Bedford Borough Council and Universal Destinations & Experiences have sought to reassure local people that the resort will deliver the full benefits to the Borough that it is expected to bring.
It follows concerns raised in a government Best Value Inspection (BVI) report about the local authority’s ability to manage the multi-billion-pound development.
Inspectors wrote in their report, ‘We have not seen evidence that the Council is well-placed to offer strategic leadership to ensure the Universal project is delivered with maximum benefit and mitigated disruption for residents..
Cllr Lee Melville, chair of Stewartby & Kempston Hardwick Parish Council, said the report reflected his own experience.
“It is extremely concerning to read the findings of the BVI report,” he said.
“It can take an eternity to resolve issues; a local road development issue in the Village is still unsolved after some 2.5 years, and no matter how high you go in the organisation, nothing changes, despite verbal promises.
“I have witnessed obscene waste of valuable funds being mismanaged, and I have sat in meetings where you feel a culture of smoke and mirrors.
“Sadly, I am very sure there are many good people in the council, but they are only as good as those at the top.
“The Parish Council and I will continue to do what we can for our community at this critical time of change, but it will continue to be challenging with the current regime.”
Ongoing commitment
Despite this, both partners have stressed their ongoing commitment to bringing transformational benefits to Bedford.
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When asked by the Bedford Independent if they had concerns over the inspectors’ report, a spokesperson for Universal Destinations & Experiences praised the local authority.
They said: “The Government and Bedford Borough Council have been incredibly supportive of the project throughout feasibility and planning.”
The theme park giant confirmed it continues to work closely with national and local government to ensure the resort’s successful delivery.
Driving local opportunities
Bedford Borough Council has also outlined what it says are “concrete steps” taken to secure a positive legacy for generations to come from the Universal Studios United Kingdom Resort.
A council spokesperson acknowledged the significance of the critical inspection report but insisted that investor confidence should not be impacted by the potential arrival of government commissioners.
The spokesperson said: “It was the work of Council officers, and our strategic leadership, which brought the multi-billion-pound Universal investment not just to Bedford Borough but to the UK.”
Read: Bedford hosts cross-party summit to discuss Universal UK resort growth
To ensure local business owners and Bedfordians benefit, the council has established a Strategic Sites and Investment team to work proactively with investors.
It has also set up a dedicated Universal Overview and Scrutiny Committee and strengthened an internal officer governance board led by the chief executive.
Regional collaboration
While Universal and the government lead the planning process, the local authority is focusing on managing regional impacts like transport and the economy.
The government is already developing A421 slip roads and Wixams station to support the wider infrastructure.
The council recently worked with Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce on a BedX event, allowing over 500 local businesses to speak directly with Universal buyers.
Read: BedX launches to help Bedfordshire businesses tap into Universal and Luton Airport growth
They are also supporting Bedford College Group to develop its catering and hospitality courses. The council also said that the mayor and senior officers continue to meet regularly with the Universal team.
Recent regional collaboration includes supporting a Local Visitor Partnership for Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, and hosting the tourism minister for a summit with regional leaders.
A council spokesperson added, “Universal is a long-term investment in Bedford Borough, and the Council will continue to work to secure the benefits for the Borough, our residents, and local businesses.”
