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 issued a Special Development Order (SDO) for the complex to be constructed in Kempston Hardwick, close to Bedford.

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

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

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

About 55,000 visitors are expected on peak days.

The plans showed that most structures at the park would range between 20m and 30m, with some taller structures creating a skyline with “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 entry plaza.

Details of the rides 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 feature.

Page Thompson, president of new ventures, Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “I want to express my sincere appreciation for the continued engagement from Bedford and the various communities surrounding our site, as well as the many other national and local stakeholders who have provided feedback and expressed such enthusiasm on the transformative nature of our project.”

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

They added that Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, “gave proper and impartial consideration to the planning merits” and made the decision on “the evidence and advice in front of him at the time”.

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

“The confirmation of 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 provide £50bn of “economic benefit to the economy” and followed several years of close collaboration between Universal, councillors and council staff.

Adam Zerny, the 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 all jobs going to local workers”.

“The project will help deliver key transportation upgrades, including an expanded Wixams railway station and new direct slip roads from the A421.”

Work to build a new railway station at Wixams started in August 2024, but it was put on hold to allow a bigger station to be built to accommodate Universal.

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

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

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

While some residents welcomed the plans and the prospect of more jobs, others, including some living close to 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 not received confirmed offers of compensation even though their properties were earmarked for demolition in Universal’s plans to transform the former brickworks site.

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

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