PLANNING permission has been granted for Luton Town to have a stunning new stadium built.
The former Premier League side’s current ground, Kenilworth Road, holds 12,000 fans.
However, that capacity is set to more than DOUBLE under plans to build a 25,000-seater stadium at Power Court in the town centre which have now been approved by Luton Borough Council.
A club statement said: “We are delighted to confirm that Luton Borough Council’s planning committee have approved the planning application for our 25,000-capacity Power Court Stadium to be built.”
The Hatters have played at Kenilworth Road for 119 years.
But the development company behind the club’s new home, Developments (Luton) Limited, said their current stadium “no longer meets the club’s ambition of competing at the highest level”.
Luton achieved promotion back to the top flight for the first time in Premier League history in 2023/24, before being relegated straight back to the second tier.
A 2020 design and access statement from the developers said: “The physical constraints of Kenilworth Road, packed in among rows of terraced houses in Bury Park, make it impossible for the club to grow.”
A detailed application sent to the council in September included a music venue and hotel, as well as media facilities, conference rooms and food and beverage outlets.
There have also been works to divert the River Lea as part of the project, with community and commercial spaces included in the development.
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Permission for a new stadium in the Power Court area was originally given back in 2019.
Luton released concept designs of the new stadium in September, with each standing different and independently including a Kop-like stand behind one of the goals.
Club chiefs outlined the goal of completing the stadium work by 2027.
James Taylor, portfolio holder responsible for regeneration and inclusive growth at Luton Council, said: “When our team does well, our town does well and this positive development can have every Hatters fan looking to the future with optimism.”
A planning statement from consulting firm WSP, said: “The development of Power Court is an important catalyst to drive regeneration in Luton town centre…
“The focal point of the stadium, along with the other town centre uses, will bring further vibrancy to this new quarter.”
