4

4 ’S PAST PAST LUTON’S

4 Luton’s past summary Luton Town Centre

Origins and Growth C Luton has, for the most part, kept its medieval street pattern. The later Victorian A Luton has always been a strategically streets form a more regular grid-like pattern important place, from its early use as which knit the medieval streets together. settlement and crossing point of the River A number of interventions which have Lea, and later its proximity and ease of taken place over the last few decades access to London by rail, and now as have altered the role, use and character an international gateway owing to its of Luton’s streets. The creation of the airport. These geographic and strategic ring road has taken traffic out of the town advantages have played a role in the centre, reducing the prominence of the success of the various industries which medieval streets once used to access have dominated Luton through the years the town centre. The pedestrianisation and which have, in turn, led to huge growth of George Street has further reduced the in the town, particularly over the last prominence of a number of the historic century. routes which link into it. The introduction of the Arndale Centre has had an impact Luton’s industries on the regular grid of streets which one B Luton has seen a succession of successful existed, and although the internal walkways industries pass through the town. It’s early respect much of the original street layout, agricultural routes enabled the progression the street layout north of George street has to a straw plaiting industry, which in turn lost its regular grid. enabled its famous hat making industry The Mall which dominated the town centre. The beginning of the 20th century saw a shift D The Mall occupies a 17 acre site in the in the type of work taking place in Luton, town centre. When it was opened, it was following the opening of Luton’s power the largest undercover shopping centre plant came the opening of Vauxhall Motors in Europe. It provided the perfect solution and the introduction of car manufacturing for modern retail stores of the time, which into Luton. With this, and the fading of the required larger premises. Luton’s historic hat industry, there was a shift in activity town centre, mostly comprised of Victorian away from Luton’s town centre. The buildings, was insufficient in meeting these opening of the airport shifted this activity needs and therefore a large section of the further from the town centre. The opening town was demolished in 1969 to allow for of the Mall in 1972, responding to retail a modern solution. The Mall acts an infill needs of the time, returned a new type development to the north of George Street, of activity to the town centre, which has where the original shop units and façades continued until today. have been kept. However, the north end of the mall is exposed on Silver Street,

62 and its inward facing design becomes apparent. The Mall has retained a number of the historic streets as internal walkways, also keeping their original street names. There are opportunities to better integrate the Mall into its historic street pattern and improve its external appearance to better respect its historic surrounds.

Heritage assets

E There are a number of listed buildings, and two conservation areas within Luton town centre. The 14th century Parish Church of St Mary is the only Grade I Listed building within the ring road. The remaining listed buildings are all Grade II. Many of these buildings would have played a role in the hat making industry, with almost all of them dating from the 19th century. Luton’s historic architecture is a valuable asset to the town centre and should be protected and retained wherever possible to ensure its long term contribution to the identity and character of the area. Although many of its historic buildings are valued, many of the 20th century buildings of high architectural design and quality are not afforded listed protection and are therefore at risk of being redeveloped. In the Plaiters’ Lea conservation area, a number of historic buildings have been lost or are in a poor state of repair. Empty plots and poor quality unsympathetic development have impacted the overall character of this area. Luton’s past Luton’s

63 Origins and growth

Figure 4.1: Extent of Luton in 1884 Figure 4.2: Extent of Luton in 1926

4.1 Luton began its life in the 6th century as a completed. Saxon settlement called a ‘tun’ along the River Lea. The settlement gradually grew, 4.3 By 1240, ‘Loitone’ had become ‘Leueton’. and by the 10th century had become a The town hosted an annual market for sizeable town. The original St Mary’s Church surrounding villages in the summer each was built around this time by King Athelstan year, and as the town grew, a second market as an act of thanksgiving for victory over the was granted in autumn. A fire destroyed much Danes. Luton is recorded in the Domesday of the town, comprised mostly of wooden book in 1086 as ‘Loitone’ with a population buildings, in the mid 14th century - but was of 145 households, putting it in the largest quickly rebuilt. 20% of settlements recorded at the time. 4.4 Luton continued to act as a market town Agriculture would have been the predominant serving the surrounding countryside until the local economy. 16th century, when a brick-making industry began to form in Luton. Many of the timber 4.2 By the middle ages, Luton was home to a number of water mills along the River Lea, structures in Luton were rebuilt in brick during one of which gave its name to Mill Street in this period. the town centre. The 12th century saw the 4.5 Around this time, straw plaiting had already construction of a number of significant and developed as a rural industry in and around civic buildings, including St Mary’s Church Luton. By the 18th century, Luton was a large (1137), a castle (1139) and a hospital for market town, its population steadily rising the poor in Farley. The castle was later despite a cholera outbreak. In the late 19th demolished, just 15 years after it was century, Luton’s population grew rapidly.

A timeline showing population growth from 800 people in 1000AD to 203,201 in 2011

64 LUTON POPULATION 1801 1000AD 3,095 800 “Luton is sometimes likened to a northern town that has found itself in the south...The town grew rapidly in the 19th century – faster than almost any other urban community in southern England – dominated by factories, workshops, warehouses and terraced houses required by the hat industry.” Historic England, 2013

2011 203,201

Figure 4.3: Extent of Luton in 1941 Figure 4.4: Luton today

In 1860 the first railway line (connecting opened providing a direct road connection from to Welwyn Garden City) came Leeds to London, passing Luton on its way through Luton. In 1862 the Midland Railway making the town more accessible still. followed with full passenger service to London in operation by 1868. The hatting 1960 industry, boosted by rail links, continued to 130,000 flourish and a purpose-built covered market was built to support it in 1869. Luton became 4.7 The 1960’s saw the construction of Luton a municipal borough in 1876. The borough Library as well as the demolition of a large part area was successively widened five times of the town centre, mostly buildings used in after to allow for a growing population. the hat industry, to make way for the Arndale Centre - a large indoor shopping mall still 4.6 In 1905, Vauxhall Motors moved the majority present in Luton today. of its production to Luton, bringing with it new employees and thus inhabitants to the 4.8 Today, Luton borough is home to a population town. Luton’s population rose sharply in the of 214,193 people. The settlements of Luton first half of the 20th century and the extent and Dunstable have fully merged physically, of its built development expanded rapidly. and built development has reached the extent Luton Municipal airport opened in 1938 and of the green belt boundary. To accommodate

began regular commercial flights in 1952. 1914 forecasted population growth, careful The second world war stalled development 50,000 consideration will need to be given about in Luton for a while, but in 1959 the M1 was how best to intensify suitable locations for 1901 sustainable development. 38.926

LUTON POPULATION Luton’s past Luton’s

1851 10,000 65 “The hat industry around Luton was founded upon the success of one material - straw. The basic material would come to dominate the lives of tens of thousands of individuals throughout the regional, as, in the hands of a skilled worker, it was transformed from a simple cereal crop into functional, sometimes artistic, headwear.” English Heritage, 2013 Luton’s industries

4.9 Luton town centre’s economic role has regularly evolved over the years and this is reflected in the town’s physical structure. Implications Beginning as a farming town where trading Anticipate and innovate took place in the local market in the town centre, it has transitioned through a number 4.10 Luton’s strength throughout history has come of key industries which have defined from its ingenuity and ability to anticipate change and shaped it, as shown below. Most and respond to this. This flexibility and foresight famously perhaps is its hat making and is a key aspect of its character and an integral car manufacturing industries. Luton has factor of the town’s long term resilience. Luton always managed to anticipate change and now has another opportunity to anticipate has responded to this in order to maintain change in order to secure its future success. economic strength within Luton. With each Economic resilience and climate resilience will need to be synonymous in this endeavour, with new industry, there has been a gravitational Straw plaiting industry at its peak shift in the location of activity in Luton. Each social resilience being another key factor to shift has impacted the way areas of Luton are consider for its long term success. used and changing their purpose.

AGRICULTURE STRAW PLAITING

1650 1700 1750 1800 1850

URE LT U C I G G R IN IN T T PO

G W

T T

A

A E A R

H H

A topographical map of Hartfordshire, 2. - [London]: [A. Dury], [between 1760 and 1790] Paul Walser & Co Hat manufactory, 1931 ©Historic England Vauxhall Motors 1927 ©Historic England Agriculture was the dominant economy around Although straw plaiting was an activity which An electricity power station was constructed on early Luton, with numerous farms and fields could be done anywhere, often by women a site in Luton town centre between St Mary’s occupying the surrounding landscape. The town in their own homes - the actual hat making Church and the railway line in 1901. itself was used as a market for the buying and industry dominated Luton town centre in the selling of agricultural goods. Victorian period, particularly around George Street, the Hat District, and the train station. FIRST WORLD WAR SECOND WORLD WAR 2020 Power plant opens Power plant is demolished

Midland Railway opens (1862) opens Railway Midland Luton Municipal Airport opens

Vauxhall plant opens Commercial flights resume following war Dunstable toWelwyn Garden City Railway Line opens (1860)

Plait Halls were opened Hatting industry at its peak ? POWER PLANT

1901 Straw plaiting industry at its peak CAR MANUFACTURING

1905 MALL 1972 HATMAKING Arndale Shopping Centre is built (Plait Halls demolished) 1870 1930 1945

STRAW PLAITING 1860 1869 1938 1952

1850 1900 1950 2000 2050

IRPO IRPO A R A RT G T IN T O O L P W P W A L RS

T M A

E E

A R R C

H C

C C A

A A R

R R S

S S

Vauxhall Motors 1927 ©Historic England Luton Airport, 1949 ©Historic England Looking south to George Street before The Mall, 1929 ©Historic England Shortly after, in 1905, Vauxhall Motors moved Luton airport was officially opened in 1938 The power plant was demolished in 1972, the the majority of its production to a site on the but was used by the military during the war same year the Arndale Centre was opened, outskirts of Luton town centre between Kimpton before commercial activity resumed during returning activity to an area of Luton town Road and the railway. It brought existing and 1952 and it became known for playing a role in centre which had fallen largely out of use

new employees to Luton, and shifted the town’s package holidays in the 1960s. Although a vital because of the nature of the buildings and past Luton’s economic activity outside of central Luton, component in Luton’s economy, the airport’s their incompatabilty with modern day retail where the hatting industry was slowly fading. location has drawn activity further away from requirements. The Mall is still an active part of Luton’s town centre. Luton’s town centre. In 1860 the first railway line came through Luton. Part of the Great Northern Line established in 1858, the Bute Street Station was a branch of the Hatfield-London line connecting Dunstable to Welwyn Garden City. The Midland Railway followed in 1862 with Luton Town Centre full passenger service to London in operation by 13th July 1868. 4.11 The Town Centre is situated on the site of the original medieval centre of Luton. A number of the existing streets echo the original medieval street patterns, particularly George Street, Park Street, Church Street, Upper George Street and Manchester Street, although no medieval structures remain. The roles and characters of these key streets have changed dramatically over this time however, losing their roles as main arterial routes into the town centre.

4.12 Luton has seen substantial change over the past two centuries, with industries evolving and changing within its midst, and the subsequent street pattern evolving, or needing to evolve, Figure 4.5: Plan showing key routes in 1885 with it. There have also been a number of George Street is one of the interventions which have had implications for oldest streets in the town. It has stood the test of time. The Luton’s street structure and subsequent use. route has endured despite many changes of buildings. It 4.13 These plans show an evolution of Luton’s road has proved resilient to different modes of transport, and has structure over the past two centuries. From now done a full circle by initial observation, the obvious change is the returning to pedestrian only 19th Century seemingly natural establishment of the ring traffic as it would have originally Photo of historic been. image on display at road through a set of linked roads. Parts of the ring road have been officially instated in the form of a dual carriageway over the years 4.15 Other significant changes include the change of and more recently, work was undertaken to use of Luton’s second railtrack, disused since complete the ring road to the north between 1965, as the guided busway system from Luton and New Bedford Road. This to Dunstable. The busway was completed in section was completed in 2014. 2013.

4.14 The pedestrianisation of George Street, once a 4.16 The arrival of the Arndale Shopping Centre in the key route for vehicles into and through the town 1970s saw Luton town centre’s historic grid-like centre, and the subsequent pedestrianisation street structure disrupted. The historic routes of the southern end of Manchester Street which once linked the train station to George has drastically reduced the prominence of a Street at grade level were lost. They were, in several routes which once linked into it. The many instances, replaced by indoor versions of ring road has also played a role in reducing the the original road structure within the Mall itself. prominence of these streets as key routes for However, the regular flow of streets which led vehicles and potentially pedestrians who face from the south to the station at the north lost difficulty crossing the ring road from outside of their directness and order north of George Street

68 the town centre. following this drastic change. Luton has largely kept its historic street pattern from 1914. The key losses occurred with the arrival of the shopping centre which severed key routes to the train station from George Street, limiting north/south accessibility. Despite the loss of these open streets, the shopping centre has kept these historic routes internally, meaning that north south access is still possible during the shopping centre’s opening hours.

Figure 4.6: Plan showing key routes in 1937 Figure 4.7: Plan showing key routes today railway pedestrianised internal walkway guided busway

George Street today Implications

Restoring access

4.17 The formalisation of Luton’s ring road and pedestrianisation of George Street are major interventions which have impacted the routes which were most significant in the town centre. They have been highly successful in removing traffic and congestion from the town centre. However in doing so, there have also been implications for sustainable travel methods such as cycling and walking, which, for those outside of the town centre, may have become unattractive options when Luton in 1929 with orange overlay indicating needing to easily cross the ring road. By reducing current extent of Luton’s Mall which much of this area was demolished to make way for. this means of access to those outside the town Luton’s past Luton’s Britain from Above imagery ©Historic England centre who do not own a car, you are limiting choice and therefore limiting equity. 69 “The development was on a massive scale, with over 150,000 cubic yards of soil excavated and 3,850 concrete piles sunk to support the 14,000 tons of steel and 55,000 cubic yards of concrete required to provide the structure and all 34 acres of floor area”

Plaiters’ Lea Conservation Area Historic Area Assessment

The Mall

4.18 , or the Arndale Centre as it was previously known, occupies a 17 acre site in Luton town centre. When it opened in 1972, it was the largest undercover shopping centre in Europe. It became one of 23 Arndale shopping centres to be built in the UK by the Arndale Property Trust. The development was the brainchild of Arnold Hagenbach (a bakery tycoon) and Sam Chippendale (an estate agent) who wanted to replicate the American- style mall by creating a destination where people could spend an entire day. ‘Arndale’ is a combination of their names: Arnold and Chippendale.

Figure 4.8: Luton in 1949 with Mall boundary

Figure 4.9: The different phases of construction of The Mall

PHASE I (completed 1972)

ST GEORGE ’S SQUARE MALL REDEVELOPMENT (completed 2012)

PHASE III PHASE II (completed 1974) (completed 1975)

PHASE II PHASE I (completed 1975) (completed 1972)

70 Photos of The Mall

4.19 The construction of the Arndale Centre was 4.23 Despite the Mall’s large footprint, seeming to one of a few significant changes in the town show a disregard for the historic town’s fine centre instigated in response to a change grain and acting as a barrier to connectivity in retail trends, with demand for larger within the town centre, the Mall does in fact standardised premises from chain stores. respect the town’s original street pattern with The finer grain of the town centre established internal walkways and thoroughfare’s often during the hat-making years gradually relating to some the former streets as shown became coarser as shop footprints expanded. in the diagram adjacent. Beneath the mall, at ground-floor level, is a service road which also 4.20 As a result of the demand for larger units, follows the course of the historic street, Waller the fine grained area between Bridge Street Street. and Bute Street was deemed “unsuited in its present state to be a reasonably efficient part of the central area of a large town”. Implications The area which the Mall now occupies was cleared in 1969, with a number of notable Improving efficiency historic buildings which had survived WW2 4.24 Opinions about the Mall’s role in Luton are being demolished to make way for the new often divisive, and although popular with shopping centre. shoppers, many consider it to have little architectural merit as well as acting as a 4.21 The Mall was constructed in five phases, the first completed in 1972, second in 1975, third physical barrier to movement within the town in 1974, fourth in in 1973, and the fifth in in centre. There are, however, opportunities 1976 with further work on St George’s Square for improvements to the Mall which can and pedestrian access continuing into 1977. make it more efficient in terms of energy consumption, car parking and pedestrian 4.22 One of the original design concepts of the movement. Opportunities also exist to Mall was to make the walkways dark so improve its external appearance to better that the shops within them would shine out integrate with, and respect Luton’s historic like beacons. This was later deemed an town setting. This could also assist in unsuccessful feature, and when the centre improving user experience inside the Mall. was refurbished in 1996, more natural light For instance, the impressive view the Mall was brought in to improve the experience. offers of Luton town centre’s only Grade I listed building, The Parish Church of St Mary’s, is significantly underutilised. Luton’s past Luton’s

71 Heritage assets

Listed buildings survivals, and is built using flint and stone, 4.25 The vast majority of Luton borough’s listed buildings and structures are located in Luton some clunch, with chequerwork detail. When town centre as shown in the map below. it was built in the 14th century, it was the Many of those which are listed would have largest church in and one of the been used in connection with Luton’s hat biggest parish churches in England. industry at some point in their history. 4.28 The adjacent photos provide a range of the listed buildings that exist in the town centre. 4.26 Almost all of the buildings which are listed in the town centre are Grade II Listed, meaning 4.29 There are clusters of Listed buildings in that they are considered to be of special particular areas around the town centre. In interest. the Plaiters’ Lea conservation area, there is a group of listed buildings at the northern end 4.27 The only Grade I Listed building located within the ring road is the Parish Church of St of Bute Street and at the intersection with Mary on Church Street, which is considered Guildford Street. In the Luton Town Centre to be “of exceptional interest”. The building is Conservation area, there are a number of predominantly comprised of elements from listed Victorian buildings on George Street the 14th and 15th centuries with some earlier West which date from the 19th century.

Figure 4.11: Designated heritage assets in the town centre

Plaiters’ Lea Conservation Area

Luton Town Centre Conservation Area

Figure 4.10: Heritage assets

72 1. 64 Bute Street - Grade II Listed Hat factory dated 1889, in a florid neo-Jacobean style. Luton grey bricks with stone dressings; Welsh slate roof. 2. 66 and 68 Bute Street - Grade II Listed 1870’s. Red brick with Welsh slate roof. 3. 53 Cheapside - Grade II Listed Built in 1882 as the Cowper Arms, a temperance tavern. Brick, pebble dash, tile roof. 4. 63 George Street - Grade II Listed Late C19 office building in 1. 2. 3. Queen Anne style. Red brick with stucco and stone dressings and Welsh slate roof. 5. 50 Guildford Street - Grade II Listed Circa 1900 hat factory in debased Jacobean/Queen Anne style. Red brick with stone dressings, Welsh slate roof. 6. - Grade II Listed 1935-36 with alterations and additions c. 1960. By Bradshaw Gass and Hope. Portland stone facings to brickwork, with ashlar carved decoration. Copper- 4. 5. 6. clad mansard roof of c.1960. Neo-classical style, with detailing. 7. 21 George Street - Grade II Listed Mid C19 in simple neo- classical style. Stucco with shallow-pitched hipped roof 8. The White Hart Public House - Grade II Listed Mid C19. Stucco- faced, Welsh slate roof. 9. 16 Park Street - Grade II Listed Circa 1740, a two storey town house facade of painted brick with five symmetrical bays, the ground floor altered as shop front in the mid C19. 7. 8. 9. 10. War Memorial - Grade II Listed World War I Memorial of Portland Stone erected in 1922 to the design of Sir Reginald Blomfield. 11. George II Public House - Grade II Listed Circa 1870’s. Red brick, Welsh slate roof behind plain parapet. 12. Parish Church of St Mary - Grade I Listed Large predominantly C14 and C15 parish church with some earlier survivals, much restored by Street 1865-85. Flint and stone, some clunch, chequerwork. 10. 11. 12. 13. 9a George Street West - Grade II Listed Late C19 offices. Luton grey bricks with stone dressings; Welsh slate roof. 14. 11 George Street West - Grade II Listed Late C19 town house. Luton grey bricks and Welsh slate roof. 15. 8 and 10 George Street West - Grade II Listed Mid C19 pair of houses occupying corner site. Luton grey bricks with Welsh slate roofs. 16. 40 and 40a Guildford Street - Grade II Listed Impressive hat factory building dated 1905, in debased Jacobean style. and Late 13. 14. 15. C19 factory 17. Christ Church, Upper George Street - Grade II Listed Compact mid C19 composition by H Elliott (1856-60, 1864) over extended by G Vialls (1881) 18. 19 George Street West - Grade II Listed Late C19 town house with Luton grey bricks, Welsh slate roof, stuccoed quoins.

16. 17. 18. Listed buildings located in Luton town centre

Implications

Valuing all high quality heritage quality design and construction which are not 4.30 The vast majority of Luton town centre’s listed listed and therefore not afforded the same buildings are from the 19th century. Particular level of protection. In order to assist in the clusters of listed Victorian town houses reveal protection of Luton’s later heritage, a review the value placed on buildings of this type from could be carried out of Luton’s existing built this period. However, elsewhere in the town fabric in order to determine those which centre there are impressive historic buildings make a positive impact to the town centre of differing styles and high quality design and which could be considered for inclusion which are not listed. In particular, there are on the Council’s local list of heritage assets. a number of 20th century buildings of high past Luton’s

73 Successful renovation and Buildings in a poor state of repair or which have undergone repurposing in Plaiters’ Lea unsympathetic conversions in Plaiters’ Lea

Conservation area appraisals and to maintain and retain these to secure the management plans area’s character, which creates a unique identity which will be important for its long term 4.31 There are two conservation areas in Luton’s success. town centre - Plaiters’ Lea to the north of the Mall, and Luton Town Centre to the 4.35 There are a number of empty plots which south of the mall. Both conservation areas currently exist in the Plaiters’ Lea Conservation encompass the areas formally occupied with area where historic buildings have been the straw plaiting and hat making industries demolished. Not only should the demolition of until the mid 20th century. The land between historic buildings be avoided where possible, the conservation areas is occupied by the but by having empty plots (some of which are Mall, a modern wedge dividing the two areas, currently used as car parks) it also impacts built on the site of a series of streets which the wider streetscape by disrupting the rhythm had also served the hat making industry, and of the façades and the intimacy of the streets were demolished in 1969. - an important aspect of the area’s character. New development in these plots should be Plaiter’s Lea of a high quality design which respects the 4.32 The Plaiters’ Lea Conservation Area sits aforementioned features of the area. between the Mall and and was once the focus of the hat industry 4.36 The conservation area appraisal highlights the in Luton, with the majority of the buildings diversity of buildings present within Plaiters’ being used as hat factories or an associated Lea - the fast development of which led to “a activity. wide range of structures, in terms of scale, form, fabric and date, as well as function.’ Any 4.33 The conservation area was designated in new development which comes forward within 1991 and is home to many attractive historic the area should draw on this diversity, whilst buildings, all of which are Grade II Listed. also respecting and responding to some of the However, many of the historic buildings in key architectural features which typify Plaiters’ Plaiters’ Lea are in a poor state of repair and Lea. have been deemed ‘at risk’ by the Plaiters’ Lea conservation area appraisal.

4.34 There are some examples of successful sensitive renovations and repurposing of historic buildings. The most successful of these have been undertaken by the Culture Trust Luton, who have created flexible work and studio spaces. Given the quality and attractive nature of many of the buildings in the conservation area, it will be important Example of Plaiters’ Lea’s diversity of form and height and rhythmic façades 74 Examples of poor quality modern infill development, empty plots and make shift car parks impacting the character and quality of the Plaiters’ Lea conservation area

Town Centre unsympathetic development. An analysis of George Street’s buildings is shown in the 4.37 The Luton Town Centre Conservation Area was designated in 1998 and contains 24 List Entries diagrams overleaf. representing 36 individual Listed Buildings and 4.40 The historic buildings on streets within the two Listed structures, the highest concentration town centre conservation area which lead off within any Conservation Area in Luton. the south side of George street are generally in better condition, possibly owing to the 4.38 George Street has played a vital role in Luton over the centuries. Much like Luton, George fact that they are more frequently used for Street’s façades have evolved over the years insurance, solicitors and accountancy services and now present a spread of styles spanning a which require less activity. Although some range of eras. of the more modern buildings along these streets lack design quality, they do generally 4.39 The consistency of George Street’s elevation, respect the scale, proportions and rhythm of on both the north and south side of the the existing Victorian buildings. One exception street, has been challenged over the years. to this is Upper George Street, which reflects Incidents involving fires, general disrepair, more the diversity of styles and scales of and subsequent redevelopment of properties George Street, and the larger scale modern has led to the creation of inappropriate or buildings which exist along Stuart Street.

Implications

Retain and maintain buildings in George Street, and be of a high design quality. The masterplan will look to 4.41 Luton is gifted with a number of attractive historic buildings, particularly within the noted set out broad principles on design as well as conservation areas. Although many of these appropriate uses with regards to sustainability. buildings are not listed, they do provide an important role in providing a link to Luton’s Signage heritage, which is important for placemaking 4.42 Luton town centre has many attractive and reinforcing its identity. It is important to and historic buildings. However, often retain these buildings where possible, and shop signage can detract from a building’s maintain them by ensuring that they contribute attractiveness and impact the character of a to the area in both appearance and use. conservation area. A signage strategy could be Retaining historic buildings also has the developed to ensure that shop signs respect added benefit of limiting carbon through the the design of buildings and the wider character avoidance of demolition and rebuild, which can of an area by providing guidance on colour, often be more costly in terms of money and material, scale, size and extent. This will the environment. Where new developments enable a more consistent approach which in Luton’s past Luton’s are the only option, these should respect the turn will help to generate a unifying character scale, proportions and materials of the existing for each area. 75 George Street north side

Western end of The Mall Old Sainsbury’s Gas Showrooms Don Millers Lloyds bank no.54-56 no.50-52 no.48 Former M&S no.44 Funtura Former site of the Carnegie Library, (opened no. 74 nos. 68-72 164 The Mall no. 60 Victorian. Low quality. no. 46 no.40-42 1928 survey in 1910 and closed in 1962). A library was Store opened in Occupied by Luton Built as part of the Formerly Poor 1930s former showed it was let on this site prior to this too. 1926. Sainsbury’s Gas Company as Arndale Centre, occupied contribution M&S building, to Lloyds Bank listed here until a showroom from opened in 1962 by straw hat to the street. where the limited. Prior to this The Arndale Centre opened in 1972 and the early 1970s. 1939. The first Replaced 62-66 manufacturers, original it was in occupation western end was remodelled following the Vacant in 1975. and second floors George Street tailors and building has by draper and completion of St. George’s Square in 2012. May have been constructed for use occupied by uses jewellers. been refronted Six-storeys with main entrance onto St. a private house as flats. Redbrick including china and outfitter, William No. 54 was a Silvester. Victorian. George’s Square. before it was art deco style, small glass warehouse, showroom Entrance to Distinctive stone Sainsbury’s. Built theatre built on then later straw for straw hats Luton Mall c. 1880s top. The buildings hat manufacturers, and brick detailing and later a it replaced were William Timpson around windows. restaurant. occupied by straw boot dealers and Occupies prominent hat manufacturers. Webb Brothers corner plot. Locally Condition of building outfitters. listed (2012 draft is deteriorating (draft local list). CAA, 2020).

Entrance to the Mall

TO NEW BEDFORD ROAD BUTE STREET BUTE Luton Mall entrance

Primark

GEORGE STREET

76 Funtura no.38 Bell Hotel no.34 no.32 no.26-30 no.6-16 (56-80 The Mall) nos. 2-4 Eastern end of The Mall Curved facade. Low storey. Built as no.40-42 Built around Grade II Listed. Has always been a bank. Replaced Built as part of The Mall in 1970s. Used to part of The Mall. the beginning Late 19th C office Victorian building (see historic photos). External panels dated and deteriorating front Smiths of the 20th building. Stucco, creating untidy appearance to street. Lane / Park century on Welsh slate roof. Lane before the site of the construction of former Bell Inn. The Mall. Facade dates from around 1906. Been in retail use since the 1920s. Locally listed (2012 draft local list).

Entrance to the Mall

Entrance to the Mall

TO PARK STREET

Debenhams

Barclays

Positive N

Neutral

Negative past Luton’s

77 George Street south side

Castle St

nos. 16-20 nos. 10-14 nos. 6-8 nos. 2-4 no. 1 nos. 3-5 no. 7 Red Lion nos. 15-17 no. 21 no. 23 no. 25 Park Street Park Street Park Street Park St The Crown Large fascia Crown Court Castle St Red brick Grade II Locally Locally listed shopfront Listed. Mid listed (2012 (2012 draft c. Late 19th century. Three storey building Stone lintels Grade II Listed. Modern infill Grade II Listed. three storey with retail at ground and use of Formerly The sign incongruous 19th century office building 19th C draft local local list). and residential Luton local Nickel Bag detracts. with and Edwardian with mansard building in list). Built Early to mid above. Late 20th brick. Public House. streetscene. buildings. roof. Currently simple neo- late 19th C 19th century. century. Early 19th Corner building vacant. classical with single Characteristic C building in florid style. bay gabled curved extended in Edwardian facade. Sash corner. 20th C. style. Adjacent windows. is mid-Victorian building.

TO CASTLE STREET

CHAPEL STREET

Natwest

The Crown

78 TO PARK STREET no. 27 no. 31 nos. 35-39 nos. 41-49 Former Savoy nos. 55-61 no. 63 nos nos 69-77 Nationwide nos. Cinema no. 51 Locally listed Constructed in Poor quality Locally listed Shops adjoining the Formerly the Grade II 65-67 Late Victorian. 85-87 (2012 draft cinema. Built at the same (2012 draft 1915 in a 17th design and Opened as the Savoy National Provincial Listed. High 1930s former BHS Facade recently Former local list). Early time. Originally occupied Poor local list). century style. bulky, not in 1938 and later Ban, opened c1936. quality brick building. Poor design restored to electricity buildings by ladies and gents quality Early to mid Shopfront replaced in keeping renamed the ABC Facade originally and stone & quality - does not its original showrooms. forming part of outfitters, jewellers and altered 19th century. in 1980s with with Victorian and the Cannon. Built fitted with two facade. complement adjacent style. Detailing Upper floors original street tailors. shopfronts Characteristic one more in character. Built to seat 2,000 in one flagpoles and bronze Late 19th buildings. around eaves housed a scene. Unusual curved keeping with the c. 1960s. auditorium although faced doors. Built in building in and windows. restaurant. corner. building. Previously scale which later converted into brick and polished Queen Anne occupied by Boots suggests they three separate halls. black granite. Good style. until at least 1960. pre-date late In 1939 there were building composition Locally listed (2012 19th century. 6 cinemas open in with a solid pillared draft local list). Tiled roofs. Luton. The ABC closed centre flanked by in 2000. lighter curved bay windows. Some features have been lost but potential for restoration.

GEORGE STREET WEST

WELLINGTON STREET KING STREET KING

Natwest Savoy

GEORGE STREET Town TO NEW Hall BEDFORD ROAD

Positive

Neutral N Negative past Luton’s

79