The Ministry of Housing has granted Universal Destinations and Experiences a Special Development Order for its Bedford theme park, with construction of the “transformative” project expected to enter its first phase next year.
Universal Destinations and Experiences has been granted a Special Development Order to build its 500 acre theme park in Kempston Hardwick, outside Bedford, with the first phase of construction expected to begin next year.
The SDO, which allows the government to bypass local planning procedures to approve development directly, was officially rubber-stamped by the secretary of state for Housing, Communities and Local Government this week.
“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 who have provided feedback and expressed such enthusiasm,” said Page Thompson, Universal’s president of new ventures.
“[Universal is] poised to become one of the region’s largest employers, creating 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent positions once operational, with approximately 80 percent of all jobs going to local workers. The project will help deliver key transportation upgrades, including an expanded Wixams railway station and new direct slip roads from the A421.”
MP for Bedford and Kempston, Mohammad Yasin, welcomed the SDO decision as “a landmark moment for Bedford and the wider region.”
“The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations and Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come.”
Bedford Borough Council predicted the park would provide £50bn of “economic benefit to the economy,” with eight million visitors expected to visit the park every year.
East West Rail Company confirmed last month that a new railway station at Stewartby will be built to serve the attraction, while National Highways has agreed to construct a new link road to the park from the A421.
Universal support
Mohammad Yasin MP said… “This is a landmark moment for Bedford and the wider region.. confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations and Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come…
Originally published on Coinslot on December 22, 2025. Republished with permission.