Hats off to the Hatters
| The owners of Luton Town Football Club have purchased land near the town’s railway station for a proposed new 17,500-seater stadium.|
The club confirmed they’ve bought the land for the Power Court Stadium after putting in a planning application earlier in the year.
If all goes according to plan the club will make the move by 2020 after being at Kenilworth Road since 1905. The team has made several unsuccessful attempts to relocate since the 1950s. The most innovative approach to improving the current stadium was in 1985 when the grass pitch was replaced with an artificial playing surface. However, after 5 years the plastic pitch was removed and grass relayed. The club’s nickname, “the Hatters”, reflects Luton’s historical connection with the hat making trade.
The Hatters hope to help fund the new stadium by developing a site they own near junction 10 of the M1. Newlands Park would have retail, leisure and office facilities, but a Luton Borough Council report highlighted concerns about the plans. It said the development could damage “trade, footfall and investment”. The club claimed there was “no evidence” the scheme would have a negative impact and concerns had been addressed.
Planning applications for both the Power Court and Newlands Park sites will be considered in the new year.
The agreement to purchase the land from British Land PLC has been made by 2020 Developments (Luton) Ltd, the property arm of Luton Town Football Club.
