First glimpse of Universal Studios Bedford revealed – as furious locals demand free theme park tickets
New pictures have been revealed of work starting on the UK’s first Universal Studios theme park.
Universal Resort Bedford is hoped to bring in 8.5million visitors in its first year alone – after it opens its gates in 2031.
Spanning 476 acres, the attraction will be one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe, with a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex planned along with the theme park.
Sir Keir Starmer has also said Universal will create around 28,000 jobs – 20,000 in the construction period and 8,000 working on the site when it opens to visitors in 2031 – and expects the park to generate nearly £50billion for the economy by 2055.
And Universally Bedford has taken a drone over Broadmead Farm in Bedford, where the new Bedfordshire resort is due to be built.
In a Youtube video, the farm can be seen to have recently been harvested, in order for vehicles to access the site, ready for construction to begin.
The creator of Universally Bedford shows the vast farm from above, with a van and construction workers seen.
He says this is where Universal’s ‘core zone’ will be.
New pictures have been revealed of work starting on the UK’s first Universal Studios theme park
Universally Bedford has taken a drone over Broadmead Farm in Bedford, where the new Bedfordshire resort is due to be built
Universally Bedford says this is ‘going to be the Illuminations and Minions part of the park, as we’ve seen in the artwork’
He adds: ‘That’s going to be the Illuminations and Minions part of the park, as we’ve seen in the artwork.’
In the concept art for Universal Bedford, it was shown that the park will centre around a huge lake.
However, the site has no water as of yet, meaning this will need to be built over the next six years.
With construction starting soon, Universally Bedford says locals in the area are likely to see an increase in traffic near Stewartby, Wixams, and Kempston Hardwick.
And now locals have started demanding free family passes for Ampthill’s 8,000 residents in return for them supporting the multi-billion pound scheme.
Commenting on the Universal planning application, the town council told Bedford Today: ‘Peak daily attendance could reach up to 55,000 – a substantial increase in regional traffic and infrastructure demand.
‘The town’s population of approximately 8,000 could face a daily influx of tens of thousands of visitors passing nearby, impacting local services, safety, and quality of life.
‘A projected 200 per cent increase in listings in Ampthill may displace long-term residents and alter the town’s character and identity, which we are keen to protect.’
With construction starting soon, Universally Bedford says locals in the area are likely to see an increase in traffic near Stewartby, Wixams, and Kempston Hardwick
In the concept art for Universal Bedford, it was shown that the park will centre around a huge lake. However, the site has no water as of yet, meaning this will need to be built over the next six years
Earlier this year, Bedford locals expressed their fury, after the government announced the deal for the huge new Universal theme park.
Some locals were concerned about house prices going up, with one saying: ‘Bad news for people renting. Landlords will make a fortune with Airbnbs. I’d expect them to go that way.’
One said: ‘Can’t see it being of any benefit to Bedford, what about the town itself?
‘All the money being plunged into the theme park while the town’s real needs, and the concerns of its people, get ignored again. I hope I’m wrong but recent history doesn’t bode well.’
Other local residents have their concerns about local agriculture, due to the fact the new Universal resort will be built on top of 476 acres of land.
One person said: ‘This will be Europe’s biggest fun park, therefore the land it will require will be tons more than just the brickworks brownfield site. The vanity project will actually be bigger than the existing town of Bedford!
‘Is no one at all concerned at the huge loss of countryside and agricultural land our region will be facing? There doesn’t seem to be any policy to safeguard our childrens’ children from food scarcity as once again fertile fields are sacrificed.
‘Luton Airport doubling in size, a new huge train station in Tempsford with 300,000 new houses. If you’re like me, and you love living a humble life in the countryside, it seems this area is no longer for us.’
Universal Resort in Bedfordshire is hoped to bring in 8.5million visitors in its first year alone. Pictured: An artists impression of the site
The attraction will be one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe, with a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex planned along with the theme park. Pictured: The fields where the resort will sit
By 2055 Universal expects the 476-acre site near Bedford to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy – a significant boost for Sir Keir Starmer’s Government after US President Donald Trump ‘s tariffs sent stock markets on a rollercoaster ride
Another agreed: ‘My thoughts exactly. This is a huge environmental concern. The further destruction of wildlife and agricultural land for corporate greed.’
But Universal has committed to avoiding disruption, including restrictions on HGV access through village roads.
And the Government has promised a major investment in infrastructure and transport around the Universal site to support the delivery of the project and make sure it is easily accessible for visitors.
‘It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country,’ the Prime Minister said, announcing the new park.
‘Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.’
The project ties in with other work around the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, including support for the expansion of Luton Airport.
