Martin HeathBedfordshire political reporter

Martin Heath/BBC

The action plan is the latest phase of the 2021 masterplan which heralded the start of a major rejuvenation project

An action plan for developing Luton town centre has been revealed.

It includes a new entrance for the railway station, more pedestrianised streets and a redesign of St George's Square.

The project will be funded by £1.7bn of public and private money.

The borough council said it hoped the plan would create "a town centre where residents and visitors alike can feel proud to live, work, study and play".

A masterplan for Luton was published in 2021 and the new action plan - approved by the borough council's executive on Monday - checks on the status of the recommendations in that plan and sets out new ideas.

One of the key elements of the 2021 documents was uncovering sections of the River Lea hidden by culverts in the town centre.

Martin Heath/BBC

The Hat Gardens is centred on a section of the River Lea which has been taken out of a culvert and made visible

A section of the river...