Luton Town Football Club (LTFC) has revealed construction of its new stadium could start early in 2024.
The club’s development arm, 2020 Developments, is gearing up to submit a detailed planning application for the new stadium at Power Court, which could see spectator capacity reach more than 23,500.
The new stadium at Kenilworth Road forms the centrepiece of a major multi-million-pound regeneration scheme affecting a 20-acre site next to Luton Railway Station in the town centre.
That expansion will see up to 1,200 new homes built alongside leisure facilities, restaurants and bars, and retail and community space.
In its first phase of construction, spectator capacity will reach 19,500, with around a third standing.
In the second phase another 4,000 seats or “standing seats” will be added, which can be developed as demand dictates.
Further technical details of the stadium will be released in due course, said the club.
Luton Borough Council, the Environment Agency (EA), Historic England and building contractors are being consulted on the new design led by AND Architects.
The Power Court plot already has outline planning consent and the club has now completed land assembly for the whole site with the demolition of the few remaining buildings.
Detailed ground surveys, efforts to open up River Lea, and the relocation of an existing substation in the middle of the site has also been carried out in recent months.
A detailed planning application is due to be submitted during the close-season, LTFC said.
Subject to planning consent, it is anticipated groundworks for the new stadium should begin by the turn of the year.
The construction programme duration itself is estimated at around 24-30 months, said the club.
“The next phase now is an engagement with Luton Council and key stakeholders such as the Environment Agency and Historic England as we take them all through our detailed design process,” said chief operating officer, Michael Moran.
“We are also engaging with contractors as we finalise certain construction features but our target for completion is 2026, regardless of the club’s league position.
“We also mustn’t lose sight of the fact the stadium is to be accompanied by a whole new town quarter for Luton with 1,200 homes, leisure, restaurants, bars, retail and community space.”
LTFC was approached for further comment.
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