Universal UK park secures planning permission
The Universal Studios theme park project in Bedfordshire has got the initial green light with planning permission granted.
Universal sought a Special Development Order (SDO) through the government for the project rather than going through the local planning permission process.
Universal is targeting a 2031 opening and expects it will attract up to eight million visitors a year.
The site is being built on a former brickworks.
There would be parking for 7,000 cars, along with supporting infrastructure development for public transport including a new rail station.
The BBC reports James Bond, Paddington and The Lord of the Rings-themed attractions and areas will be featured.
Universal hasn’t confirmed any details about rides and attractions yet.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures, Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “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.”
The planning permission green light is ‘subject to conditions and limitations’ the government said.
“The confirmation of planning permission is transformational and will be felt for decades to come,” said Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston.
The local council says the theme park could potentially generate £50 billion of economic benefit to the economy.
Related News Stories: Universal UK theme park project confirmed Universal theme park deal backed by half a billion in transport ... Universal files UK trademark application Wales holiday park operator in administration Cruise.co.uk expands 'Florida Thrill & Caribbean Chill' programme ... British man the sole survivor of Air India crash TravelMole Asia Pacific combines the best of Asia and Australia ... Halloween in Orlando Visit Orlando - TravelMole Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico to feature record-breaking ...
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
Qatar Airways offers reduced timetable to over 60 destinations
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Marginal increase for New York City tourism in 2025
Hands In, UATP join forces for airline multi-card payments