First Universal Studios theme park to open in Britain providing £50bn investment after planning permission granted

Bedford Borough Council said the park would provide £50bn of "economic benefit to the economy".

Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, confirmed that the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government granted permission for the major entertainment complex.

The project secured approval through a special development order, a mechanism enabling central government to authorise developments directly rather than following conventional local planning processes.

The order covers around 268 hectares and allows Universal Destinations & Experiences to develop: one or more theme parks, visitor accommodation, retail and dining, sports and conference facilities, associated landscaping and utility infrastructure.

Mr Yasin described the decision 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."

The resort will occupy a former brickworks site, selected due to its excellent transport connections including nearby rail services and proximity to London Luton Airport.

The site was originally set to be developed into 1,000 new homes after last of its 167 chimneys were demolished in 2021.

Planning documents published in July revealed proposals for structures reaching 377ft, which would make them the tallest rides anywhere in Europe.

Adam Zerny, Independent leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, welcomed the announcement, stating it would bring "significant benefits to our area, creating new jobs and increasing income for many local businesses."

The development represents a major boost for the region's employment prospects and is expected to generate substantial revenue for surrounding enterprises.

Once built, Universal Studios Bedford will be the studios’ sixth park alongside resorts in the US, Beijing, Japan and Singapore.

The order also permits significant changes to local and strategic transport links, including: new entrances and exits from the A421, a larger train station on the Thameslink/Midland Main Line at Wixams, upgrades to Manor Road and other local roads.

Page Thompson, President of New Ventures, paid tribute to people from Bedford and others for their support of the project during its planning stage.

He 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."

Mayor Tom Wootton called the decision “one of the proudest moments of my political life,” describing it as a huge vote of confidence in Bedford, Kempston and the wider region.

He said the Borough is “well connected, full of talent and ready to grow” and pledged to work “night and day” with Universal to make sure local residents and businesses benefit from the opportunities it brings.

Blake Stephenson MP, whose constituency the theme park will be built in, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Universal Studios has now received planning permission to build a brand new theme park right here in Mid Bedfordshire.

“This is a landmark moment for our county and a vote of confidence in our region’s potential.

“The arrival of a world-class destination like Universal Studios will bring thousands of jobs, exciting new opportunities for young people, and a major boost for local businesses and tourism.

“It will also act as a powerful catalyst for wider economic growth, attracting further investment and strengthening our local and regional economy for years to come

“I will continue to 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.”