Universal theme park, Bedford

Universal Destinations & Experiences’ request for planning permission for an entertainment resort complex and associated development at the former Brickworks and adjoining land, Kempston Hardwick, Bedford

The consultation on the planning application, along with the plans, drawings, environmental statement, and other associated documents for Universal Studios is now underway – now is the time for you to have your say on the proposals.

The proposals, include an entertainment resort complex with several themed lands, rides, attractions and entertainment, as well as a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. The application indicates it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and create thousands of new, high-quality jobs – up to 20,000 jobs during construction and 8,000 new jobs once the park is open.

We encourage everyone who has an interest in the Universal studio proposals, including residents, community groups and town and parish councils, to take a look and provide their comments to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to consider in their determination of the application.

We have put together some key information to help you do this.

How long is the consultation open for?

The consultation is open from midday Thursday 3 July until midday Sunday 31 August 2025.

Where can you view the planning application online?

The consultation is being hosted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

Find out more about the application (GOV.UK).

Can you see a paper copy of the application?

Yes, whilst we're not responsible for running the consultation, a printed copy of the planning application is available to view at our offices:

Priory House
Monks Walk
Chicksands
Shefford
Bedfordshire
SG17 5TQ

We're operating a booking system – to book an appointment to view the documents in Priory House, please email: localplan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk (with "Universal Studios" in the subject line).

A printed copy is also available to view at the Bedford Borough Hub, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9am and 5pm (from 10am on Wednesdays).

Bedford Borough Hub
2 Horne Lane
Bedford
MK40 1RA

Bedford Borough Council is operating a booking system – to book an appointment to view the documents in Bedford, please email: universalgbproject@bedford.gov.uk.

How to respond to the consultation

Responses must be sent directly to MHCLG. We cannot accept responses on their behalf and cannot forward on any responses.

You can submit your response via the GOV.UK website or you can send your response by email to mhclg@mottmac.com.

You can also send written comments to MHCLG at the following address:

MHCLG c/o Mott MacDonald
4th Floor
Mountbatten House
Grosvenor Square
Southampton
SO15 2JU

Any representations submitted after the consultation ends at midday on 31 August 2025 may not be taken into account.

Representations made in connection with the proposal may be made public. We advise you not to include any personal information about yourself or others.

The MHCLG privacy notice sets out how they handle personal data in accordance with the law.

A transformational opportunity for our area

Universal has identified land near Kempston Hardwick as a potential site for a new Universal Studios destination. This opportunity could bring thousands of jobs, significant infrastructure investment, and long-term economic growth to our area.

This is a major proposal that will understandably bring both excitement and questions for residents.

The application itself will be submitted to the government, and it will conduct a public consultation on the proposals, where residents will have a chance to have their say. We'll be making comments on the application when it is received.

Watch: Q&A with the Leader of the Council and Universal’s Head of External Affairs

Recently Leader of the Council, Adam Zerny met with Jonathan McReynolds, Head of External Affairs, Destinations & Experiences, to have a chat about what the proposed theme park could mean for Central Bedfordshire.

In this video, they discuss:

what the potential benefits are and what it brings to Bedfordshire
what people can expect to see on site when it opens in 2031
what will be the impact to surrounding areas in terms of infrastructure
what steps are being taken to understand and address local concerns
how residents can have their say and get involved

Please note: This is an early-stage conversation. No final decisions have been made, and there will be full public consultation as the project develops.