Money has indeed always been in short supply at Luton but when it comes to wasting money Luton has no limits.
The road markings are only just dry but much of the CTA will be dug up when the rail link, station and second multi-storey are put in.
This means a new drop off zone and new route for much of the CTA ring road. Most of the CTA dual carriageway that is keeping its location will still need to be dug up for the cut and cover rail tunnels.
Examples of extreme penny pinching includes only tarmacing the car park lanes and not the car park spaces of most of the car parks. The poor finish of the pedestrian foot bridges to the CTA car parks. The use of the cheapest materials available for the covered walkways. The extensive use of tarmac for all pedestrian areas. No air bridges or individual lifts to serve any stands. A lack of seating were there is room for seating to go.
I await with a great deal of interest how the flagship canopy will look that will define the appearance of the terminal for the next 20 years. The iconic glass roof of the first artist impressions was replaced by what looked like a series of circus tents made out of canvas. What the airport ends up with might be different again. Not long to wait now, as this new canopy should be going in after Christmas.