Step into the heart of Luton鈥檚 rich industrial heritage with RIBA East鈥檚 very first co-working day, set in the iconic Hat District.
Once the heart of the global straw hat industry, Luton boasted over 500 hat manufacturers in the 1800s and reached its peak in the 1930s, producing over 70 million hats annually. Today, few hat manufacturers remain, but the town鈥檚 legacy of craftsmanship and creativity continues to thrive.
As part of the day, enjoy a talk and guided tour by 's very own Chief Executive, Marie Kirbyshaw of the Hat district. You can discover the story behind the redevelopment of three former hat factories into a growing creative ecology and see how the Trust are reinterpretation of Luton鈥檚 hat heritage through arts and culture.
We鈥檒l be based at the stunning refurbished Hat Works building, 鈥攔eopened in 2021 and which is adjacent to The Hat Factory hosting an exciting programme of live music, arts, comedy, theatre, film, and workshops. It鈥檚 the perfect place to connect, collaborate, and get inspired.
Coworking space will be available to use as attendees wish - feel free to use the space flexibly throughout the day.
Lunch will be provided. If you have any specific dietary needs or allergies, please email riba.east@riba.org, mentioning the event name, date, and any critical adjustments you may need.
Come for the co-working. Stay for the creativity.