More than £13 million has been paid to a town trust to continue its work to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents.
Money from Luton Rising, the Luton Borough Council company which owns London Luton Airport, has been donated to Active Luton to secure investment in leisure and library services until 2030.
The council hoped the funding would “inspire participation in physical activity and create learning and career opportunities”.
It would “focus on reducing health inequalities, improving education, reducing crime and supporting sustainability,” the council added.
Lawrence Kay, managing director of Active Luton, said the support had “played a vital role in our journey from the very beginning and has been instrumental in our growth and reach within the community”.
He said the money would “help us improve the health, wellbeing and opportunities for the people of Luton”.
Labor councilor Javeria Hussain, vice-chair of Luton Rising, said: “This new agreement reflects a shared commitment to making a long-term positive difference to the lives of the people of Luton.
“The continuity provided by our renewed commitment supports our shared ambitions to continue to improve lives through health, wellbeing and learning.
The council said research carried out by independent consultants Volterra found that “for every £1 that Active Luton receives in funding, it generates more than £7.40 in social return – which equates to an estimated benefit of £44 million to the local community in 2023/24 alone”.
