Bedford has just taken a huge step closer to welcoming Universal Destinations and Experiences.
The Government has approved the request for planning permission through a Special Development Order, known as an SDO. If you want the official Government definition and background on how SDOs work, you can read the GOV.UK guidance here: Special Development Orders, decisions and information. GOV.UK
Today’s announcement follows several years of close collaboration between Universal, councillors, and council staff. It is a major milestone towards Europe’s first Universal-branded theme park and resort opening in Bedford Borough, bringing a c.£50 billion economic benefit, and creating around 20,000 jobs during the construction period alone.
Mayor of Bedford Borough Tom Wootton described the news as “one of the proudest moments of my political life.”
He said: “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.”
Bedford Borough Council chief executive Laura Church said Universal would be a key driver for the Borough’s economy, highlighting the scale of opportunity for hospitality, retail, technology, and more, as well as the jobs created during construction and once the park opens. She added that it is expected approximately 80% of employees will come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes, and that Universal wants to work with local residents and businesses.
A Love Bedford spokesperson said: “We’re really excited with this news and look forward to the investment in the area and local businesses.”
We’ll keep sharing updates as the remaining planning steps progress. For our full explainer and what this could mean for Bedford, head to our key page: Universal Studios Bedford.
