Planning permission has been granted for Britain’s first ever Universal Studios theme park to be built.
The amusement park is set to open in Bedfordshire by 2031 and is expected to attract more than eight million visitors a year.
Bedford Borough Council said the park would provide £50bn of “economic benefit to the economy”.
Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, confirmed that the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government granted permission for the major entertainment complex.
The project secured approval through a special development order, a mechanism enabling central government to authorise developments directly rather than following conventional local planning processes.
Mr Yasin described the decision as a “landmark moment for Bedford and the wider region.”
He said: “The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come.”
The resort will occupy a former brickworks site, selected due to its excellent transport connections including nearby rail services and proximity to London Luton Airport.
Planning documents published in July revealed proposals for structures reaching 377ft
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UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES/COMCAST
The site was originally set to be developed into 1,000 new homes after last of its 167 chimneys were demolished in 2021.
Planning documents published in July revealed proposals for structures reaching 377ft, which would make them the tallest rides anywhere in Europe.
Adam Zerny, Independent leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, welcomed the announcement, stating it would bring “significant benefits to our area, creating new jobs and increasing income for many local businesses.”
The development represents a major boost for the region’s employment prospects and is expected to generate substantial revenue for surrounding enterprises.
Once built, Universal Studios Bedford will be the studios’ sixth park alongside resorts in the US, Beijing, Japan and Singapore.
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