Willmott Dixon has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, clearing the way for a £136m regeneration of Luton town centre.

The Stage scheme, awarded through the Southern Construction Framework, will transform the former Bute Street Shoppers car park into a major mixed-use destination delivering 292 flats alongside commercial units, a multi-purpose food and events venue, and a new public garden square.

Backed by £20m from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, the project is a flagship element of the town centre masterplan.

Designs include PV panels, enhanced insulation and new landscaped areas built around SuDS features and biodiverse planting. Positioned next to the rail station and bus interchange, the development sits on one of Luton’s most accessible plots.

Stewart Brundell, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon’s construction business, said: “We are proud to be delivering this transformational project for Luton.

“The Stage represents exactly the type of comprehensive urban regeneration that can revitalise town centres and create lasting positive impact for communities.”

The Luton win strengthens Willmott Dixon’s growing track record in large-scale town centre regeneration, including the Queen Mary University School of Business and Management redevelopment, the Barnes Hospital regeneration and Oldham’s 450,000 sq ft Spindles Town Square upgrade.

Willmott Dixon will deliver The Stage alongside Rider Levett Bucknall and WSP.