Hat trick of destruction planned for Luton's historic heart

Part of a proposed shopping development, the widespread demolition plans would rob the city of two Grade II-listed buildings (53 Cheapside and 47 Guildford Street), a locally listed Victorian pub, and at least ten other buildings known to have played a part in the hat industry. Sweeping away all the buildings between west Cheapside and the west end of John Street, the scheme would halve the size of the Plaiter’s Lea Conservation Area. This, despite Government guidance stating that buildings in conservation areas should be retained where at all possible, and that the demolition of listed buildings should only ever be considered as a last resort.

‘It’s shocking to see a scheme that treats the demolition of nationally significant buildings so lightly,’ said Heloise Brown, Conservation Adviser of the Victorian Society. ‘These buildings are physical records of the development of Luton. They are remarkable survivals and their loss would deprive a whole section of the city of its historical context and setting. It would be a wasteful and short-sighted solution for an area in need of selective and sensitive regeneration.’

She continued: ‘With a little care and imagination, historic buildings like these can play a valuable part in the regeneration of towns and cities. They can be great sources of local pride. We urge Luton Borough Council to hold out for a scheme that makes the most of the city’s heritage, rather than razing it to the ground.’