Universal Studios gets green light to be built in Bedfordshire

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

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued a Special Development Order (SDO) for the complex to be built at Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford.

Universal had sought planning permission through the SDO, which would allow the government to approve the project directly and bypass standard local planning procedures.

The entertainment company said the “transformative” project is expected to attract more than eight million visitors a year and could open by 2031.

The site, to be built on the site of a former brickworks, was chosen due to its nearby transport links, including rail services and London Luton Airport.

Planning documents published in July showed that structures reaching heights of up to 377 ft (115 m) were proposed for the site, making them the tallest rides in Europe.

Around 55,000 visitors are expected on busy days.

Plans showed most structures in the park would range from 20 to 30 meters tall, with some tall structures creating a skyline of “visual interest”.

It will also include parking for more than 7,000 vehicles, additional areas where hundreds of people can arrive by bus and bicycle, and an entrance plaza.

Details of the rides were not disclosed, but a source close to the project said: he told the BBC It may feature James Bond, Paddington and Lord of the Rings themed attractions.

Page Thompson, head of new initiatives at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the ongoing engagement of Bedford and the diverse communities surrounding our site, as well as the many other national and local stakeholders who have provided feedback and expressed enthusiasm for the transformative nature of our project.”

A government spokesman said planning permission was “subject to conditions and limitations”.

They added that Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed “considered the merits of the planning appropriately and impartially” and made the decision based on “the evidence and advice available to him at the time”.

Mohammad Yasin, Labor MP for Bedford and Kempston, said it was “a landmark moment for Bedford and the wider region”.

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

Bedford Borough Council said the park would deliver a “£50bn economic benefit to the economy” and it comes after several years of close collaboration between Universal, councilors and council staff.

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 said it was “poised to become one of the region’s largest employers, creating 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent positions once operational, with approximately 80% of the jobs going to local workers.”

“The project will help deliver significant transport improvements, including an expanded Wixams railway station and new direct slip roads from the A421.”

Work to build a new train station at Wixams It started in August 2024, but was put on hold to allow for the construction of a larger station to house Universal.

Last month, East West Railway Company (EWR Co) issued a statement: new train station It will be built to serve the park at Stewartby.

National Highways has confirmed there will be improvements to the transport network in the area, which will include a new link road off the A421.

“I met with Universal to discuss the implications for our region and was encouraged by the recognition that improvements to local road infrastructure would be required,” Zerny said.

Some residents are We welcomed the plans and more job prospects, others, including those living close to the site at Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick, he told the BBC They were not informed about what would happen to their home.

In July, they said they had not received approved compensation offers even though their property was earmarked for demolition in Universal’s plans to convert the former brickyard facility.

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

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