The government has granted planning permission for Universal’s multi-billion-pound them park and resort in Bedford.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has approved the request for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO). An SDO is a special type of planning permission for major schemes, which is granted by MCHLG instead of by a council.

The project will create around 20,000 construction jobs and generated around £50bn of direct and indirect economic benefit for the UK.

The site - to be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site – aims to open in 2031with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year, becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.

Plans for the development were first revealed in April 2025. The development, working with Bedford Borough Council, will be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex.

Proposed plans from Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment, all utilising sophisticated and advanced technology.

Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.

Universal said: “While there are still further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone for the project.”

It said on-site activity will now “gradually start to increase” with Universal set to share more information about project activity and construction soon.

The development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy. At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Universal’s global careers website now includes Bedford as a searchable location, indicating early recruitment planning for the site.

The project will also help deliver several long sought after transportation upgrades including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements.

Bedford Borough Council chief executive Laura Church said that Universal would be a key driver for the Borough’s economy.

She said; “This truly puts Bedford on the map, as a global destination for tourism, creativity and innovation for generations to come.

“It begins with tens of thousands of construction jobs, followed by the many more roles when the park opens. The millions of visitors each year will offer possibilities for our economy and our residents in hospitality, retail, technology and so much more.

“When the resort opens it will be one of the largest employers in the region, and it is expected that approximately 80% of employees will come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Universal want to work with our residents and our businesses.”