Regeneration plans for Vauxhall site unveiled

Primary access will be from Kimpton Road into the south of the site as was the case with the former factory

The new owner of the former Vauxhall site in Luton has launched a public consultation on its regeneration plans.

Vehicle production at the factory on Kimpton Road came to an end in March after parent company Stellantis announced its closure.

Goodman, a specialist property group, said its plans will attract a mix of new businesses and could create up to 1,700 new jobs.

The proposals could include advanced logistics, manufacturing and engineering and digital infrastructure.

The plans include a community amenity such as a café

The developer said it had been working with stakeholders in Luton and Bedfordshire on its proposals since acquiring the site earlier this year.

It has approached local schools and universities to help students gain qualifications for the construction phase, which will create 400 jobs.

It is looking to spend £400m on the former van plant with several different zones identified.

An innovation zone would support smaller businesses looking to expand.

Larger plots would look to incorporate a strategic zone for advanced logistics, manufacturing and engineering, or digital infrastructure.

There are also plans for a buffer zone with landscaping and mature trees to provide separation from nearby homes.

The main entrance will be from Kimpton Road but there will be an additional approach road to the north on Vauxhall Way.

A new pedestrian/cycle pathway will be built to make for easier access to Luton Airport Parkway Station to the south and Eaton Green Roundabout and surrounding neighbourhoods to the north.

New trees could be planted including along Kimpton Road to improve the overall appearance, the developers said

A drop-in public consultation event is being held at Luton Airport Parkway DART Station on Wednesday 15 October from 15:00 to 20:00.

Goodman said all plans would be carefully considered before they were submitted to Luton Borough Council at the end of the year.

Construction is expected to start in 2027 with phase one of the development completed a year later.