Planning permission has been granted to build the first Universal theme park in the UK, which is expected to open in 2031.
Universal parent company Comcast sought planning permission through a special development order (SDO), which allows the government to approve the project directly, bypassing normal local planning procedures.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, said the project's approval was "one of the proudest moments of my political life".
He added, "I’d love to take all the credit for this – but I can’t! This is the result of so much hard work by so many people, and it will be something that has a huge, positive impact on countless lives even when I’m long forgotten.
"This is a huge vote of confidence in Bedford and Kempston, in the borough and region, and in the council. This is the perfect place for this investment, well-connected, full of talent, and ready to grow.
"I know that our residents and businesses will seize all the opportunities that this will offer us, and I’ll work with Universal night and day to ensure our partnership can continue to bloom."
Universal's first theme park and resort in the UK and Europe will provide a £50billion economic benefit to the economy.
The project will create around 20,000 jobs during the construction period, and 8,000 permanent positions once operational.
Universal project approved via SDO
"While there are still further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone for the project," said Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, in a letter confirming the planning approval.
"On behalf of the company, 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," Thompson said.
Bedford Borough Council's chief executive Laura Church said: "This truly puts Bedford on the map, as a global destination for tourism, creativity and innovation for generations to come."
Images courtesy of Universal
