Universal Studios UK Given The Planning Green Light

In a massive development for UK theme park fans, the UK government has officially granted planning permission for the country's first-ever Universal Studios theme park, currently being called Universal Studios Great Britain by fans.

While lots of UK theme park fans spend time planning trips across the Atlantic to Orlando or over the channel to Paris, soon we might only need a train ticket to Bedfordshire to experience world-class thrills. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued a Special Development Order (SDO), effectively bypassing standard local planning delays and giving the project the go-ahead. This will allow for work to begin from

Here is everything we know so far about the project that is set to change the UK theme park landscape forever.

What The Green Lit Plans Reveal

The new resort will be built on a former brickworks site in Kempston Hardwick, just south of Bedford. Universal Destinations & Experiences has stated the project could open its gates by 2031.

The scale of the project isn’t huge, but what they look to achieve in the space is staggering. Planning documents reveal.

The tallest ride could be coming to the UK

Proposals submitted in July include structures reaching up to 377ft (115m). If that is for a coaster it would dwarf Hyperion which is the UK’s current tallest coaster standing at 72m. The tallest ride in Europe is currently Red Force at 112m. It looks like Universal Studios Great Britain could be raising the bar on coaster experiences but it is important to note this is speculation based upon the planning application. The Universal website clearly states, that currently:

Visitor numbers

The park expects to attract over 8.5 million visitors in year one, with up to 55,000 guests on peak days.

The skyline

While massive coasters are planned, most buildings will sit between 20m and 30m, creating a visually interesting skyline without overwhelming the area.

Rumoured lands

This is not confirmed in the plans, but rumours are swirling about the theming for the lands within the theme park. Most people are suggesting:

• James Bond

• Lord of the Rings

• Paddington Bear

These are quintessentially UK IPs, that even for International visitors, would conjure up thoughts of the UK and London. And of course, Bedford is only … from London.

If these lands do appear they would have a massive draw, offering immersive worlds that could rival Pandora or Galaxy's Edge. And they would be right on our doorstep.

Transport and Infrastructure Upgrades

Universal and the government have confirmed significant infrastructure upgrades to the local area, some of the work has already begun.

Rail improvements will include a new station. This will be built to serve the park in Stewartby, and the already planned Wixams station is being expanded to accommodate the expected crowds.

National Highways confirmed a new link road and direct slip roads off the A421 have been granted planning. Parking spaces for over 7,000 cars, plus coach, and bicycle facilities will also be included.

Economic Boost for Bedford

The project is being hailed as "transformative" by local MPs and the council.

Universal is poised to create 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles once the theme park is operational. It is expected that 80% of these jobs will go to local workers.

The park is also estimated to bring £50bn of economic benefit to the UK economy.

Page Thompson, President of New Ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said:

"I want to express my sincere appreciation for the continued engagement from Bedford and the various communities surrounding our site... This decision represents another important milestone for the project."

Local Impact and Concerns

While the excitement is high, the development is not without controversy. The BBC are reporting that some residents in Manor Road, Kempston Hardwick, face the demolition of their homes to make way for the resort.

However, political support for the project remains strong and this latest key milestone for the project is being met with delight. Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, Laura Church said:

Tom Wooton, the Mayor of Bedford, said: “It’s one of the proudest moments of my political life.” Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford, called it a "landmark moment," and Blake Stephenson, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said he would work to ensure the community "reaps the rewards" of the development.

What Happens Next?

Although the SDO has been granted, there is still a statutory parliamentary review period to complete. Universal will now move forward with detailed designs and site preparation. On the website it says:

Magic In A Minute

For those of us who love the magic of Orlando, the prospect of a world-class Universal park just a drive away is incredibly exciting. It might not be Disney World, but having a Universal park with European record-breaking coasters in the UK is certainly the next best thing.