Universal Studios gets green light after Government grants planning permission

Today’s announcement (Tuesday) follows several years of close collaboration between Universal, Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin, the mayor and councillors.

The MP posted on his Facebook that he was “absolutely delighted” the Development Consent Order was granted and comes into force on January 12.

In a letter from Steve Reed – the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government – Mr Yasin was told: “The Order grants planning permission for an Entertainment Resort Complex and associated development at the former brickworks and neighbouring land at Kempston Hardwick.

"The site is around 268 hectares, and the project would include theme park(s), visitor accommodation, retail, dining, sports and conference facilities and associated landscaping and utility infrastructure. It would also provide improvements to the travel network including new entrances and exits from the A421, a bigger train station on the Thameslink / Midland Main Line at Wixams, and upgrades to Manor Road and other local roads.

“The development is intended to support significant inward investment and contribute to the UK's visitor economy and creative industries. It is expected to attract between 8.5 and 12 million visitors annually and create substantial employment opportunities.”

The project will also provide an estimated £50 billion economic benefit to the economy, while creating around 20,000 jobs during the construction period alone.

Bedford mayor, Tom Wootton, described the news as “one of the proudest moments of my political life.”

He said: “I’d love to take all the credit for this – but I can’t. This is the result of so much hard work by so many people, and it will be something that has a huge, positive impact on countless lives even when I’m long forgotten. It’s one of the proudest moments of my political life.

“This is a huge vote of confidence in Bedford and Kempston, in the borough and region, and in the council. This is the perfect place for this investment, well-connected, full of talent, and ready to grow. I know that our residents and businesses will seize all the opportunities that this will offer us, and I’ll work with Universal night and day to ensure our partnership can continue to bloom.”

An SDO is a special type of planning permission for major schemes, which is granted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MCHLG) instead of by a council.

Whilst there are still further planning steps to complete, today’s announcement is a key milestone.

Bedford Today revealed at the end of 2023 how the US company was rumoured to be setting its sights on land at Kempston Hardwick after discovering the news on YouTube – ONLY for Universal Destinations and Experiences to confirm it later that day.

Central Beds Council’s leader, Adam Zerny, said he was “pleased to see there is also an acknowledgement there will be an impact on the local area”.

He added: “The company is eager to work with Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC), as much as possible, to ensure the theme park becomes the positive experience many expect, and to make sure any negative impacts are minimised.

“This has the potential to bring many jobs to the area and provide a significant boost for existing local businesses. Not to mention a little excitement for local residents!”

Bedford Borough Council chief executive Laura Church said Universal would be a key driver for the economy.

She said: “This truly puts Bedford on the map, as a global destination for tourism, creativity and innovation for generations to come.

“It begins with tens of thousands of construction jobs, followed by the many more roles when the park opens. The millions of visitors each year will offer possibilities for our economy and our residents in hospitality, retail, technology and so much more.

“When the resort opens it will be one of the largest employers in the region, and it is expected that approximately 80% of employees will come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes. Universal want to work with our residents and our businesses.”

In an update letter to residents, Page Thompson, president of new ventures, Universal Destinations & Experiences, explained: “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."

Blake Stephenson, Mid Beds MP, said he was “absolutely delighted” by the news. He added: “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.”

And Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern said: “This is fantastic news for our region. From young people seeking work to local businesses looking to grow, this project offers exciting opportunities for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and beyond.

“I’ve been proud to support Universal’s plans from day one and will continue working to ensure this development benefits all our communities. There’s plenty to do before opening day, and I’ll be there every step of the way.”