Britain's entertainment landscape is set for a monumental shift as plans for the new Universal theme park near Bedford advance, complete with its very own dedicated railway station. The massive development, scheduled to open in 2031, represents one of the most significant investments in UK tourism and transport infrastructure in decades.
A Transport Hub for a Mega-Resort
The ambitious project, located at Kempston Hardwick on the 476-acre Broadmead Farm site, will be seamlessly connected to the national rail network. Proposals are being explored for a new train station in Stewartby that will form a key part of the East West Rail (EWR) line.
A report from EWR explains the sustainability benefits of building a completely new station rather than adapting existing infrastructure. Given Universal's proposals are still emerging, we're working with them and other stakeholders to determine the design and exact position of the station, the report states.
The company has emphasised its commitment to integrating the station design with the wider development while maintaining access to local destinations including Kimberley Sixth Form College and Stewartby itself.
Economic Impact and Visitor Numbers
The scale of the Universal development is staggering. The resort will feature a 500-room hotel alongside a retail and entertainment complex and the theme park attractions themselves.
Economic projections indicate the park will generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055. Visitor numbers are expected to be equally impressive, with over 8.5 million visitors anticipated in the opening year alone.
A spokesperson for Universal Destinations and Experiences welcomed the government's commitment, stating: 'Government's commitment in furthering multi-modal opportunities to grow the UK's economy is highly encouraging, as companies like UDX look to place major investments in the UK.'
The East West Rail Connection
The new station will form part of the transformative East West Rail project, which aims to connect Oxford to Cambridge with links via Milton Keynes and Bedford. According to BBC estimates, the entire rail project could cost between £5.1 billion and £6.06 billion.
David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Company, commented: 'These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region. Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people.'
Significant improvements confirmed for the rail line include:
- Increased train frequency from three or four to up to five per hour
- New station entrances at Bletchley, Cambridge and Bedford
- Four brand-new stations along the Marston Vale Line
The integration of a dedicated station for the Universal theme park represents a forward-thinking approach to managing the expected visitor numbers while promoting sustainable travel options to one of Britain's most anticipated new attractions.
