Universal Destinations & Experiences has set its sights on a massive new venture just a stone’s throw away from London. The entertainment giant is currently in the early stages of exploring plans for a potential new theme park and resort on a sprawling 476-acre site located south of Bedford, less than two hours away from the bustling city.
Excitement has been building around this ambitious project, with Universal recently acquiring the expansive site and initiating feasibility studies while engaging with both local and national stakeholders. While details regarding the specific attractions and experiences that could be part of the development are still under wraps, the company’s spokesperson has emphasized that the possibilities are endless.
A spokesperson for Universal stated on their website, “We recognize the tremendous excitement our theme parks and destinations bring; however, it is too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences.” This sentiment underscores the careful and deliberate approach Universal is taking as they navigate this new venture.
In an effort to keep the community informed and involved, Universal held public exhibition events in April to share their proposal with residents, businesses, and the wider community. Information about the project has also been made available on Universal’s website, allowing locals to review the plans and provide valuable feedback during the public engagement period that ended on May 3, 2024.
If the project comes to fruition, it has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to Bedfordshire and the wider UK economy. Job creation, increased footfall for local businesses, and substantial investment in infrastructure are just a few of the positive outcomes that could result from the development of this world-class theme park and resort.
This undertaking would not only mark Universal’s first branded theme park and resort in the UK but also their inaugural presence in Europe. Bedford would have the distinction of hosting one of the select few world-class theme parks and resorts, elevating the region’s profile as a premier destination for entertainment and leisure.
The site earmarked for the project is strategically located to the south of Bedford town center, near Kempston Hardwick, and situated between the picturesque villages of Wixams, Stewartby, and Wootton. It encompasses the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site and adjacent fields to the south, all of which fall outside the Green Belt designation, as confirmed by Universal.
The scale of the project is substantial, spanning approximately 700 acres in total. This includes the 476 acres acquired last year, as well as a smaller parcel of land to the southwest, which Universal has the option to acquire, as detailed in their information pack on the website.
Should the theme park and resort become a reality, it is estimated that the operational phase could generate around 8,000 new jobs, with that number projected to rise to 10,000 by the twentieth year of operation. In addition to the onsite workforce, thousands of jobs would be created through construction activities, with a peak onsite workforce of 5,000 expected during the development phase.
Universal is also committed to collaborating with local institutions and businesses to foster economic growth, boost tourism in the UK, and spearhead significant infrastructure enhancements. This could potentially include upgrades to rail and road networks in the surrounding area, further underscoring Universal’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
With the potential for a world-class theme park and resort on the horizon, the landscape of entertainment and leisure in Bedfordshire is poised for a transformative shift. As Universal continues to explore and refine their plans for this monumental project, the future looks bright for both the local community and the wider UK economy.
