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…

Tourism minister, Stephanie Peacock MP visiting the Universal United Kingdom Resort site with the chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Image: Kirsty O'Connor/Treasury

Opinion: “Local people sit at the heart of the Universal United Kingdom Resort development”

This is a hugely exciting time for Bedfordshire. Today the government has secured a transformational investment of over £5 billion from Comcast NBCUniversal to build a theme park...
Read more
An artist's impression of the Universal UK Resort with the new logo

Universal United Kingdom Resort confirmed to open in 2031, promising £50bn boost to economy

Upgraded road and rail links, 28,000 jobs and an enormous boost to the UK economy are all on the table today (Wednesday), as the government and Comcast NBCUniversal commit...
Read more
Bedford Town Centre from above

Mayor tight-lipped as Bedfordshire takes centre stage in government’s Ox-Cam growth corridor plans

Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire are being promoted to international investors as part of the government’s vision for an Oxford-Cambridge “growth corridor”. The updated official...
Read more
Approximate site boundary for proposed 61 new homes off Hall End Road, Wootton Image Google My Maps Map Data (C)2026 Imagery (C)2026 Airbus, Maxar via LDRS

Developer with 66-home plan says Wootton neighbourhood plan ‘overtaken by events’

A developer behind plans for up to 66 homes in Wootton claims the village’s neighbourhood plan has been “overtaken by events”, citing housing pressures and Universal Studios...
Read more
BedX at King's House, Bedford on 28 April. (l-r) Gidon Freeman, vice-president external affairs Universal Destinations & Experiences; Nick Platt, managing director, Luton Rising; Ashley Shorey-Mills, supply chain engagement director, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce; Kirsty Maynard, commercial director, THSP; Patrick Lyons, inward investment lead, Bedford Borough Council; Gina Bubbins, director of business partnerships, The Bedford College Group. Image: Duncan Jack Photography and Michael Thorn Photography.

BedX launches to help Bedfordshire businesses tap into Universal and Luton Airport growth

BedX has launched in Bedford to help local businesses access opportunities linked to Universal Studios and London Luton Airport investment. More than 400 businesses gathered at King’s House...
Read more
The Beefeater logo sign outside one of their restaurants in the UK

Jobs at risk as Whitbread plans to close Bedford Beefeater and Kempston Brewers Fayre

Whitbread plans to close all Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants, raising questions about the future of sites in Bedford and Kempston. Whitbread has not yet confirmed what will...
Read more
Universal and EWR montage Image Universal Destinations and Experiences and EWR

Traffic fears as impact of Universal and East West Rail on Marston Vale not fully analysed

The impact of two key strategic projects in Central Bedfordshire on a nearby mixed development project in the Marston Vale has yet to be fully analysed, local Conservative...
Read more
Artist's impression of the west entrance to Bedford Station.

East West Rail route won’t change as Bedford consultation focuses on traffic and station plans

East West Rail route through Bedford is confirmed, with residents urged to shape traffic, station plans and local impact including Universal, now under consultation as the project moves forward...
Read more
The Bedford River Festival Main Stage in Russell Park. Image: Pad Presents

Why Bedford is brilliant: Local voices on why our Borough deserves national recognition

Local voices from business, culture and community groups explain why Bedford deserves its place on The Sunday Times list of the best places to live in the East of England...
Read more
Close-up of a drone remote controller held in hands by the pilot. Image: Schager/Bedford Independent

Universal Studios UK drone notice is a warning, not a no-fly zone

Universal’s cease and desist notice to drone operators near its Bedford site has sparked debate, with aviation rules showing it does not create a formal no-fly zone.
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)