Planning consultation opens for Bedford Borough’s Universal Studios theme park

The public consultation on plans for the proposed Universal Studios theme park and resort in Bedford Borough is now open, providing residents and stakeholders with the opportunity to share their views.

The consultation, which runs until 12pm on 31 August 2025, seeks comments on proposals for a major entertainment resort complex and associated development at the former brickworks and adjoining land in Kempston Hardwick.

According to the plans, the first phase of the park would accommodate up to 8.5 million visitors a year and 55,000 visitors on peak days.

The theme park itself would cover 32.37 hectares (excluding guest parking), designed to deliver “highly immersive storytelling and theming with an international draw” and “a first-class guest experience”.

Read: Universal’s Bedford theme park moves closer as planning request goes to government

Infrastructure plans

Alongside the theme park, the proposals include dining and entertainment venues for both ticketed and non-ticketed visitors, as well as at least 500 hotel rooms on-site.

The plans also outline significant infrastructure upgrades to support the development, including a new A421 junction and a dual-carriageway access road, as well as an expanded Wixams railway station.

To access the consultation and also read full details of the environmental Statement, drawings and other planning documents head to gov.uk.

For any enquiries about the consultation, residents can also email [email protected].

The consultation closes at midday on 31 August 2025.

Originally by John Guinn
rewritten by Paul Hutchinson