BEDFORD is to become home to the first Universal-branded theme park and resort in the UK and Europe with 20,000 construction set to be created during the build phase.
The UK Government has approved Universal’s request for planning permission to be granted for resort by way of making a special development order, which allows the project to bypass the usual local authority planning application process.
Due to be completed in 2031, the theme park will be built on a 476-acre site and will be ‘one of the largest and most advanced’ theme parks in Europe – featuring several themed lands with Universal’s ‘distinct brand of immersive’ storytelling, rides, attractions, and entertainment. The wider resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
Universal said that it expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year – becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in a statement, “Today, I can share an important update on our plans to bring a new entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park to Bedford.
“The ministry of housing, communities, and local government has approved our request for planning permission to be granted by way of making a special development order and I would like to extend my thanks to them. While there are still further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone for the project.
“On behalf of the company, 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.
“In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us. The interest and support we’ve already seen from both local companies and residents has been incredibly encouraging.”
