Last year, Universal confirmed the purchase of an approximately 476-acre (192-hectare) parcel of land south of Bedford with the goal of exploring a potential new park and resort experience at this site. They have spent the last several months undertaking feasibility and due diligence work and discussing the project with local and national stakeholders. It will still be some time before any decisions are made on whether or not to proceed with the project.
One route for securing the necessary planning approvals to move ahead with our investment is through planning permission granted directly by Government, via a special development order (SDO), where appropriate following consideration by a Secretary of State. The decision to determine whether this route is appropriate is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has agreed to act as the sponsor for the project within Government.
The Government has indicated that the consideration of any proposal will be subject to administrative arrangements to ensure functional separation between DCMS as sponsor Department and the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as planning decision-maker. It is anticipated that public consultation by DLUHC will be carried out prior to any planning decisions, should Universal decide to take the project forward.
In the House of Commons during an exchange with culture, media and sport secretary, Lucy Frazer, the North East Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller said:
“The secretary of state will be aware of the proposal by Universal Studios for a theme park in Bedfordshire – a £10 billion investment in the country. She will also be aware of the strong local support, led by Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton, so can she assure me and other Bedfordshire MPs that she is working hard with the Treasury to get a response to that proposal, and that a Government proposal will be forthcoming before the summer?”
Ms Frazer said:
"My honourable friend is right to raise this very exciting opportunity for Bedfordshire, which I am pleased to have discussed with him. We are liaising closely with the Treasury, and I am also happy to continue liaising with my honourable friend.”
The site in Bedford is in an ideal location with convenient, fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport. In addition, the site and Bedford are well-connected for travel from all parts of the UK and Europe. The site has been identified by Bedford Borough Council for development for some time and it has the size and flat topography that is important for a large-scale theme park resort.
Universal Destinations & Experiences has five branded theme parks and resorts across the globe, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Singapore. Each of these world-class resorts feature thrilling, immersive attractions, exceptional hotel and resort options, unique merchandise and culinary experiences as well as live and virtual entertainment.
