Construction has been approved through a Special Development Order (SDO), allowing the government to grant permission directly and bypass standard local planning procedures.

Plans indicate the park will feature rides of varying heights, including attractions reaching up to 377ft (115m), which would make it home to the tallest ride in Europe. While detailed ride designs have not yet been released, the scale of the development is expected to create a distinctive skyline for the area. Industry sources suggest that attractions themed around franchises such as James Bond, Paddington, and The Lord of the Rings could be included.

The site has been promoted as a strong transport hub, located around 20 miles (32km) from London Luton Airport, the UK’s fifth-busiest airport. The development is also expected to lead to significant transport upgrades within the county. Work on a new railway station at Wixams began in August 2024 but was paused to allow for plans for a larger station capable of supporting increased demand from the theme park.

Adam Zerny, Independent Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said he had met with Universal to discuss the local impact of the project and confirmed that improvements to road infrastructure would be required.

Bedford Borough Council has estimated the project will deliver up to £50bn in economic benefit, create around 20,000 construction jobs, and support approximately 8,000 permanent roles once the park opens. The council stated that around 80% of these jobs are expected to go to local workers. Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, described the announcement as a “landmark moment for Bedford and the wider region.”

However, some residents living near the site have raised concerns, saying they were not adequately informed about the impact on their homes. Several claim they have yet to receive confirmed compensation offers, despite their properties being earmarked for demolition under Universal’s redevelopment plans.

Blake Stephenson, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said he would work closely with residents, local authorities, and Universal as the project progresses to ensure necessary infrastructure is delivered and communities benefit from the development.

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