Luton Rising restarts work on major community facilities improvements in Wigmore Park

Luton Rising has announced that work is to restart on a refreshed programme to significantly improve community facilities in Wigmore Park.

Work to create a new skate park and children’s play area will get underway again next week, after being paused last summer because of unforeseen site conditions and budget pressures.

The Luton Council company, which owns London Luton Airport and associated assets for community benefit, has also drawn up an extended scope for the project, so that it now includes a new catering unit aimed at helping families and all visitors make the most of their trips to the park.

Together with associated outdoor seating for up to 50 people, the revitalised improvements now also feature daytime-use toilets and a looped accessible path through the park which also leads to the Peace Garden.

These additions follow the fire at the nearby former Wigmore Pavilion last year and feedback from stakeholders.

Cllr Javeria Hussain, Deputy Chair of Luton Rising, said: “We are excited to be able to move forward once again with a project that reflects our commitment to delivering lasting benefits for local people, and are sorry that it is later than originally hoped for.

“The project now has a bigger budget and higher ambition, and it is the first step towards honouring our promise to ensure that improvements to Wigmore Park are brought forward ahead of our proposed future developments in and around the airport.

“This is a welcome significant investment in health, wellbeing and recreation for the community.”

The new facilities will be located near the Eaton Green Road entrance, making them easily accessible for families.

The new play and skate areas were warmly welcomed during consultation in 2018 and designed to reflect local priorities and feedback.

The state-of-the-art skate park will be one of the largest concrete multi-discipline venues in the UK and has been designed as a significant upgrade to the existing metal-ramp facility suitable for all skill levels and also BMX riders.

Highlights of the new play area will include themed play zones inspired by flight and travel, suitable for all abilities, and with separate areas for both toddlers and older children now brought closer together.

Cllr Hussain said: “The revised scheme is an improved package that ensures excellent facilities for park users, conveniently located close to the park entrance and car parking area, and which everyone will be able to use safely and securely.

“The former Wigmore Pavilion regrettably had to be demolished following the arson attack, and can therefore no longer house a café which was once envisaged. The catering unit we are creating in its place will help determine if there is a market for such a facility in this area, and the intention is that sufficient budget would be retained so that it can be further enhanced in the future should it prove successful.”

It is hoped that work on all the new facilities will complete in time for an opening celebration in spring 2026.

Residents will notice the arrival of a temporary site office, fencing and building equipment. The existing skate park and play area will remain open until after Christmas, ensuring minimal loss of facilities. 

Notes to editors

Luton Rising works to maximise the social and economic benefits associated with ownership of the airport and other assets. Over the last two decades it has invested more than £500m in frontline services and the vital voluntary, community and charitable organisations that support people most in need.

Other recent improvements in the Wigmore area supported by the company have included funding for the planting of around 200 trees in the Luton Faiths Peace Garden, and £35,000 for improved play facilities at Raynham Way.