Luton

Conference and Venue Guide 2009/2010

www.luton.gov.uk/tourism

Contents

Page

Introduction/Travelling to Luton 3 Visitor Information Centre 4 Going out 5 Places to visit 6 & 7 Venues Active Luton 8 Basepoint 9 Best Western Menzies Strathmore 10 Hilton Garden Inn 11 Holiday Inn Luton South 12 Pasque Conference Facility 13 Putteridge Bury 14 Stockwood Discovery Centre 15 The Auction House 16 The hat Factory 17 UKCCA 18 Whipsnade Wild Animal Park 19

2

An ideal place for business or pleasure Luton is a bustling and lively place with a strong cosmopolitan feel. It’s a town with its own international airport and great road and rail links to the rest of the UK. With a great choice of entertainment, accommodation, places to eat and drink and attractions, Luton is the perfect place to host your event. Our venues cater for everyone’s budget and needs, so whatever the event, our venues provide first class facilities and service.

Travelling to Luton With three mainline rail stations, two M1 junctions and an international airport, Luton’s transport links are second to none.

Luton and connect with the Eurostar. The First Capital Connect service links Luton directly with London St Pancras, Gatwick Airport and Brighton. Midland Mainline operates a service from Luton to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield.

By bus and coach

For train Information:

Luton is well connected by coach to cities and airports throughout the UK, as well as destinations in mainland Europe. For travel around Luton, there is a frequent range of bus services to and from the town centre. Travel line (National bus enquiries) 08712 00 22 33 National Express 08717 81 81 81 Stagecoach 01604 67 60 60

By Rail Luton has three mainline railway stations: Luton, Leagrave and Luton Airport Parkway. With trains departing every 15 minutes to St Pancras, it is easier than ever to meet in

National Rail - 08457 48 49 50 or visit: www.nationalrail.co.uk Eurostar - 08705 18 61 86, 0044 1233 61 75 75 (outside the UK) or visit: www.eurostar.com

By Air London Luton Airport is the fastest growing airport in the country with yearly passenger numbers nearing ten million. With over 90 destinations on offer including services within the UK, to Europe and Africa, travel to and from Luton has never been so easy. Contact London Luton Airport on 01582 40 51 00 or visit: www.london-luton.co.uk 3

Visitor Information Centre

We’ll help you find your way

Friendly and knowledgeable staff can provide details of events and attractions, travel information, ideas for days out and information about opening times and admission prices. If you need somewhere to stay, the staff can book accommodation for your immediate requirements locally or in any other town with a Visitor/ Tourist Information Centre. An accommodation guide and information on local conference facilities is also available. We also offer the following products: l First Capital Connect Daysave tickets l National Express tickets l Ticketmaster tickets (events, concerts, theatre, sports) l day trips and coach holidays l Luton maps and souvenirs

Call: 01582 40 15 79 Drop in: Visitor Information Centre Luton Central Library, St George’s Square, Luton LU1 2NG Email: [email protected] Opening times Monday 11.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday - Thursday 9.30am - 5.00pm Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm

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Going Out Need to entertain your guests? Luton’s entertainment has something for everyone. The Galaxy Centre is a leisure and entertainment complex based in the town centre offering a wide range of facilities including: an 11-screen cinema, games station, bowling centre, restaurants and The Whitehouse Lloyds No 1 bar. Alternatively visit one of our many restaurants serving a wide range of dishes to suit your tastes whatever your palate. Offering dishes from China, India, France, Thailand, Greece, Italy and traditional English cuisine are widely available at a range of prices suitable for any pocket. If you don’t want the entertainment to stop, you can visit one of Luton’s nightclubs with a wide range of music on offer.

For more information on how to spend your evening contact the Luton Visitor Information Centre on 01582 40 15 79

The Luton Conference and Venue Guide is produced annually in September. If you are a venue based in Luton or the surrounding area and would like further information on appearing in the next edition which will be published in September 2010, please contact: Amanda Hunt, Sponsorship and Advertising Officer Luton Borough Council Town Hall Luton LU1 2BQ   Email: [email protected] Tel: 01582 54 73 25 5

Places to Visit Stockwood Discovery Centre After a £6 million redevelopment, Stockwood Museum has been transformed into the Stockwood Discovery Centre. This must see attraction has a brand new visitor centre, children’s outdoor play area, café, extensive gardens and the Mossman Carriage Collection - the largest museum set of horse drawn vehicles in the UK. There are also displays of trades and rural crafts from within Bedfordshire prior to the industrial revolution. Phone: 01582 54 86 00 Web: www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com

Wardown Museum This museum is where you can discover displays, objects and old photographs about the history of Luton and its people. The museum is situated in a beautiful landscaped park with a boating lake and children’s play area. With a hat and lace display, travelling exhibitions and the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire regimental gallery, this museum offers something very different. Phone: 01582 54 67 22 Web: www.wardownparkmuseum.com

Woodside Animal Farm There is so much to see and do... Visit the raccoons, monkeys, rabbits, pigs reptiles, llamas and more. Why not feed some of the animals with the special made treats on sale? The kids can wear themselves out in the many play and activity areas on offer - climbing frames, mini tractors, crazy golf course, helter skelter, trampolines and an indoor heated play barn and more. Phone: 01582 84 10 44 Web: www.woodsidefarm.co.uk

Barton Mill The Olde Watermill shopping Village was built around a 1,000 yearold watermill and allows you to take a step back in time. The garden centre is set around the old pond and includes a Dickensian Village with over 15 different shops.You can entertain the children in the Pirates and Mermaid outdoor adventure play area or relax in the café. Phone: 08458 72 05 07 Web: www.oldewatermill.com

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The Mall In the heart of Luton The Mall offers 120 great shops to chose from including major stores such as Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, WH Smith, Next, Argos, Mothercare, Primark and many more high street names and unique speciality shops. After all that shopping you can revive yourself in one of the many eateries on offer. Phone: 01582 41 26 36 Web: www.themall.co.uk

The hat Factory The hat Factory is Luton’s multi-facility arts and media centre where visitors can enjoy comedy nights, drama, and live music of all kinds.

Phone: 01582 87 81 00 Web: www.lutonculture.com

Luton Library Theatre Based within Luton Central Library, this theatre offers a comprehensive programme of plays, films and events throughout the year. From Shakespeare to new locally written and developed plays, there is plenty on offer for everyone. Phone: 01582 54 74 74 Web: www.lutonculture.com

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Active Luton

Telephone number: 01582 48 88 56 Website: www.activeluton.co.uk

Looking for a venue for a conference or private function? We offer choice and variety that is unrivalled locally.

Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 1-4 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 1-4 Miles from London Luton Airport: 1- 4 Number of conference rooms: vary according to venue Licensed for weddings: Please contact us for information

Stockwood Suite (Active Golf Centre) is an ideal location for small events, seminars and private parties.

Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets:Yes Ramp/lift:Yes Disabled access: Full

The Marquee (Active Golf Centre) is a perfect venue for wedding receptions, parties, corporate functions and golf societies, being fully licensed until 2.00am. Hightown Community Sports & Arts Centre offers a purpose built theatre and smaller training rooms for meetings. Wigmore Hall Conference Centre, caters for business meetings, workshops and conferences. Our Sports Centres are flexible enough to cater for large events and smaller functions.

Venue

Capacity

The Active Golf Centre

20 - 200

High Town Community Sports & Arts Centre

5 - 250

Wigmore Hall Conference Centre

2 - 35

Wardown Swimming & Leisure Centre

5 - 200

Luton Regional Sports Centre

20 - 2,000 (conditions apply)

Putteridge Recreation Centre

20 - 300

Lea Manor Recreation Centre

5 - 200

8

Basepoint

Contact name: Innovation Centre and Business Base Address: 110 Butterfield, Great Marlings, Luton, LU2 8DL Telephone number: 01582 434 200 Fax number: 01582 434 201 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.basepoint.co.uk

This conveniently located Business Centre is a large impressive, award winning contemporary building that offers free parking with easy access and local transport to the door. A broad range of bright modern meeting rooms are fully equipped to accommodate meetings held during office hours.

No. parking spaces: Free parking Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 3 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 4 Miles from London Luton Airport: 4 Number of conference rooms: 7

Additionally, internet access, disabled facilities, and even showers are available. Delegates can relax in the extensive reception area and take advantage of the excellent café, Cappuccino Amor. Alternatively they can sit outside, when weather permits and soak up the idyllic surroundings of an attractive ornamental lake as they sample the range of coffees and excellent food.

Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes and Shower Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full



Name of Room



Meeting Room 1

4

4

4

4

Meeting Room 2

6

6

6

6

Meeting Room 3

16

16

16

16

Multi Media Suite

40

40

40

40

Meeting Room 5

26

26

26

26





Theatre Class U Shaped Room

Cabaret Room

Board

Banqueting

16

9

Best Western Menzies Strathmore

Contact name: Timea J Mark Job title: M&E sales Manager Address: Arndale Shopping Centre, Luton, LU1 2TR Telephone number: 01582 73 41 99 Fax number: 01582 44 46 70 Email address: Strathmore.sales @menzieshotels.co.uk Website: www.menzieshotels.co.uk

The Best Western Menzies Strathmore is a modern 4AA star hotel situated in the heart of Luton town and Arndale Shopping Centre overlooking St George’s Square. The Hotel has 152 bedrooms a mixture of executive, standards and newly refurbished accommodation, a Brasserie Restaurant, Coffee shop and bar. Our Waves Health Club has a pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. By plane train or car easy access international.

No. Parking spaces: 1100 in the Arndale Complex Day Premier meeting package: Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 1 • data projector and screen Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 3 • bacon rolls on arrival Miles from London Luton Airport: 3 • unlimited tea and coffee Number of conference rooms: 6 • mineral water Licensed for weddings: Yes • morning handmade biscuits and • • • • •

Disabled Facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full



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Name of Theatre Room Windsor Suite Mountbatten Suite Spencer Suite Castle Suite Mey Suite Sterling Suite Sunderland Suite

250 120 120 30 15 15 0

healthy option cereal bars selection of lunch option afternoon choice of muffins, scones or chocolate bars meeting table confectioneries complimentary stationary car parking.

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room 120 60 60 20 6 6 0

50 30 50 25 10 10 0

170 100 60 20 0 0 0

Board Room

Banqueting

60 30 50 25 12 12 12

240 100 60 35 0 0 0

Hilton Garden Inn Luton North

Contact name: Conference and Events team Address: Butterfield, Hitchin Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 8DD Telephone number: 01582 43 53 00 Fax number: 01582 43 53 50 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.hiltongardeninn.co.uk/lutonnorth No. Parking spaces: 165 Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 2 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 3 Miles from London Luton Airport: 4 Number of conference rooms: 10 Licensed for weddings:Yes Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets:Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full

Name of Theatre Room Woodside 1, 2 & 3 20 Woodside (1, 2 & 3 combined) 40 Harpenden 20 Woburn 20 Lilley 20 Stopsley 20 Harlington 38 Bedfordshire Suite 50 Hertfordshire Suite 50 Shires Suite (Bedfordshire & 120 Hertfordshire suites combined)



At the Hilton Garden Inn Luton North you can choose from 10 flexible meeting rooms and 157 guest rooms. On arrival car parking is free of charge for residents and you’ll find everything you need to unwind. The hotel boasts complimentary wireless internet access from all bedrooms and each bedroom showcases a Garden Sleep System bed with adjustable dials on each side of the mattress, allowing you to customize the bed’s firmness for a perfect night’s sleep alongside comfortable air conditioning.

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room 10 25 10 12 12 12 20 25 25 60

6 25 6 6 6 6 20 20 20 50

N/A 40 N/A N/A N/A N/A 24 20 20 40

Board Room

Banqueting

10 30 10 12 12 12 20 20 20 40

N/A 40 N/A N/A N/A N/A 20 40 40 80

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Holiday Inn Luton South

Contact name: Dionne Downie Job title: Conference and Events Supervisor Address: London Road, Markyate Nr Luton AL3 8HH Telephone number: 08704 43 17 81 Fax number: 01582 44 90 41 Email address: conferences.hiluton@qmh-hotels. com Website: www. holidayinn.co.uk

This impressive 140 bedroom hotel is situated just south of Luton. The hotel boasts a collection of outstanding function/conference suites, stylish lounge/bar, restaurant and a full leisure centre including a swimming pool. We also have over 250 free car parking spaces at the hotel.

No. Parking spaces: 250 Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 7 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 7 Miles from London Luton Airport: 7 Number of conference rooms: 5 Licensed for weddings: Yes Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full

Name of Theatre Room Counties

200

All our function/conference rooms have natural daylight and air conditioning. We have a selection of standard and executive rooms at the hotel, and can also accommodate family, group bookings and tour operators. We also have our Borders restaurant which offers an A la Carte menu and an excellent Sunday Carvery Lunch.

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room 90

N/A

96

Board Room

Banqueting

40

160



Hertford

140

50

32

72

30

120



Bedford

80

30

30

42

30

70



Buckingham

60

30

30

42

30

70

Modern Meeting Room

30

20

20

N/A

20

N/A



80

30

40

42

30

70

12

Essex

Pasque Conference Facility

Contact name: Paula Fensome Job title: Conference Sales Address: Great Bramingham Lane, Luton, Beds LU3 3NT Telephone number: 01582 492 339 Fax number: 01582 564 906 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.pasque.org

The Pasque Conference Facility shares the attractive, peaceful site of The Pasque Adult Hospice and Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice.

No. Parking spaces: 120 Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 5 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 7 Miles from London Luton Airport: 7 Number of conference rooms: 3 Licensed for weddings: No Disabled Facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Ful



Name of Theatre Room

Fountain Suite Pool Suite Directors’ Suite

This modern, spacious facility offers a choice of three self-contained conference suites, all equipped to the highest standards and suitable for any event between 10-80 delegates. The facility also boasts full disabled access and free on-site parking. All proceeds from conference bookings go towards the work of the hospices, providing users with a unique opportunity to combine good business practice with a socially responsible outcome. Users can also expect warm hospitality, a professional service and excellent value for money.

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room

Board Room

Banqueting

80

60

80

45

80

60

40

50

40

60

16

16

16

16

13

Putteridge Bury

Contact name: Maxine Decent Job title: Conference Manager Address: Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE Telephone number: 01582 48 90 69 / 48 90 81 Fax number: 01582 48 26 89 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.putteridgebury.co.uk

Manor house excellently situated in picturesque parkland. Enjoys a delightful rural environment just six miles from M1, Luton Airport and Luton centre and ample free car parking.

No. Parking spaces: 140 Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 6 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 6 Miles from London Luton Airport: 6 Number of conference rooms: 7 Licensed for weddings: Yes Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full

14

Name of Theatre Room

Elegant rooms all of which have natural daylight which are enhanced with beautiful oak panelling and chandeliers. From a meeting for a couple of people to a formal black tie dinner for 120 guests, we are the perfect venue for your event. Our dedicated in house team have the expertise to make you day a complete success. We pride ourselves on our friendly yet professional service which means that our clients come back time and again.

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room

Board Room

Banqueting

1

120

36

70

36

150

3

10

30

8

10

8

4

20

16

16

16

20

5

60

30

48

34

80

7

30

26

32

26

80

9

20

12

18

14

20

11

16

16

16

16

16

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Contact name: Wendy Mann Job title: Deputy Facilities Manager Address: London Road, LU1 4LX Telephone number: 01582 54 86 00 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.stockwooddiscoverycentre.com

The award winning Stockwood Discovery Centre is set amongst the region’s most beautiful gardens within Grade II listed walls.

No. Parking spaces: 150 Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 1.5 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 1 Miles from London Luton Airport: 2 Number of conference rooms: 3 Licensed for weddings: Application in process Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full

It is superbly located, just off junction 10 of the M1, it is also five minutes away from the London Luton Airport and two train stations with a 30 minutes direct train service from London All this complimented by our flexible meeting space with natural daylight and catering packages that will suit your requirements makes Stockwood Discovery Centre the perfect venue for a meeting and corporate events.



Name of Theatre Room

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room

Board Room

Banqueting



Wenlock

50

30

18

24



Crawley

50

30

18

24

Combined

100

50

34

40

15

The Auction House

Contact name: David Thomas Job title: Events Manager Address: Crescent Road, Luton, Beds, LU2 0AH Telephone number: 01582 73 26 55 Fax number: 01582 73 26 20 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.theauctionhouse.uk.com No. Parking spaces: 250 Miles from Luton Central Train Station: ½ mile Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 1 Miles from London Luton Airport: 2 Number of conference rooms: 5 Licensed for weddings: Yes Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full

Name of Theatre Room

The Auction House offers the perfect venue whether you are looking to impress those corporate clients or wedding guests. With a Main Suite which can hold up to 700 guests for a dinner, or for those smaller functions the room can be divided by its sound proof wall allowing smaller functions to be held in either the Sun Suite or the Amber Room. With our experienced Asian Head Chef and his in-house catering team creating food ranging from 3 course English Menus through to Asian Cuisine all events are catered for, providing the highest quality and service.



Main Suite

1,000

360

N/A

560

N/A

700



Sun Suite

300

100

30

200

30

250



Amber Room

350

110

30

240

30

300

30

N/A

N/A

N/A

10

N/A

40

N/A

N/A

N/A

10

50

Small Conference Room Lounge Bar

16

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room

Board Room

Banqueting

The hat Factory

Contact name: Vikki Richman Job title: Administrator Address: 65-67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY Telephone number: 01582 87 81 00 / 112 Fax number: 01582 87 81 09 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.thehatfactory.org

As the name suggests ‘the hat Factory’ springs from Luton’s long running association with the hat making industry and what was once a busy factory is now a vibrant arts centre in the heart of Luton town centre.

No. Parking spaces: 0 Miles from Luton Central Train Station: Less than ¼ of a mile Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 1 Miles from London Luton Airport: 1.5 Number of conference rooms: 6 Licensed for weddings: No Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: Both Disabled access: Full

The hat Factory is situated next to the main Luton train station with its high speed links to London, Bedford and the north of England. Conveniently located for bus links to Watford, Milton Keynes and beyond as well as London Luton International Airport and the M1 motorway; the hat Factory offers spaces for small informal meetings to boardroom meetings as well as a large comfortable lounge area and exhibition space which can be adapted to the needs of the client.



Name of Theatre Room Studio 1

90

40

20

60

30

60



Studio 2

50

30

22

40

22

40



Light Rain Gallery

N/A

N/A

16

N/A

16

N/A



Conf rm 2

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

12

N/A

200

20

100

30

80

40

20

20

25

32



Gallery



Basement Lounge

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room

20

Board Room

Banqueting

17

UK Centre for Carnival Arts

Contact name: Darren Newsham Job title: Facilities Manager Address: 3 St. Mary’s Road, Luton LU1 3JA Telephone number: 01582 43 71 00 Fax number: 01582 43 71 30 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.carnivalarts.org.uk

The UK Centre for Carnival Arts provides a pioneering space for the vibrant and talented UK carnival sector to raise the status of, and access to, carnival arts. Carnival artists, art forms and audiences complement a breadth of strategic agendas for neighbourhood renewal and regeneration, tourism development, arts in education, business development and community cohesion.

No. Parking spaces: None on site Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 0.7 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 1.1 Miles from London Luton Airport: 2.3 Number of conference rooms: 4 Licensed for weddings: No

Our world class facilities, international outlook and continual professional development programme will ensure the success of UKCCA as a benchmark of excellence in UK arts and creative industries.

Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: n/a Disabled access: Full



Board Room

Banqueting

Mas Camp

250

n/a

n/a



Teaching Room 1

25

12

16

250

n/a

250

n/a

16

n/a



Teaching Room 2

25

12



Teaching Room 1 & 2

50

24

16

n/a

16

n/a

25

n/a

25

n/a

Teaching Room 3 20 12 16 n/a

16

n/a

18

Name of Theatre Room

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room

Whipsnade Zoo

Contact name: Mary and Lindsey Job title: Event Co-ordinators Address: Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2LF Telephone number: 01582 87 38 31 Fax number: 01582 87 37 48 Email address: [email protected] Website: www.zsl.org

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, located in 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland and surrounded by the breathtaking Chiltern Hills, offers a unique location for meetings, conferences, award ceremonies, away days, and Summer and Christmas parties.

No. Parking spaces: x52 spaces in events car park and x600 spaces in general zoo car park Miles from Luton Central Train Station: 12 Miles from Luton Airport Parkway Train Station: 11 Miles from London Luton Airport: 12 Number of conference rooms: 5 Licensed for weddings:Yes Disabled facilities - Disabled toilets: Yes Ramp/lift: n/a Disabled access: Full



Name of Theatre Room Pegasus

20

Our two most stylish and versatile spaces are the Griffin and Phoenix Suites, which boast modern audio visual facilities and when combined, form the 400 seated Cloisters Suite. Perfect for conferences and parties alike. The Pegasus and Unicorn Rooms are of smaller capacity, and therefore offer an ideal boardroom or reception area, either to the adjoining suites or simply by themselves. All profits go to critically endangered animal conservation projects around the world.

Class U Shaped Cabaret Room Please call

18

10

Board Room

Banqueting

10

n/a

Unicorn

40

Please call

18

30

20

24

Griffin

300

Please call

36

128

n/a

180

Phoenix

300

Please call

36

128

n/a

180

Cloisters

600

Please call

36

256

n/a

360

19

www.thinkluton.co.uk

Designed by Communications, Luton Borough Council Sept ‘09 NMD 4144