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Luton Investment Framework October - December 2018

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Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

It was also a time when progress continued with the local economy. Consultations, and planning applications were submitted for developments which will make a diference to the landscape of 2018: the town as well as provide much needed housing. It was also a key time for our The year so far… focus on skilling up people so they can It has been a really busy end of improve their prospects, in particular in the growth sectors such as construction. the year with growth, progress With partners, we also continued our and positive steps in many areas. project to help our young people develop awareness of job opportunities and what is The early part of this period saw a number required of them so they are attractive to of community events where residents had employers. the chance to air their views about topics important to them as well as opportunities for some local groups to secure funding for projects important to them. We also had events taking place in the town - the occasion to refect and remember the 2 Great War, the popular half marathon and freworks and the switch on of the lights at Christmas. All brought diferent generations and communities together.

Finally the launch of a campaign which celebrated Luton through its many voices was a real chance to see how proud our residents are of our town.

Once again there have been many, well- deserved acknowledgements across a number of areas with awards highlighting successes in sustainable travel, fostering as well as at the hugely important Luton’s Best Awards. We were recognised also for the important work to improve animal Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE welfare in the town. Leader of Luton Council

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October

The council’s dog warden team was awarded a Platinum PawPrint Award in recognition of winning continuous gold awards for five years in a row. Luton’s superfast broadband coverage hit The RSPCA PawPrint’s Awards recognise and 99.5% with some parts of the town achieving celebrate public service organisations that 100%. go above and beyond to ensure high animal Councillors approved a contribution of welfare standards in their communities, such £180,000 three years ago towards superfast as initiatives to see more stray dogs safely into broadband in Luton and this investment kennels and reunited with their owners. unlocked an additional £180,000 investment 3 Only pioneering local authorities, housing from the government’s Broadband Delivery providers and other public service UK (BDUK) funding. organisations across England are recognised The project is delivered in partnership with through the scheme. Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough and Milton Keynes councils, as well as BT and BDUK. Its aim is to bring access to superfast broadband (up to 30MB) to approximately Manor Road Park was officially re-opened 99% of homes and businesses in Luton. by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mark Rivers following extensive improvement works to the River Lea that runs through the park. The works were carried out by Affinity Water in 2020 Developments (Luton) Ltd, the property collaboration with the council, The Luton arm of Luton Town Football Club completed Lea River Catchment Partnership and The the purchase of freehold interests in Power Environment Agency. Court from the council, meaning it now owns The concrete steps and the channel were the entire Power Court site. replaced with a new meandering river channel created to reconnect the river to its natural food plain, which will help ease food water further downstream. Diferent The Total Wellbeing Luton integrated sections were established to enable fsh wellness service formally launched at to spawn and rest and new river banks Inspire. The service has already supported were created to support a better variety of 4,500 residents to improve their physical plants and wildlife. and emotional wellbeing.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

Active Luton launched its Go4Less Advantage card offering reduced price access to gym, swimming and group fitness classes during off peak hours to people on benefits, pension credit, disability or other allowances.

There was an excellent turn out at the Let’s Talk meeting held at the Chaul End Centre where local residents met with their ward councillors to discuss issues of local concern. Nearly 40 residents attended and had the opportunity to have an open and frank discussion on issues such as licensing, speeding along Road and generic highway issues. Let’s Talk meetings are held in wards across the town offering local residents the chance to meet together and share their Foxhall Homes held a public consultation views on issues of common concern. event to seek views on the proposed mixed tenure development on land known as 4 Wandon Park, and to provide improved public open space on the adjoining field. Luton Council Housing Strategy 2019-2022 The event was well attended, and feedback from the public has further shaped the plans for the proposed development. As Luton is a growing town to support the wider investment, wellbeing and economic development, additional housing is essential. A further public consultation will be held in www.luton.gov.uk February, where the public will be able to see how their comments have shaped the Strategic Community Services (SCS) and the proposed development. Housing Strategy and Development Team joined forces for a morning of networking and consultation on the council’s Housing Strategy 2019 - 2022. Outline planning consent was granted Over 50 stakeholders from statutory and third for the proposed development of 100 sector organisations participated in the event. apartments on the site of the former car Partnership working, networking and sign park at Taylor Street. The apartments will posting were key to the success of the event. be a mix of one, two and three bedroom It concluded with a stakeholders consultation homes for market sale and affordable rent. event with presentations on homelessness and the Rough Sleepers Project in Luton.

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When business, communities and the council A small but very interactive session took place work together, a lot can be achieved in just when residents met with their local one day. SCS organised another corporate ward councillors at their Let’s Talk meeting at volunteering day to give local Kingsway 61FC St. Luke’s Church Hall. A specifc delegation a facelift inside and out. The project was a attended from the Toddington Road area of collaboration between Beds FA and 30 staff the ward to debate a local issue. from TUI. The day included tackling grafti, refreshing As a result it was agreed a themed meeting changing rooms, and repainting external walls would take place with council ofcers present of the pavilion. Local residents were pleased to address the subject and share with the to see these much needed works carried out residents what actions had been taken to and commented on how it had improved the date. overall look of the area. 5 To see the day’s photos and transformation courtesy of Andy Parrott from TUI visit www.luton.gov.uk/volunteering

Following the successful launch of the new Flying Start volunteer programme, over 90 expressions of interest were received over 90 expressions of interest from community members interested in becoming a volunteer. Over half of them have now started their Luton Against Sexual Exploitation (LASE) was journey by attending workshops and launched by Gavin Shuker MP. It took place training, with nine already trained as ICAN at the Turning Off The Red Light event which Communication Ambassadors, promoting was held at Luton based charity Azalea. the importance of speech and language Azalea aims to support women and children development in early years. caught in sexual exploitation. LASE will bring The collaboration between Flying Start, together agencies and community members Luton Council’s Volunteer team and to tackle the issue, by ensuring individuals Adult Community Learning, supports the subject to sexual exploitation are supported, recruitment and training programme. combating demand from sex buyers and Trained volunteers receive a toolkit holding perpetrators to account. specifc to the role and access to a range LASE is a ground breaking new partnership of ongoing training. committed to ending commercial sexual For more information visit www. exploitation in our community. The message to any man considering buying sex in Luton is fyingstartluton.com/getting-involved/ clear: paying for sex is abuse.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

Local residents from Crawley, , The ‘Many Voices, One Town’ campaign and Wigmore wards attended the was launched which showcases how young Let’s Talk meeting held at Ramridge Primary Lutonian’s lead the way in celebrating the School. Following the individual ward town. The campaign films featured the stories meetings a plenary themed session was held of eight inspiring young people talking about on the growth of London with the pride they have in Luton, and how they the Leader of the Council Cllr Hazel Simmons each contribute to the town. MBE, Cllr Andy Malcolm (Portfolio holder for Finance and Chair of the Board of Directors of It is hoped the campaign will inspire more London Luton Airport Limited), Trevor Holden local people to think about and celebrate (Chief Executive) and Robin Porter (Corporate what makes Luton great. Director – Customer & Commercial). Working in partnership with organisations, Over 100 residents attended with excellent schools and communities across Luton, the dialogue with councillors and ofcers. The campaign celebrates the town’s many voices, Leader of the Council and East Luton ward councillors promised a follow up meeting once 6 demonstrating how they come together to create a town people can be proud of. the results from the frst round of the airport consultation was available. The campaign will be developed through interventions and initiatives run with schools Photo credit: Luton Culture and local groups in Luton working with young people and the wider community. For further information: www.luton.gov.uk/manyvoices

Luton Culture presented a contemporary theatre and comedy programme in partnership with Paines Plough Theatre Company. It showcased a diverse mix of high quality performances, a taster of the type of SCS hosted the south ward ‘Your Say Your programming that will be scheduled at the Way’ (YSYW) decision day at Shri Guru Hat Factory Arts Centre when it reopens in Ravidass Temple, Cardigan Street. Projects 2019. were presented to local community The Roundabout also provided Luton Presents members who decided which ones would and Forum - platforms for be awarded funding. Seven community Luton’s local creative community and arts projects were successful including Inside Out, and culture lovers to share and listen to new Intergenerational Fun Times, Luton Heritage ideas. Feedback was extremely positive from Guided Walks, Mind Our Music, Seasonal both children and adults attending events. In Celebration and Steelpan workshops. It was total 605 people attended. The programme exciting to see such diverse projects, some increased the breadth and quality of artistic applying for the very first time. work ofered to new and existing audiences in Luton. LBC LBC

Luton Family Safeguarding is the model of care for children, young people and families at the highest risk of harm. The TuckIN was successfully launched, with Corporate Director for People at Luton Chicken George the first to be awarded their Council held a service event and recognised TuckIN resources. 24 businesses have already family safeguarding as the strength of the signed up and are benefiting from free directorate. promotion via TuckIN’s social media platforms The service is going from strength to and the TuckIN website. strength with 789 children and families being Participation means they also have access to supported through the family safeguarding free online nutrition training and discounts approach. from suppliers working with the council in order to support them to ofer healthier oil at Investment in training the dedicated teams competitive prices. Funded by Public Health to work using a range of tools and techniques 7 and supported by SCS, TuckIN works to help such as motivational interviewing, allows small businesses make positive changes to the them to focus on the strengths of the adults way they select, prepare and serve food in involved and identify necessary changes relation to salt, sugar, fat and portion size. to make in order to reduce emotional and physical harm to children.

A YSYW event was held at Farley Community Centre for applicants from the Farley ward The Leader of the council Cllr Simmons to present their projects. Following votes MBE opened this year’s Ward YSYW from the local residents the area can look decision day at Lewsey Community Centre. forward to having seven new projects in The event enabled grassroot projects to their community including; employability secure community support for innovative workshops, Farley pan players, the youth zone, and creative projects. BIG Health & Fitness, Thursday base, what’s happening in farley, a Community Café and Cultural Dance youth participation through engagement in Workshops, were amongst the seven physical activities to reduce crime and gang successfully funded projects. involvement and support for the Saathi women group in Farley. YSYW funds local Managed by the SCS team and working in services and projects based on community partnership with Luton Adult Learning, YSYW need. is a great way of allocating money for local projects.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

The University of Bedfordshire was successful in attracting £1.7m EU Funding to support graduate secondments to local businesses. The programme funds 60% of a graduate’s salary for up to 10 weeks to work within any local business to help solve some of their most challenging problems. Fresh to the workforce, digitally literate, entrepreneurial and keen to prove themselves, by providing easy access to skilled 8 graduates. This programme is designed to help stimulate growth in businesses. To beneft and fnd out more, contact the University’s Innovation and Enterprise Service on [email protected]

Vibrant street art was introduced to the Feast Street entrance off the Mall in a partnership project between The Mall and local company, Little Red Creative, making a colourful tribute to some of the nation’s favourite retro video games.

A prospective new councillor’s event was held in the town hall. The event provided information for potential new members to be aware of the role they will be expected to play.

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The University of Bedfordshire was ranked as one of the best places in the world to study Education in the Times Higher World University subject rankings. The University appeared in the 201–250 category in the THE Education Subject Ranking. The University’s Education courses enable students to pursue varied careers in education and related sectors, popular careers include teaching and varied roles working with children and young people.

Amaani Ahmed joined Luton Council as a National Graduate Development Programme 9 trainee having left the University of Birmingham in summer 2018, with a BA in International Relations. Amaani has a passion for helping people on an Love Luton sixth half-marathon and 10k was international and local scale, which led him to attended by a record number of runners. Both choose Flying Start as his frst placement out courses took runners through Luton’s award of a possible nine options at the council. winning parks finishing at the town centre. His main role within Flying Start will lead on The event would not have been possible developing a project implementation plan for without the support of so many local people the 5-19 parenting project. who volunteered. 150 Signposts volunteers rallied together to marshal the event, Revoluton Arts, with support from Global manning water stations, setting up road Streets Network and funding from Arts blocks and managing Race HQ. Council England, brought a giant wicker The event is supported by over 25 local woman accompanied by a younger woman businesses who make up Love Luton. With and the beautiful bird of Freedom to Luton. particular thanks to Active Luton for the use Stunning performances were held along the of athletics track, the Luton processions route. Outside the Town Hall Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa for the use of their a bespoke performance was made by Shifa grounds, Barthram Press and Discover Islam Choudhury. Crowds following the puppets who provided the water, Pratts who supplied in Upper George Street saw the Masks the bananas, Arriva who provided the shuttle ‘Switch On’. The mass dance Grand Finale buses and fnally JB Interiors who sponsored was held in St George’s Square featuring a the fnishers t-shirts. participatory dance routine and a unique dance choreographed and performed by Jean Abreu.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

Active Luton invested in improvements to November Lewsey Sports Park with the development of a new suite of five consultation rooms for use by Total Wellbeing Luton and Optimum Physiotherapy. Active Luton invested in a new, state-of-the- art PoolPod at Inspire: Luton Sports village to improve access to its swimming pools for people with disabilities or mobility issues. A new group ftness craze, FloatFit was launched at Inspire which is the only community leisure centre in the south east outside London to ofer this.

One of Luton’s favourite annual events – the Fireworks Spectacular – returned to Popes Meadow. The event was as always; free entry. London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL), the Luton Council company which owns London Luton Airport, once again acted as principal sponsor for the event.

10 The 100th anniversary of the end of World War I was commemorated in Luton by following the ‘Battles Over’ itinerary arranged by Pageant master Bruno Peake. The day started at 6am with the traditional Scottish lament, Battle’s O’er being played. The traditional Remembrance Day Service and parade took place at 10.30am. In the evening an event ‘Poppies, Poetry and The Bike Recycling Scheme won the award Projections’ included a programme of striking for Excellence in Cycling at the 2018 National projections onto the Town Hall, a display of Sustainable Travel Awards, Modeshift light-up poppies by local children, poetry and Convention. spoken word by local artists, and music by the The scheme is part of the Bedfordshire Salvation Army Band. The evening culminated STARS project, a partnership with Luton with the lighting of a beacon, the ringing out Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and of the bells and the cry for peace performed Bedford Borough Council aiming to increase by local poet, Lee Nelson. sustainable access to rail stations, helping reduce congestion and improve air quality. The first red route in Luton was introduced Bikes are collected from Luton recycle centres on Airport Way. Following a public or donated by the Police and Recycle Your consultation the council’s Executive gave Cycle. Suitable bikes are serviced back to a approval to implement red routes on road-worthy condition. Airport Way in November and the town centre in January 2019 as a trial known as Anyone can buy a bike from the council and an experimental order. After six months money raised from the sales reinvested in the councillors will consider any objections and scheme. decide whether or not to continue with the Bikes are also donated to individuals who do scheme. not have the means to buy one.

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As part of learning about Parliament Week and the Gunpowder Plot, pupils at Someries Infant School received a visit from Baroness Young. Before the visit the children had been refecting in class about laws, parliament and how the country is run as part of learning about democracy. At the school assembly Baroness Young talked about her role, about decisions made and about the history of the House of Lords. The Baroness then met the school MPs, Foster carers who have been fostering with elected by their classmates, who told her the council for over five years were recognised about their work. for their invaluable contribution at a special celebration in Bury. The Long Service awards ceremony was an occasion to thank and recognise the incredible efort the carers have put in over the years to help transform the lives of vulnerable children in care. Long-service awards were presented to 14 foster carers and couples who had clocked up 160 years of service between them. There were other special awards given to carers who 11 had gone above and beyond in carrying out their duties towards the children who came to live with them.

Luton Council secured £1m from The LLAL commenced a further ground Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) investigation works to continue widening Skills Fund to create a construction skills its understanding of how the former landfill training hub, which will initially be based site east of the airport was filled. at the Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit (DART) scheme site. This work supports both LLAL’s emerging proposals for long-term airport growth, The funding will enable 720 local people to and its plans to deliver mixed commercial be trained in a variety of construction skills, development at New Century Park which and provide local and regional employers with will bring 3,200 new jobs. access to trained potential employees. The programme aims to ensure 45% of trainees The works involve creating boreholes and are from underrepresented groups, whilst trial pits within the airport’s long stay car 15% of trainees will be people looking to park. switch careers. This will be delivered in partnership with VolkerFitzpatrick-Kier and the Construction Skills Network, which consists of contractors, developers, training and employment support providers in the local area.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

The Luton Priority Anti-social Behaviour Team, Foxhall Homes announced Mears had a partnership between Luton Council and been awarded the pre-construction Bedfordshire Police, won the ‘Keeping Luton service agreement for the development at Safe’ category at Luton Best Awards. Weltmore Road. The scheme for 51 homes The award was given following a number of will provide homes for market sales, and successful civil enforcement actions that the affordable rent. team have taken against repeat perpetrators The development site is the former and because of their commitment to Day Centre, on Weltmore safeguarding vulnerable victims. Road. Luton has limited land opportunities The team have received a tremendous and this development utilises a redundant amount of positive feedback from victims and site to provide much need homes for the residents as a result of their professionalism town. and dedication to improving the lives of Luton residents.

12 The Mall welcomed fashion giant, Superdry, who opened the doors of its new store after frequently topping The Mall’s list of ‘most requested’ stores. Fashion forward jewellery brand, Lovisa, were hot on their heels, opening the store next door.

The council’s airport company, LLAL, received planning permission for the £100m employment site at Bartlett Square, a mixed commercial development at Kimpton Road, next to Luton Airport Parkway and the forthcoming Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit (Luton DART) station which is already under construction. The site should create 2,000 new jobs for local London Luton Airport (LLA) experienced people. an 11.5% increase in passenger numbers compared to the year before, as more than The proposals include a new hotel with up to 1.1 million passengers travelled through the 172 bedrooms, 267,000 sq. ft. fexible and airport. high-quality ofce space, complementary retail of 7,400 sq. ft. and an on-site multi- From 2019, passengers travelling by rail will storey car park serving the ofces. be able to use Oyster and contactless cards on train services between London and the airport terminal, making it even easier to reach the airport.

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The 16x16 team delivered a successful event in association with TUI and Enabling Enterprise . Thirty year 10 learners attended the day at TUI’s offices in Luton, where they developed awareness of employment opportunities within the Travel & Tourism sector and developed a variety of employability skills. Local employers including London Luton Airport, Luton Council and Volker-Fitzpatrick Kier also attended the event. The ninth Luton’s Best Awards was held at , hosted by broadcaster and former tennis player Andrew Castle. The awards recognise community achievement across the region in areas such as fundraising, care, community projects and volunteering. The Hat District project won the Environmental Achievement award recognising that as “the regeneration will honour the heritage of the area whilst offering a perfect environment and location for entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses in the creative industries.” 13

BBC 3 Counties Radio invited Guy Smith, Luton Culture’s Director of Business Performance, to discuss the transformation of Hat Works, the oldest remaining hat factory in Luton, following £200,000 of funding support from Historic England for essential repairs. The discussion detailed the benefits it would bring to the town and its creative industries. Presenter Nick Coffer was also keen to Graduates of Luton’s Football for Peace present a show from the building, located programme met HRH, The Duke of Cambridge in the Plaiters Lea conservation area of the at an event held at Copper Box, London. town, once it is completed in 2020. Planning permission has since been granted for repair Luton youngsters met VIP guest, Prince works to start. William, a number of professional footballers including Louis Saha, Mezut Ozil and Wilfred Luton’s famous hat making industry was Zaha as well as representatives from celebrated in the episode: ‘Hats’ as part of the Birmingham and London who also participated ‘Made in Great Britain’ series commissioned in the programme. by BBC2. TV presenter Steph McGovern and The Football for Peace programme organised a team of UK’s talented makers explored as a partnership between LTFC and Luton and experienced hat manufacturing in the Council bringing together young people from town from the past to present. This included diferent cultures, faiths and backgrounds a visit to the Wardown House and Museum who would not typically mix, socially or collection and a walk through the Hat District otherwise with each other. Together where Luton Culture’s Significant Collections they learnt to confront preconceptions, Curator, Mary Miah, shared her expertise on stereotypes and negative ideologies, through the town’s hat making heritage. their common love of football.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

The University of Bedfordshire was awarded Partners came together in the first Rough £30,000 from One Dance UK funder to carry Sleeping Strategic Forum to support the out research in partnership with Arts Council implementation of MHCLG funded Rough England to report on the current and future Sleeping Initiatives (RSI) and existing projects support needs of freelancers working in the that work to end rough sleeping in Luton. dance sector. In the first three months of operation the RSI Outreach team supported 34 individuals The research will inform a broad range of who were sleeping in doorways, stairwells, stakeholders who are already engaged in parks, cars, car parks and underpasses into providing support and enable One Dance UK accommodation. The Migrant Housing Project to coordinate existing support services and supported six individuals off the street and create new opportunities where there are into work programmes and 13 individuals gaps in current provision. were supported to return to their country of 14 origin. The Rough Sleeping Strategic Forum will continue to develop solutions for those who have not taken up ofers of accommodation.

High Town Road Let’s Talk Business; held its first meeting as part of a new initiative, with a series of meetings and business breakfasts planned, to look at issues that could improve potential and increase footfall in the area such as: better lighting Experience Invest held their first London better handling of waste Property Seminar at the Principal Hotel in Russell Square. The event explored aesthetic changes e.g. to shop fronts the advantages of investing in London’s increased reasons to shop – addressing the commuter belt, focusing on Luton and empty shops situation Imperial Square, which was represented in a 3D model. Attendees had the opportunity working with heritage/conservation to secure a 20% early investor discount at organisations to target work that will take Imperial Square, as well as other benefits. advantage of the history in High Town

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37 participants received their results following December a year-long programme, specifically designed for employment professionals working with communities in Luton. The IEP programme’s aim is to bring a number of the town’s employment support providers together with an industry recognised qualification, to share best practice and foster a better experience for Luton residents. Networking events, training sessions, webinars and workshops have all been held alongside online learning. Certifcates are to be issued at a special event in the New Year.

The Lighting up Luton for Christmas event was accompanied by a Christmas Market. The market was provided in conjunction with Luton BID, brought a mix of local providers to the square. The Love Food, Hate Waste team cooked delicious recipes from leftovers and provided advice on how to waste less food. Luton BID also arranged for this year’s special 15 guests at the lights switch-on. Peter Rabbit™ and Paddington Bear™.

The council announced Development Control Committee dates for Luton 2020 Development’s Power Court and Newlands Park planning applications.

During 2018 The Mall helped raise over £80,000 for local charities, including nearly £25,000 for the local Royal British Legion both during the Poppy Appeal, which saw a full size replica Spitfire in the centre, and through sponsorship raised by four members of The Mall team completing the Love Luton Remembrance Ride to Flanders.

The second 16x16 University of Bedfordshire Foxhall Homes announced that its first conference was held with over 1,000 local residential development scheme at Solway students attending the event over five days. Road is in contract, and work on site will start Students experienced a taste of real university in early 2019. The scheme will provide 15 life as they attended workshops designed by homes for market sale and affordable rent UoB lecturers. Learners also engaged with a and a new community centre. The contractor number of local employers and increased their Taylor French Developments, have extensive knowledge on local training and employment experience of building high quality homes. opportunities.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

The Aspiration Centre team started visiting Neville Construction undertook the final phase community centres in Luton, signposting of Hat House. This new facility in the centre of Luton residents to a variety of services to town will provide studios, creative workspace help them get back into work and improve and dining over five floors. Hat House already their skills. Visit www.luton.gov.uk/ has a new roof, new windows and repaired aspirationcentre to see a timetable of or replaced window lintels. It is now ready locations. for its final stage fit out and is due to open in summer 2019. Photo credit mubsta.com

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These Walls Tell Stories by Shaun Armstrong shaunarmstrong.com Andy Abbott, a Catalyst artist on the Testbeds The Storefront gallery in Bute Street hosted artist development programme run by the an exhibition of photographs by Hat District University of Bedfordshire gave visitors to project photographer Shaun Armstrong. Luton Mall the opportunity to explore an These Walls Tell Stories highlights the alternate reality version of Luton in a new transformation taking place within the Hat video game project. District since the start of the project in 2017. The new game, called Lutopia, appeared in The images show the inherent beauty of these a pop-up booth in the Mall, funded by Luton buildings and the stories they have absorbed Arts Fund, where passers-by were able to over the years. Shaun said, “Documenting test a demo version of the game using VR the many aspects of the Hat District as it headsets. transforms from its industrial creative past to a vibrant creative future is a delight, from Lutopia draws on real life content. All the the organic materials and design to the characters, places and situations in the game engagement of the workforce and the process have been developed through workshops and of change.” from contributions from the public. Postcards and prints of the exhibition images are available to purchase. Visit hatdistrict.co.uk for more information.

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Community Led Local Development Pathways to a better Future Cohesion

Through-out the year staff at local employer TUI spent thousands of hours doing volunteering days in the community. As a Employment Information generous end to the year Katie McAlister the Chief Marketing Officer presented hundreds of gifts donated by TUI staff, to Luton Council specialist families service for distribution to children and families in need in Luton. 17

TUI continue to support the local people Education of Luton with a range of initiatives such as donating funds to their chosen charity, Guidance Advice providing each member of staf an annual day to volunteer for good causes and the annual Training giving of gifts. For more information about how your

business can get involved with corporate volunteering in the community email [email protected] Community Led Local Development (CLLD) The University of Bedfordshire Business launched a new round of funding to provide School celebrated being the first UK programmes to increase skills and employment in business school to achieve the Business 11 of the most deprived wards of Luton. School Impact System (BSIS) award. To date current projects which include partners The European Foundation for such as Community Interest Luton, Active Luton, Management Development (EFMD) Diverse FM and LTFC Community Trust have developed the BSIS tool to enable business seen over 300 participants take part in activities schools to measure their impact on the to support them to reach closer to the labour world around them. Only 38 business market – with currently over 70 people attending schools across the world have achieved courses and further education opportunities and BSIS recognition. 67 people gaining employment. For more information www.luton.gov.uk/CLLD

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

Luton Investment Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018

The Inclusive Growth Commission was established. Throughout the early part of 2019 they will be undertaking an extensive engagement and consultation programme across the borough to obtain evidence to help shape key recommendations and proposals to ensure Luton residents benefit from the town’s growing economy. The nine commissioners include Chair of the Commission former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire Professor, Sir Leslie Ebdon CBE DL. The Commission are seeking submissions of evidence of ideas and views from experts in the voluntary sector, local businesses, local communities and groups to understand what is needed to ensure everybody feels part of Luton’s transformation. For more information about the commissioners, how to submit evidence and the engagement programme and how you can get involved visit www.growinglutontogether.com

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LU2ON, an integrated mixed-use development by Strawberry Star Homes was launched at the Hampton by Hilton hotel on London Luton Airport. The development is located on the site of the former Vauxhall Motors factory and within walking distance of Luton Airport Parkway station. It will include over 785 bespoke suites, one and two- bedroom apartments with facilities such as private roof gardens and 24-hour concierge, commercial space, large public realm, gardens, gym, boutique shops, restaurants and bars, as well as a 4-star hotel. Phase one is due for completion in 2021.

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The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, the Secretary of State for Transport officially opened London Luton Airport’s newly-upgraded terminal, marking the culmination of LLA’s three-year transformation project. The £160m redevelopment has made signifcant improvements to the terminal and the ways people 19 get to and from the airport. Improvements include 30 new high street and luxury stores, over 1,000 more seats, free Wi-Fi, a new boarding pier with eight additional boarding gates, an expanded security search area, a new dual carriageway, bus interchange and multi-storey car park. The transformation of the airport will increase its annual capacity by 50% to 18 million passengers by 2020.

announced it had been recognised as a Beacon Award Commended College, for the work of its Skills for Life department in supporting students with additional needs. Barnfeld is one of only 16 colleges recognised London Luton Airport ground staff created a spectacular festive in this category in the experience by creating the world’s first Christmas light show to Association of Colleges feature a 120ft aircraft provided by easy Jet. The lights were 2018/19 Beacon Awards switched on for the first time by 9 year old Maddy Simonite. The which recognise the best festive projections and lights were synchronised to the sound of and most innovative a contemporary remix of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum activities in colleges Fairy. across the UK. The Christmas light show was part of the airport’s 80th anniversary year celebrations.

Luton InvestmentLBC Framework | Quarterly Review | October - December 2018 LBC

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, training courses and skills required for jobs?

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.

To find out more about the Aspiration Centre email [email protected] or visit www.luton.gov.uk/aspirationcentre w w w.lut on. go v .uk /LIF

LBC JN: 145.4