gym opened following an extensive refit with a state-of-the art cardiovascular, resistance and functional training equipment to complement the centre’s large new group fitness studios and comprehensive aquatic offer.

Corporate volunteer teams from TUI Planning consent was given to refurbish an old and Vauxhall gave Holy Trinity Church in hat factory, Hat House at 32 Guildford Street a makeover in advance of the 150th into a creative workspace. Internal works were Anniversary of the Church. The makeover completed by Neville Construction Limited included re-varnishing the pews and flooring, and several important architectural and giving the oak doors a new lease of life and factory style features have been revealed and revitalising the lych gate which is a 100 year will be retained. old war memorial. 7 To fnd out more about the creative Corporate volunteering (also called employee workspaces email [email protected] volunteering) is a really simple and efective or call 01582 547470. For more information way for businesses to contribute to the go to www.hatdistrict.co.uk. community. The council’s volunteer ofcer and voluntary sector support ofcer have teamed The 42nd Luton International Carnival took up to co-ordinate a wish list of projects from place with participants from the Caribbean, community groups and then match these to Latin America, South Asia, Poland, Leeds, potential corporate volunteers. East Midlands, Isle of Wight and London. Local participant groups included LTFC, Capital & Regional announced it has leased Luton Tigers, Beds Police, Luton and Beds 52,000 sq ft to the council of previously Fire Brigade and local Samaritans had floats. vacant office space at . For another year the magnificent costumes with the music created a fantastic party The council has taken a ten year lease for atmosphere. In there were four out of the fve available foors located fairground rides, food stalls, the Aspiration above the shopping centre. Capital & Centre, health and wellbeing stalls and arts Regional has invested over £5m in a full and crafts. refurbishment of the entire ofce space. The letting enables the council to consolidate a number of public sector The Aspiration Centre was on the road uses into one location under its One Public and based at a number of sites and events Estate strategy. Occupiers at The Mall including St George’s Square, Market Luton already include Luton and Hill, Sainsbury’s Dunstable Road, Luton NHS Trust, which recently opened a clinic Carnival, Homebase Enterprise Way, Lidl to deliver medical services in the town Marsh Road, LTFC, and centre. Chaul End Community Centres.

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018 Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018

The Luton Skills Platform Skills andSkills Opportunities and Opportunities The skills platform (www.lutonskills.com) was ProgrammeProgramme Tr a i i rn i rng p ov de s Pre-employment providers officially launched. It provides information on Students

Parents job searching, in- work benefits that may be Employers The Luton Skills Platform Schools available, grants to help with study, study options, Colleges Luton Council Universities Residents apprenticeships and more. It allows employers to An online platform that connects people and organisations - hosting jobs, training and opportunities. advertise local vacancies free of charge. Visitors to Organisations Residents encouraging local employers to seek local The Aspirationtalent for their Centre job opportunities all visitors to the Aspiration Centre are The Aspiration Centre advised to sign up to the Skills Platform the Aspiration Centre are encouraged to sign up organisations can post their local training a dedicated platform for local people opportunities A mobile unit travelling through the town promoting jobs and skills. looking for local jobs and opportunities A mobile unit travelling through the town promoting all recruitment jobs and advertising skills. is free of quick and easy to use charge to the skills platform where they can view local job Pre-employment providers, employers, higher personal education skills broker and tofurther advise education, on training candidates get all the support and

Pre-employmentproviders, providers, Job Centre employers, Plus and higher the council education hostposting and furtherdeliver your vacancies aeducation, wide range training of services including jobs, information they need about jobs and . providers, Job Centre Plus and thetraining council and host work and experience deliver a widein the range heart of of services our local including community jobs,. training opportunities training and work experience in the heart of creating our local a personal community or organisation profle means it’s tailor made to users’ the right candidates are matched with the

needs right jobs and opportunities opportunities, training courses and volunteering Promoting the Skills Platform which provides an accessible resource to promote education, job Promoting the Skills Platform which provides an accessible resource to promote education, job create and upload your CV and apply for and career opportunitiesand career opportunitiesacross Luton. across Luton. local jobs & opportunities

A list of locations and dates can be viewed at www.luton.gov.uk/aspirationcentre positons. The platform can be accessed easily at A list of locations and dates can be viewed Forat www.luton.gov.uk/aspirationcentre more information contact the LIF Skills Project Manager either b There are opportunities for organisations to join us and promote opportunities. There are opportunities for organisations to onjoin 01582 us and promote547367 opportunities.or 07719 408851 or by email Geraldine.Horan@luty telephone For more informationFor more see information the contact see details the contact overleaf. details overleaf. on.gov.uk home and on mobile devices. www.luton.gov.uk/LIF www.luton.gov.uk/LIF www.luton.gov.uk/LIF June

A school health and wellbeing conference was held to help staff gain new skills to support pupils. The conference included practical workshops and resources covering a range of topics including child sexual exploitation, healthy relationships, youth violence, online safety and mental health. 8

Imagine Luton returned this year with the magic of circus. A Big Top was in place in St George’s Square and the town centre streets were brought to life with amazing circus, dance, theatre and music performances.

Luton’s Big Iftar 2018 took place at Popes Meadow organised by Inspire FM with the council and Bedfordshire Police. People from all communities shared good food and learned more about this special day. Activities included face painting, mehindi/ Cllr Naseem Ayub was invested as the new henna, bouncy castles, Nasheed singing, and Mayor of Luton becoming the first female family entertainment. The event provided the Asian Mayor of the town. Born and raised in opportunity to learn about Islam and Ramadan Luton, she has been a councillor since 2011 and to break the fast (Iftar) with a shared when she became the first female to be meal. elected in the Biscot ward. Cllr Mark Rivers, who was appointed deputy mayor, has lived in Luton from the age of ten. Currently an engineering consultant and project manager, he was elected as councillor for in 2011. The CCG held its first workshop, ‘Reimagining Mental Health’ which brought together commissioners, providers, voluntary and community organisations to begin a different conversation about what mental health in Luton could be. This was a co-production approach towards developing mental health and wellbeing support integrated with physical health and social care, focused on prevention and recovery. As part of the celebration and thanks to volunteers during National Volunteers Week the council gave certificates of thanks to organisations using volunteers. These were to acknowledge their contribution in supporting volunteering opportunities in Luton. A small selection of these organisations joined together in St George’s Square alongside the Aspiration Centre to promote volunteering. Mayor Cllr Naseem Ayub presented the organisations and their volunteers with their certificates.

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Building on ‘The Beacon’ by Mark Titchner, a new public art commissioning opportunity has been opened up across the Hat District. Artists and designers have been invited to design, create and install a series of stimulating illuminated neon, enamel or industrial signs, symbols and letters across the four key venues. Works should respond to the heritage of the area and draw upon Luton Culture’s collections and research. For more information go to A vacant plot of land at 33 Guildford Street www.lutonculture.com/about-us was secured to build Hat Studios – the fourth and final building in the Hat District project. This is the biggest investment and use of the Local Growth Fund from South East Midlands The annual Flying Start and Pre-School Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP). The Learning Alliance Picnic in the Park event was new building will provide 8,500 sq. ft. of held in Wardown Park. This year with a theme workspace for creative industries and retail of Five to Thrive. There were over 30 stalls managed by Luton Culture. Hat Studios will and partners from right across the early years inject new vibrancy into this run-down part of spectrum, including Flying Start Children’s the conservation area. A brief was released Centres and Luton nurseries, midwifery, inviting tenders from architects’ practices who health visitors, Love Food, Aspiration Centre share the project vision. and Active Luton, were involved.

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018 Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | April - June 2018

Thirty students from High School A Meet the Buyer event was held by the attended an employability and activity procurement team of Volker Fitzpatrick- day at TUI as part of the 16 x 16 young Kier who have been appointed contractors people’s programme. Feedback from the for the Luton Airport DART project. The visit from both the learners and employers event enabled businesses interested in was incredibly positive. Learners had the providing products and services for the opportunity to find out about the many £225m infrastructure scheme to find out career choices TUI offers locally and they were more about the opportunities open to delighted to meet local young talent and them. There will be three events, each to inspire them to consider different career with a different target audience. The first, options. civils and buildings gave companies the opportunity to tender for the supply of materials and services for construction of commercial buildings and infrastructure civil engineering works.

The Luton family safeguarding model reached its first anniversary resulting in a permanent change to the service and commitment to continue the model beyond the Department for Education funded period. Key features include: 10 multi-disciplinary teams of specialist workers with domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental health expertise training in motivational interviewing as a A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was unifying framework for practice for all staf introduced within the town centre making it a working with children and families safer and more welcoming place for residents, businesses and visitors. PSPOs allow anti-social group case discussions with shared risk behaviour to be managed effectively and ownership across the multi-disciplinary the town centre order applies to a range of teams behaviours including street drinking, urinating structured tools to support direct work and defecating, dog fouling, and spitting. The powers allow accredited police and council Adult workers have been seconded in all fve officers to use a number of tactics including children’s social work teams and a strategic fines, to address these issues and help partnership agreement has been signed improve the quality of the area for people to between partners and an adult worker in the enjoy. children’s social work teams The changes introduced provide better The Employment Support Forum met for outcomes for children, young people and their the second time. The group is made up of families council, pre-employment providers and local employers. Those in attendance received an The Aspiration Centre was located at update on the Aspiration Centre, discussed a a number of sites and events including one common assessment and referral system, Market Hill, Sainsbury’s Quantock Rise, Job Centre Plus procurement process and Aldi Scott Road, St Francis Church Carteret looked at individual placement support. It is Road, Inspire: Luton Sports Village, Gipsy intended that the forum meets three times a Lane Retail Park, Aldi Road, Luton year. Train Station and Lewsey Festival. By the For more information email [email protected] end of June over 470 people had visited the centre. The Luton Skills Platform

Pre-employment Training providers providers Students Parents

Employers The Luton Schools Skills Platform

Universities Colleges Residents Luton Council

An online platform that connects people and organisations - hosting jobs, training and opportunities.

Organisations Residents

encouraging local employers to seek local all visitors to the Aspiration Centre are talent for their job opportunities advised to sign up to the Skills Platform organisations can post their local training a dedicated platform for local people opportunities looking for local jobs and opportunities all recruitment advertising is free of quick and easy to use charge candidates get all the support and personal skills broker to advise on information they need about jobs and posting your vacancies training opportunities creating a personal or organisation the right candidates are matched with the profle means it’s tailor made to users’ right jobs and opportunities needs create and upload your CV and apply for local jobs & opportunities

For more information contact the LIF Skills Project Manager either by telephone on 01582 547367 or 07719 408851 or by email [email protected]

www.luton.gov.uk/LIF Skills & Opportunities in Luton

Do you want to know about jobs and opportunities in Luton?

Are you interested in changing career?

Would you like to know how to improve your job prospects?

Are you unsure about possible career pathways, trainingCentre. courses and skills required for jobs?

If so, come and visit the mobile Aspiration

Our experienced staff and partners will be on hand with information on jobs and elopments taking place in the town as part of the opportunities across Luton. ormation plan that is changing the town. You can also find out about dev Luton Investment Framework – a transf

To find out more about the Aspiration Centre and when it will be coming to your area email [email protected] or visit www.luton.gov.uk/aspirationcentre w w w.lut on. go v .uk /LIF

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