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Universal has submitted a formal planning application for its proposed theme park resort in Bedford, UK
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 01 Jul 2025
If approved, the theme park could become “one of the largest and most technologically advanced” in Europe Credit: Universal Destinations & Experiences
Universal has submitted a formal planning application to the UK government for its proposed theme park resort in Bedfordshire, the theme park giant has revealed.
The request outlines an “entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses,” with planning permission sought “by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO), a Universal spokesperson told the BBC .
The SDO, including statements on planning, design and access, and the environment, was submitted directly to the UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), with backing from the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
This means that the MHCLG will act as the planning authority as it seeks input and representation from various bodies.
Plans for the resort include a theme park, a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex CREDIT: UNIVERSAL
According to the SDO, the development will have a “transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy,” with an economic impact analysis, commissioned by Universal Destinations & Experiences, projecting that the resort could contribute nearly £50bn (US$64bn, €58bn) to the UK economy in its first 20 years.
If approved, construction on the resort could begin as early as next year, with the theme park project expected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs during construction and around 8,000 permanent positions once operational.
“At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes,” Universal said.
In June, the company issued a call for UK businesses to register their interest in becoming suppliers for the project, with Universal emphasising its plans to involve regional businesses in the park’s delivery.
The theme park will be located on the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire CREDIT: UNIVERSAL
The news comes after it was revealed that the UK government has provided almost £500m (US$687m, €586m) in financial backing for infrastructure upgrades to support the development.
The support package includes an estimated £270m (US$371m, €316m) for rail network upgrades, while approximately £200m (US$275m, €234m) has been earmarked for road works, the Financial Times reported.
“The project will also help deliver several long sought after transportation upgrades including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements,” Universal said.
Plans for the theme park were first announced in late 2023, after Universal Destinations & Experiences acquired a 476-acre parcel of land in Kempston Hardwick in Bedfordshire, UK.
In April this year, the theme park giant signed a landmark agreement in principle with the UK government for the development, which, if approved, could become “one of the largest and most technologically advanced” theme parks in Europe.
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