Planning permission has been approved for the first Universal Studios UK theme park, marking a significant development for Bedfordshire.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued a Special Development Order allowing the entertainment complex to be built in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford. The order enabled the government to grant approval directly, bypassing the usual local planning process.
Universal said the Universal Studios UK theme park was a “transformative” project expected to attract more than eight million visitors each year. The company said the park could open by 2031.
The proposed site is a former brickworks and was selected due to its proximity to transport links, including rail connections and London Luton Airport.
Planning documents published in July showed that the tallest rides could reach up to 377ft, or 115m, which would make them the highest structures of their kind in Europe. Peak visitor numbers are expected to reach about 55,000 people per day.
Most buildings at the Universal Studios UK theme park would stand between 20m and 30m tall. Some larger structures would be included to create what the plans describe as a skyline with “visual interest”.
The development would include parking for more than 7,000 cars, space for hundreds of visitors arriving by coach or bicycle and a large entry plaza.
While official details of the attractions have not been confirmed, a source close to the project told the BBC that James Bond, Paddington and The Lord of the Rings themed rides could be included.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures at 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 spokesperson said the planning permission was “subject to conditions and limitations”. They added that Steve Reed, the Secretary of State, “gave proper and impartial consideration to the planning merits” and reached his decision based on the available evidence and advice.
Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, described the approval as a “landmark moment for Bedford and the wider region”. He said: “The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come.”
Bedford Borough Council said the Universal Studios UK theme park would generate £50bn of economic benefit and followed years of collaboration between Universal and local authorities.
Adam Zerny, Independent leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said the development would deliver “significant benefits to our area, creating new jobs and increasing income for many local businesses”.
Universal said the project would create 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles once operational, with around 80% of positions expected to go to local workers.
The company added that the scheme would deliver transport improvements, including an expanded Wixams railway station and new slip roads from the A421. Work on a new station at Wixams began in August 2024 but was paused to allow for a larger facility to meet the needs of the park.
Last month, East West Rail Company confirmed a separate station would be built at Stewartby to serve the site. National Highways said upgrades would also be made to the surrounding road network, including a new link road from the A421.
Zerny said discussions with Universal had acknowledged the need for improved local roads as the project progresses.
Not all residents have welcomed the plans. Some people living near the site on Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick told the BBC they had not been informed about the future of their homes.
In July, residents said they had not received confirmed compensation offers despite their properties being marked for demolition in the plans.
Blake Stephenson, 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 said the project would bring thousands of jobs and provide a major boost to tourism and local businesses.
