As Bedfordshire celebrates confirmation that Universal Studios will build its first European theme park in Bedford Borough, both the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Fire Officer have welcomed the news, but emphasised the need for emergency services to evolve alongside the county’s rapid growth.
The multi-billion-pound Universal Studios theme park, announced earlier this week, is expected to open in 2031 and bring an estimated £50bn boost to the economy. It will also create 28,000 jobs across construction, hospitality, tourism, and the creative industries.
Police must be part of the plan
Read: Prime Minister and Universal Studios executives visit Bedford to mark historic theme park deal
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Tizard praised the hard work behind the scenes that helped bring the landmark investment to Bedfordshire and said the development must be supported by investment in emergency service infrastructure.
“This is a historic day for the county, and a great example of leadership of place,” he said. “I would like to share my huge congratulations to Bedford Borough Council and our local MPs who have worked so hard to secure this investment.
“The new theme park will be a huge economic boost to the county. I will be working hard to ensure the police service is actively involved in developing and planning for the new theme park, and making sure the police service is engaged with Bedford Borough Council.
“This will include making the case for Section 106 funding for investing in police infrastructure.”
“Changing risk profile”
Bedfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Andy Hopkinson echoed those sentiments, describing the government’s backing for the theme park as “fantastic news for the county”.
“We know Bedfordshire is a dynamic county with so much to give, and today’s government backing shows just how much opportunity and excitement is to come,” he said.
“Bedfordshire is changing rapidly – we’re one of the fastest growing counties in the country – and as a fire service, we have to keep pace with the changing risk profile.
“That’s why this financial year (2025/6) we’re refreshing our community risk analysis, to help us understand what our growing communities need and want from us.”
CFO Hopkinson confirmed the fire service had already contributed to the Universal Studios consultation process.
“As a fire service, we have been involved in the consultation and shared indicative proposals with Universal and Bedford Borough as part of that process, looking at what the impact of the construction and the development of the theme park would mean for our prevention, protection and response activities.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to be part of Team Bedfordshire on that journey.”
The Universal Studios UK resort will be built on the site of the former Stewartby brickworks. While the government has backed the plans, the attraction is still subject to approval by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
