Leaders from eight local authorities, government ministers, and local MPs gathered in Bedford to coordinate a unified approach to the proposed Universal UK resort.
Tourism minister Stephanie Peacock chaired the roundtable at The Swan Hotel, bringing together representatives from Universal Destinations and Experiences alongside regional council leaders.
Regional cooperation
Expected to create 28,000 jobs and generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy, the development represents a major opportunity for Bedfordshire, the East of England and the wider UK economy.
Read: Universal United Kingdom Resort confirmed to open in 2031, promising £50bn boost to economy
Blake Stephenson, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, emphasised that political unity and early engagement are essential to managing the development in his constituency.
“Universal UK can be a game-changer for Bedfordshire. I’ve said that from the very beginning, and I remain hugely excited about the opportunities it can bring to our area,” he said.
“Thousands of jobs, new investment and a huge boost to the local economy could be transformational for Mid Bedfordshire and the wider region.
“But alongside those opportunities come some very real challenges, and we cannot afford to ignore them.”
Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin (Labour) described the meeting as a constructive step forward for local democracy.
Mohammad Yasin said: “There is a real sense of excitement about what this investment could mean for Bedfordshire and the wider region.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create jobs, develop skills and creative industries, attract further investment and strengthen our economy.”
Economic opportunities
Read: The eyes of the world are now on Bedford as Universal United Kingdom Resort moves forward
Set to become the UK’s most popular tourist attraction, the Universal United Kingdom Resort will bolster Bedfordshire’s existing visitor offering.
The area boasts a range of attractions including Wrest Park, the 18th-century mansion set in 90 acres of gardens, and Whipsnade Zoo – the largest zoo in the UK.
To capture these economic benefits, government partners established a Socio-Economic Taskforce alongside themed working groups covering creative industries, culture, heritage, and the visitor economy.
Tourism minister Stephanie Peacock said: “For the people of Bedford, the Universal United Kingdom Resort is more than just the thrill of a new theme park on their doorstep; it’s about the jobs, investment and opportunities it’ll create.”
She added that the government is committed to supporting local communities ahead of the projected 2031 opening date.
Infrastructure challenges
Despite economic optimism, Stephenson warned that major development must be matched by immediate investment in local transport and public services.
Read: Petition calls for M1 Junction 13 upgrades ahead of Universal Studios opening
Stephenson said: “Universal UK is not happening in isolation. Here in Mid Bedfordshire, we are already facing significant development and change in the years ahead.
“East West Rail is progressing, thousands of new homes are being built, and we are seeing proposals for major new developments, including a data centre.
“That is why I have been calling on the Government to look at the bigger picture rather than considering each development separately.
“We need a proper, joined-up infrastructure strategy that recognises the cumulative impact of all this growth.”
The Mid Bedfordshire MP confirmed he pressed ministers during the meeting on specific local priorities, including upgrades to Junction 13 of the M1 and preventing traffic congestion on village roads.
He added, “We need to make sure the benefits are felt across Bedfordshire, while ensuring our roads, railways, public services and communities are equipped to handle the growth.
“This was a really promising start, but there’s much more to be done, and I’ll continue pushing the Government to take that long-term, joined-up approach.”
Attendees at the roundtable were council leaders and CEOs from Bedford Borough Council, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Central Bedfordshire Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Luton Borough Council, Milton Keynes City Council, North Northamptonshire Council, and West Northamptonshire Council.
The MPs for Bedford and Mid Bedfordshire also attended, as did Gidon Freeman, vice-president of external affairs at Universal Destinations & Experiences.
