Universal has formally submitted a planning permission request to the UK government for its planned theme park near Bedford.
In a statement, Universal said it has submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for planning permission to be “granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO)”.
The company’s submission includes statements on environment, planning, and design and access.
Universal said the request is for an “entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses”.
A multibillion-pound deal was agreed for Universal’s resort in Bedfordshire in April. The park was first announced in December 2023 after Universal bought a 476-acre parcel of land in the county.
In its new statement, Universal said the development will have “a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy”, generating nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and creating 28,000 jobs.
Universal park to have “transformative impact”
“At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80 percent of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes,” Universal added.
“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.”
Once the request is received, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will start seeking input and representations on the request from various organisations.
Universal is already inviting suppliers to register their interest in the proposed park.
In more news, the government has reportedly pledged to spend nearly £500 million on transport and infrastructure improvements to support Universal’s plans.
Infrastructure upgrades are required in the area around the theme park if the plans are approved, a council leader said earlier this year.
Images courtesy of Universal
