It’s huge news for film fans and adrenaline junkies in the UK, because the massive Universal theme park in Bedford is officially a-go. First announced in April this year, the enormous pleasure paradise has just been given planning permission, and is expected to open in 2031.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a Special Development Order (SDO) for the park to be constructed in Kempston Hardwick, close to Bedford. The special order allowed the government to bypass standard local planning procedures, however a government spokesperson said the permission was ‘subject to conditions and limitations’.
Within five years, speed demons could be riding on Europe’s tallest rides, as planning documents released in July show a proposal to build rollercoasters that are 115 metres tall. The documents also revealed that the park will have four separate ‘lands’, each with a unique theme, rides, shops and places to eat and drink.
The themes of the attractions have not been officially revealed yet, but the BBC reported that there could be rides based around franchises including James Bond, Paddington and The Lord of the Rings. Another rumour, reported by the Mirror, suggested there could be a Minions-themed attraction too.
The site is also expected to have a 500-room hotel, parking for up to 7,000 cars and spaces for hundreds to arrive every day on coaches. The bosses at Universal have said the park could attract 55,000 visitors per day, and eight million per year.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures, Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: ‘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 on the transformative nature of our project.’
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