A topping out ceremony marked major progress at the first phase of Lu2on, the multiple award-winning £280 million mixed-use development in Luton by Strawberry Star Homes; the volume housing division of London-based international property company Strawberry Star Group.

Located on the site of the former Vauxhall Motors factory, where some of Britain’s most iconic and best-loved cars were once built, Lu2on will provide over 877 residential units, including suites, one and two-bedroom apartments and first-class facilities such as private roof gardens and 24-hour concierge in the up-and-coming Bedfordshire town.

The ceremony was attended by Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South, Santhosh Gowda, Chairman of Strawberry Star Group, Tom Neylon, Regional Director of JJ Rhatigan, representatives from Lu2on architect Flanagan Lawrence, and consultancy Gardiner Theobald amongst other dignitaries and representatives from Strawberry Star.

Phase 1 comprises of 401 units with amenities and facilities such as, 49,600 sqft of retail space, an 8,000 sqft gym, a 300-room star hotel that will include a banqueting facility, which residents can make use of, as well as 10,000 sqm of gardens and a landscaped piazza open to the public. The first phase of the development is on track to be complete in Q4 2021.

Santhosh Gowda, Chairman, Strawberry Star Group, said: “The topping out ceremony at Lu2on is an important milestone for Strawberry Star, as well as the regeneration of Luton. Lu2on is part of our volume housing strategy to provide London lifestyle homes in the commuter belt towns and we are delighted to see it taking shape. I would like to thank Luton Council, local MP, our main contractor JJ Rhatigan, Flanagan Lawrence and Gardiner & Theobald for their support and cooperation in helping us reach this stage. Lu2on will give the local economy a great boost and is set to become a major landmark in Luton.”

Rachel Hopkins MP for Luton South said: “It was great to witness first-hand the progress that is being made at Lu2on today, which is part of a £1.5 billion regeneration project underway in the town. Strawberry Star have taken a considered approach to developing this brownfield site, delivering quality homes as well as retail and commercial space.”

“Strawberry Star have worked closely with the local community throughout the process. The preservation of the Vauxhall War Memorial is also testament to their support of the Vauxhall Motor heritage at the site, which forms part of Luton’s history and character. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that Lu2on will have on the town in the coming months.”

Tom Neylon, Regional Director at JJ Rhatigan, said: “We are very proud to have reached the first major milestone and to be working with Strawberry Star on such a significant and award winning project. It is great to have been able to utilise the skills and talent of the local workforce and we look forward to continuing to work with Strawberry Star to deliver their vision for Lu2on.”

Lu2on last year won the prestigious International Property Award as the Best Mixed Use Development in the UK with a 5 Star Rating as well as a First Time Buyer Readers’ Award for Best Off-Plan Development. With house prices still 60 per cent less than London itself, 20 per cent growth forecast and an expanding captive rental market; the new homes are particularly appealing to savvy first-time buyers, professionals commuting to London, home-movers, buy-to-let investors and international property investors.

Lu2on is the first of several housing schemes planned by Strawberry Star Group in London commuter belt towns. As part of its volume housing vision, the company plans to deliver 4,000 new build homes by 2025 in and around London. Strawberry Star Homes is using a mix of traditional and novel construction technologies, including elements of modular homes, to deliver quality homes to aspiring buyers in London Zone 3 and outwards.