Universal Studios writes to residents about potential theme park in Bedford

Universal Studios has written to residents about plans to build its first UK theme park in Bedfordshire. 

Universal Destinations & Experiences – which is owned by US company Comcast – wrote to people living near the site after confirming it had bought land near Bedford.

It said the company was in the “very early stages” of exploring a potential park, adding that while it owns the land it may be “many months before we decide whether to proceed with the project”.

John Reynolds from the company’s external affairs said Universal had “a strong track record of working together with local communities as we consider any new project”.

“Engaging with the local community in Bedford, Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Wixams, Wootton, and elsewhere will be no different,” he added.

He said Universal had been “encouraged by the positive nature of conversations” with stakeholders, including Bedford Borough Council and the town’s mayor.

“We plan to work closely with our local communities should we progress,” he added.

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Other Universal destinations around the world “create thousands of jobs and generate significant positive economic impact”, he said.

Universal has been expanding aggressively since the pandemic, with fresh attractions at its long-popular US and Japanese destinations, a whole new park in Beijing in 2021, and another in Florida in 2025.

Universal has launched a website to keep Bedfordshire residents updated with the progress of plans.

“There is still a long way to go, and we may not have any more information to share in the near term,” Mr Reynolds added.

The Bedford site is 45 minutes from London and easily accessible from Luton airport.