The Hat Press at the junction of Bute Street and Guildford Street was presented to the town many years ago by the British Hat Guild. It came from James Egleton's hat factory which is now the Hat Factory venue. Presses such as this were developed in the late 19th century and were used after blocking and machining hats to give a smooth finish and a fine lustre.
Over time the Hat Press had become very dilapidated and dowdy and the Rotary Club of Luton North undertook to refurbish and redecorate it. This work was completed in June 2013 and the Hat Press was handed over to the town on 23 July 2013