The person overseeing the project to build a Universal Studios theme park in Bedford has written directly to Bedfordians to thank them for their support and to confirm that planning permission for its proposed entertainment resort complex has been granted by the government.
In a letter to local people, Page Thompson, President of New Ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said approval of a Special Development Order (SDO) by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government marked “another important milestone” in the project.
The SDO gives planning consent in principle for an Entertainment Resort Complex at Kempston Hardwick, including one or more theme parks, hotels, retail and dining, sports and conference facilities and major transport upgrades.
The order has been laid before Parliament and is due to come into force on Monday, 12 January 2026.
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Letter to Bedfordians
In his message, Mr Thompson said he wanted to “share an important update” on plans to bring a world-class theme park to Bedford and thanked both national and local partners for their involvement so far.
“While there are still further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone for the project,” he wrote.
“On behalf of the company, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the continued engagement from Bedford and the various communities surrounding our site, as well as the many other national and local stakeholders who have provided feedback and expressed such enthusiasm on the transformative nature of our project.”
Universal says the Bedford resort will be its first branded theme park and resort in the United Kingdom and Europe, with the company describing the scheme as a “major boost” to the tourism and creative industries.
Jobs and upgrades
The project is forecast to deliver around £50 billion of direct and indirect economic benefit over its lifetime and to create around 20,000 jobs during the construction phase, followed by around 8,000 permanent roles once the resort is open.
Local partners expect around 80 per cent of those jobs to go to workers living in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The SDO also allows for significant transport upgrades, including new slip roads from the A421, an expanded station at Wixams on the Thameslink and Midland Main Line, and improvements to Manor Road and other local routes serving Kempston Hardwick.
Mr Thompson said Universal would use the coming months to set out more details on what the project will mean for local workers and businesses.
Commitment to Bedford’s economy
“In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect, including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us,” he said.
“The interest and support we’ve already seen from both local companies and residents has been incredibly encouraging.”
Universal is expected to become one of the region’s largest employers once the resort opens, with Bedford Borough Council describing the development as a “key driver” for the local economy and a long-term catalyst for tourism, hospitality and creative industries across the wider area.
Read: Eight pages (89 articles) of Universal Studios UK coverage from the Bedford Independent… so far
Although the SDO grants planning permission in principle, detailed designs, phasing and delivery plans will still need to come forward over time.
Bedford Borough Council has said it will continue working with Universal and ministers to make sure local people understand what is proposed and how they can have their say.
