Universal Studios gets green light to build in Bedfordshire

Planning permission has been granted to build the first Universal Studios theme park in the UK, an MP has said.

Mohammad Yasin, Labor MP for Bedford and Kempston, said the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government had given the green light for the development to be built at Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford.

Universal had applied for planning permission through a special development order (SDO), which would allow the government to approve the project directly and bypass standard local planning procedures.

The entertainment company expects the park to attract more than eight million visitors a year and open in 2031.

Yasin said it was a “historic moment for Bedford and the wider region”.

“The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformative and will be felt for decades to come,” he said.

Bedford Council said the park would provide £50bn of “economic benefit to the economy” and followed several years of close collaboration between Universal, councilors and council staff.

Universal and the government have been contacted for comment.

The site will be built on a former brickworks and was chosen for its nearby transport links, including rail services and London Luton Airport.

Planning documents published in July showed that structures that would reach up to 377 feet (115 m) were proposed for the site, making them the tallest attractions in Europe.

About 55,000 visitors are expected on peak days.

The plans showed that most structures in the park would range between 20 and 30 m, with some taller structures creating a skyline of “visual interest”.

It would also include parking for more than 7,000 cars, additional spaces for hundreds of people to arrive by coach and bicycle and an entrance plaza.

Details of the attractions have not been released, but a source close to the project told the BBC that James Bond, Paddington and The Lord of the Rings themed attractions could be included.

Adam Zerny, independent leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said it would bring “significant benefits to our area, creating new jobs and increasing income for many local businesses”.

Universal previously said the complex would feature a “theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodations, as well as a variety of retail, dining and entertainment uses” and would create 28,000 jobs.

He said 80% of employees were expected to come from Bedford, central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

“The project will also help deliver a number of highly sought-after transport improvements, including an expanded Wixams train station, direct access roads from the A421 and other local road improvements,” he added.

Work to build a new train station at Wixams began in August 2024, but was suspended to allow construction of a larger station to accommodate Universal.

Last month, East West Rail Company (EWR Co) said a new train station would be built to serve the park at Stewartby.

National Highways confirmed that improvements would be made to the transport network in the area, which would include a new link road to the A421.

Zerny said, “I have met with Universal to discuss the implications for our area and am encouraged by the recognition that improvements to local road infrastructure will be necessary.”

While some residents welcomed the plans and the prospect of more jobs, others, including some who live near the site in Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick, told the BBC they had not been informed about what would happen to their homes.

In July, they said they had received no confirmed offers of compensation even though their properties were earmarked for demolition in Universal’s plans to transform the former brickyard site.

Blake Stephenson, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said he would “work closely with residents, the council and Universal Studios as the project progresses, to ensure the infrastructure our communities need is delivered so we can reap the rewards of this exciting development.”

He welcomed the project, saying it would “bring thousands of jobs”, as well as exciting new opportunities for young people, and “a huge boost for local businesses and tourism”.