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10 September 2026
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Universal United Kingdom Resort

The latest news on Universal Studios UK, Universal United Kingdom Resort, in Bedford. Updates on the proposed Universal Studios theme park,  including plans, reaction, and local coverage…

On 19 August 2026, tourism minister, Stephanie Peacock attend a roundtable with local authorities, MPs and stakeholders to discuss the opportunities arising from Universal's planned theme park and resort in Bedford. Image: DCMS

Bedford hosts cross-party summit to discuss Universal UK resort growth

Ministers, MPs, and leaders from eight councils gathered at The Swan Hotel in Bedford to coordinate plans, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades for the landmark Universal UK theme park proposal...
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Universal Globe at theme park. Image: Universal Destinations & Experiences

Mohammad Yasin MP joins regional leaders for Universal roundtable 

Mohammad Yasin (Labour) MP for Bedford and Kempston, joined DCMS Minister Stephanie Peacock MP and local authority leaders from across the region in Bedford for a…
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A stone circular well, inside a deeper hole, cordoned off by orange netting, shows where archeologists have found a well, believed to be from the 1870s, uncovered at the construction site for Universal United Kingdom Resort Image Project Universal

Archaeologists uncover 150-year-old well at Universal United Kingdom Resort site

Drone footage of archaeological digs at the Universal United Kingdom Resort site in Bedford Borough has revealed a 24-metre well dating back to 1873, uncovering a piece of local Victorian history...
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Close up view of J13 M1 highway (A421 Bedford MK) signs against cloudy sky in England Image Pajor Pawel Shutterstock

Petition calls for M1 Junction 13 upgrades ahead of Universal Studios opening

A new petition demands urgent government funding to upgrade M1 Junction 13, warning local drivers face total gridlock when Universal Studios opens in 2031 alongside major housing...
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Scaffolding erected around houses in a new housing development Image: Irene Miller/Shutterstock

Bedford Borough faces growth pressure as neighbouring council reviews housing sites

Central Bedfordshire Council is reviewing 452 potential development sites alongside major infrastructure projects, as neighbouring Bedford Borough prepares for...
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Bedford Town Centre from above

How people in Bedford spend their evenings with Europe’s biggest theme park underway

Construction on the Universal theme park at Kempston Hardwick started on 12 January 2026. Three miles south of Bedford town centre, on 476 acres of former brickworks land...
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Blake Stephenson. Image: LDRS

Reflecting on two years as your Mid-Bedfordshire MP 

Mid Bedfordshire had been let down by politicians for too many years, and that’s why in 2024 I decided to put my name forward to represent the place I live in Parliament. And in July 2024...
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Decibel measurement. Gauge with green needle pointing 105 dB, concept of noise level Image Olivier Le Moal Shutterstock

Acoustic experts warn of complex transport noise challenges from planned Universal resort

The planned £5 billion Universal Studios resort in Bedford will bring environmental noise challenges to the area. Experts warn future transport and housing plans require careful acoustic design...
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The Pilgrims Progress pub on Midland Road in Bedford Town Centre. Image J D Wetherspoon

Wetherspoon expands to Kempston ahead of Universal Studios arrival

JD Wetherspoon has confirmed the purchase of the former Brewers Fayre site in Kempston, with plans to redevelop the building into Bedford Borough’s second Wetherspoon pub by September...
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Bedford Town Centre from above

Councillors fear tourism tax could drive Universal visitors away

A ‘tourism tax’ targeting overnight visitors to the Universal theme park and resort near Bedford would be “the absolute last thing” the borough council needs to impose, a meeting heard...
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