The government has given the official green light for the construction of the United Kingdom's first-ever Universal Studios theme park, a landmark decision set to transform a former brickworks site near Bedford.
Government Approval and Fast-Tracked Planning
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) approved the plans on Tuesday, utilising a Special Development Order (SDO). This mechanism allows the government to directly approve major projects, bypassing standard local planning procedures. While the SDO comes into force from 12 January, a final parliamentary review period must still be completed.
The project's parent company, Comcast – which also owns Sky – had been evaluating several European countries for its first theme park on the continent. The choice of Bedfordshire represents a significant win for the UK's tourism and leisure sector.
A Transformational Project for Bedford and Beyond
Local Labour MP Mohammad Yasin hailed the approval as a "landmark moment for Bedford and the wider region," predicting the impact would be "transformational and felt for decades to come." The development is part-funded with £500 million of public investment, earmarked for crucial upgrades to local rail and road infrastructure to support the anticipated influx of visitors.
Universal has stated the park will be "unlike anything that exists in the UK," with proposals including some of Europe's tallest rides, potentially reaching heights of up to 115 metres. The government forecasts the attraction will draw more than 8 million visitors annually and provide a staggering £50 billion boost to the national economy.
Jobs, Infrastructure and a 2031 Opening
The economic benefits are projected to be substantial on a local level as well. Universal estimates the project will create 20,000 jobs during the construction phase and a further 8,000 permanent operational roles once the park is open. The company has committed to sharing progress on job opportunities and how local businesses can engage with the project.
Significant transport upgrades are already in motion to serve the park, which is slated to open in 2031. These include:
- The approval of a major capacity expansion at nearby Luton Airport, a key expected air hub for visitors.
- The construction of a new, larger station at Wixams, a project previously put on hold to accommodate the theme park's needs.
- Plans for another new railway station in Stewartby, announced last month, which will form part of the East West Rail line connecting Oxford to Cambridge.
This cluster of infrastructure investments underscores the scale of the development and its expected role as a major driver for growth in the region for years to come.
