River Lea artwork breathes new life into Luton Town Centre

“A River Runs Under Your Feet” has just popped up on a billboard on Guildford Street, turning an ordinary ad space into something that tells the story of Luton’s natural side.

Commissioned by Luton Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the artwork launched last Friday 28 March. It’s the creation of local artist Abi Spendlove, who’s been super passionate about the river since moving here.

“When I found out there was a river here, I just had to track it down,” says
Abi. “I’ve spent years walking and cycling along it – I even waded through the underground bits for a project in 2020!”

The funny thing is, the artwork sits right next to where the actual river flows, but you can’t see it! At this spot, the Lea runs in a concrete channel behind the buildings on Guildford Street before diving underground at Church Street.

“Stand on the pavement opposite the artwork and you’re literally standing over the river – it’s right under your feet!” Abi points out.

The artwork shows a cracking shot of the river taken by Abi, near its source in Leagrave Park. There’s a pink cloud reflecting on the water and green plants growing below. Local people actually voted for this image themselves, so it clearly struck a chord.

Want to learn more about our local river? Just scan the QR code on the corner of the artwork to find the ‘Luton’s River Lea and Chalk Hills’ YouTube channel – it’s packed with videos about our river and landscape.

But the project doesn’t stop there. Loads of locals have got involved too through a photo competition that pulled in entries from kids as young as 11 up to people in their 60s. Some even sent in personal stories about their memories of the river.

Italian restaurant L’Artista Ristorante, whose wall hosts the billboard, has already been making improvements to this corner of town. They’ve spruced up their corner with new planters and benches, making the whole area look much nicer. We can’t wait to enjoy some fresh pizza out there in the summer!

The Guildford Street artwork looks out at what will be Luton Town Football Club’s new stadium – just one of the big changes transforming our town centre. Plans are also in the works to uncover more sections of the hidden river, bringing nature back into the urban landscape. With more fresh artworks expected to pop up across town soon and major developments taking shape, the heart of our town is clearly on the up.

“In five years, you won’t recognise the place,” says Abi. “I can’t wait for the plans to open up the River Lea and create a linear park running right through Luton.”

Next time you’re in town, go and have a look!

To spot more fresh changes happening in Luton Town Centre and what’s coming up, check out our town centre page.