Luton is among 34 towns and cities in the UK set to benefit from a programme designed to increase footfall, stimulate job creation and reduce the number of vacant properties in UK high streets.
Luton, which earlier this year became a Business Improvement District (BID) after a successful vote by local businesses, has now built on this success and been hand-picked for the prestigious Business in the Community’s Healthy High Streets programme.
Gavin O’Brien, Chair of the Luton BID Board and owner of creative agency Clearhead, said: “As a newly formed Business Improvement District we are committed to working together to create a thriving, vibrant town centre for our businesses, shoppers and visitors. Being hand-picked for this programme means we will now receive a bespoke package of support, including access to skills and expertise, and dedicated ‘high street champions’ from supporting businesses.
“Along with other local partners, we will now work with the Healthy High Streets programme to devise an action plan to address the specific challenges Luton town centre faces.”
The Healthy High Streets programme was first launched in June 2014 and is backed by many of the UK’s most popular brands including founding partners Boots UK, the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer and Santander.
Robin Foale, Managing Director of Santander Business Banking, and chair of the Healthy High Streets programme, said “Congratulations to Luton on being chosen to be part of the Healthy High Streets programme. This is a great opportunity to work with the business partners and the local High Street Champions to transform the town and create a thriving, vibrant centre for the local community.”
The programme is designed to increase footfall by 10 per cent, reduce the number of vacant properties by 20 per cent and stimulate the creation of new jobs in 100 towns over three years.
In its first year, the Healthy High Street programme has brought support and resources worth £9 million from its corporate partners into high streets.
- For all Luton BID enquiries contact Fabiana Panetta by calling 01582 510657 or emailing info@lutonbid. lutonbid.org