Luton Town’s new stadium hit by £15m cost increase as Power Court project falls behind schedule

Luton Town‘s Power Court project has been hit by a £15m cost increase, while construction on their new stadium has also fallen around a month behind schedule.

Despite the setbacks, which were outlined in the club's matchday programme ahead of their 2-1 victory over Leicester City, Luton Town are still targeting a June 2028 completion, in time for the start of the 2028/29 season.

Luton Town stadium project faces delay and price hike

Club chief executive Gary Sweet, Power Court managing director Barry Webber and operations director James Mooney took part in a question-and-answer session during a Luton Town Supporters' Trust strategy workshop on October 8.

During the session, Sweet attributed the project's delay to an issue involving an uncharted Victorian sewer, while the club are also dealing with increasing construction costs and supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical events.

Events such as America's war on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to a £15m increase in construction costs, with oil prices reportedly rising by 70% and steel costs increasing by 40% year-on-year.

The Luton Town Supporters' Trust said that the club have been managing the financial pressures, although any further delays could add to the overall expense and potentially lead to the project's timetable changing.

Despite the financial challenges and delays, construction is still ongoing, while the target for the project's completion remains June 2028, in time for the beginning of the 2028/29 season.

It has been reported that all piling and substructure work is 100% completed, while work on the superstructure is well underway and the West Stand's second floor is under construction.

Once completed, the new stadium will allow Luton Town to attract average crowds of between 16,000 and 18,000 if the club remain in League One, with higher attendances expected if they return to the Championship.

An additional 4,000 to 5,000 seats would also become available as season tickets, with the number of away supporters anticipated to double.

FGG Says: Positive news despite setbacks

Despite the delay and setback of increased costs, Luton Town's new Power Court home appears to be advancing at an encouraging rate, meaning supporters will not have to wait much longer before the excitement of visiting their new home.