Universal Theme Park development gets the green light

Universal has been given the green light to go ahead and build a new theme park and resort in Bedford, following a multi-billion-pound agreement with the UK government and Bedford Borough Council.

In today’s news, local MP Mohammad Yasin confirmed in a letter that “the site is around 268 hectares, and the project would include theme park(s), visitor accommodation, retail, dining, sports and conference facilities and associated landscaping and utility infrastructure.”

As for what sort of attractions visitors might expect, Universal is the producer behind the blockbuster Wicked movies – so we’d wager something Wicked-related to feature somewhere in the park.

Between 8.5 and 12 million visitors are expected at the new attraction. The project is expected to create around 28,000 jobs across the construction, creative, hospitality and tourism industries, and bring an estimated £50 billion boost to the UK economy by 2055.

The development will mark Universal’s first branded theme park and resort in Europe. It is scheduled to open in 2031 as part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex. The park will feature themed lands, rides, attractions, a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment centre. Universal expects the site to attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year, positioning it as the largest visitor attraction in the UK.

The UK government has announced that it will invest in infrastructure to support the project, aiming to improve accessibility and connections to the site, which is located on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks.