Bedford, UK – 3 July 2025 – Universal Destinations & Experiences has formally submitted a planning application to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to build a landmark Entertainment Resort Complex (ERC) in Bedford.
The application proposes a world-class theme park and resort, marking a major step forward in bringing Universal Studios Great Britain to life—right here in Kempston Hardwick.
What’s Included in the Plans?
- A fully immersive international-scale theme park across at least 32 hectares
- Over 500 hotel rooms and dining, entertainment and retail venues open to ticketed and non-ticketed guests
- Conference centres, wellness and leisure spaces, and creative workspaces
- More than 7,100 car parking spaces, 100 coach bays, and 250 cycle spaces
- A major green infrastructure plan including 49.3 hectares of restored land
- New dual carriageway access roads, a redesigned Wixams Rail Station, and future-proofing for East West Rail connectivity
Amy, Office Manager at Love Bedford, said:
“This could change everything for Bedford. We’ve always believed in the potential of our town, and to see Universal choose Bedford for a development of this scale is incredible. It’s exciting, and it’s a chance to show the world what we’re capable of.”
First Phase Capacity:
The development will be built to handle 8.5 million annual visitors, with 55,000 guests per peak day from launch.
Economic and Local Benefits:
- 10,000+ jobs by year 20, with 80% expected to be filled by local residents from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes
- 5,380 construction jobs at peak
- 800 Creative Industry roles in Year 1, rising to 70 apprenticeships annually
- Support for 100 at-risk or disadvantaged students each year
- A comprehensive Employment and Skills Plan to work directly with local businesses and education providers
A Fast-Tracked, Nationally Significant Development:
Universal is requesting a Special Development Order (SDO) to speed up approvals and allow the government—not just the local authority—to decide the application. Reasons for this include:
- The national scale and complexity of the resort
- Urgent timelines to open by 2031
- The need for coordinated transport, security, and infrastructure plans
- Global investor confidence, based on similar regulatory frameworks used in Florida and Disneyland Paris
Environmental & Community Commitments:
- Thousands of new trees and extensive ecological restoration
- Active travel routes connecting to the wider Bedford area
- A unified design and safety plan for long-term success and sustainability
- Charitable and educational initiatives that give back to Bedford communities
Have Your Say:
The planning documents are now open to public consultation. This is your chance to help shape the future of Bedford.
📍 Visit gov.uk/universal-resort-bedford to view full proposals and submit feedback.
For updates and community insight, visit our Universal Studios Hub.
