Residents in Luton, Bedfordshire, are being invited to share their memories of working at the former Vauxhall Motors factory as part of a new community heritage project. The initiative, known as “Luton Made: Vauxhall,” aims to preserve the 120-year history of the site following its closure on 28 March 2025.
Organisers at The Culture Trust Luton are collecting oral histories and photographs to build a digitised archive of memories and images. These personal stories will be turned into a series of theatrical performances at the Hat Factory Arts Centre throughout 2026.
The project is also offering paid work for local creative professionals to help transform the archive into stage productions. Luton Borough Council has said the council-led taskforce set up to coordinate the response to the plant’s closure will work to recognise the town’s industrial heritage and develop plans to ensure the legacy of over 120 years of manufacturing as part of the wider redevelopment of the factory site.
Project Engagement Officer Aisha Hassan told the BBC that the team wants to hear from people whose parents or grandparents worked at the plant. She said: “My own grandfather worked at Vauxhall. We want to hear from people whose dad, grandad and uncles worked there. Obviously it’s a sad time for people losing their jobs — we are not overlooking that. But it’s a big part of Luton’s history.” (BBC)
Former workers and their families can contribute their memories or find out about upcoming performances through the Hat District website. Stellantis (Vauxhall’s parent company) has provided access to historical vehicles and archive material: some of the Heritage Collection has been relocated for interim storage and display, while other items remain on show in Luton as part of efforts to preserve the town’s manufacturing history.
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