Sign up for daily news
9 November 2026
Facebook-f Threads Instagram Linkedin Youtube
Search

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…

Mayor Tom Wootton holds up a cut out of the UK, showing Bedford as the the location of the proposed new Universal Studios Theme Park. Image: Bedford Independent

Bedford Borough Council to formally support Universal Plans but concerns are raised

Bedford Borough councillors are set to formally support plans for Universal Studios, but concerns have been raised over traffic, housing demand, and noise, and they say financial support...
Read more
Comcast president Michael J. Cavanagh speaking at Kimberley College about Universal Studios UK. Image: Bedford Independent

Parent’s concern over child safety and Universal Studios

A parent in Stewartby fears their children’s safety could be put at risk if a huge Universal Studios theme park is built nearby, warning that large numbers of strangers in the area could...
Read more
Cllr Henry Vann on the North Beds Liberal Democrat 2025 Village Tour. Image: Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats

Monthly column: Bedford can’t be back of the queue

Universal runs internationally renowned theme parks, and we welcome Universal’s intention to come to Bedford Borough. While visitors will be happy to queue for rides, when it comes...
Read more
Site of the new Wixams station. Currently a sea on mud with diggers working in the foreground and a rail line running across the background. Image: Bedford Independent

Mayor presses pause on Wixams station to make way for Universal upgrade

Bedford’s mayor has agreed to formally terminate the borough council’s agreement with Network Rail to build a new two-platform station at Wixams, clearing the way for a larger station...
Read more
Six members of Stewartby parish council sit behind a desk

Stewartby residents hold Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss Universal concerns

Stewartby residents say they are being sidelined in one of the UK’s most ambitious development projects – the proposed Universal Studios theme park. At an extraordinary meeting...
Read more
A Eurostar train at St Pancras Station Image Sergii Figurnyi Shutterstock

Bedford Ian writes…

25 July 2025: Eurofarce, F.O. Nope, PR 101, Mean girls and Break time. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
Read more
Universal Theme Park happy family with globe. Image: Universal Destinations and Experiences

Impact of Universal Studios UK construction on traffic sparks concerns at parish meeting

Locals in Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick have expressed concerns about the impact of traffic, both during the construction of Universal Studios UK and once it becomes operational...
Read more
Universal Theme Park happy family with globe. Image: Universal Destinations and Experiences

FOI uncovers Central Beds’ behind-the-scenes talks with Universal Studios

Central Bedfordshire Council held informal but high-level talks with Universal Studios, pitching them as 'partners' for the potential project, just days after news of plans for the...
Read more
Local Plan 2040 cover Image Bedford Borough Council

Fears of “speculative development” as Local Plan 2040 is withdrawn

Bedford borough councillors will be asked to withdraw Local Plan 2040 after the planning inspector warned it could not be found sound without major changes. Members heard...
Read more
Universal Globe at theme park. Image: Universal Destinations & Experiences

Universal and East West Rail clash over perceived “significant technical flaws”

Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) said it raised objections to the latest East West Rail (EWR Co) proposals, warning there are a "number of significant technical flaws" with the submission...
Read more

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.

I've already subscribed (dont show again)