Independent guides, primary-source research and original reporting on the planned resort near Bedford.
Project Universal editorial team First-hand Bedford site observation combined with the official planning record.
Universal United Kingdom Resort is a confirmed theme park and entertainment resort planned for Kempston Hardwick, south of Bedford. Planning permission is in force, enabling and infrastructure work is underway, and Universal is targeting an opening in 2031.
A final opening date, ticket-sale date and attraction line-up have not yet been announced. We separate confirmed information from plans, targets and speculation.
Council has appointed Volterra Partners for a £24,810 Economic Impact Assessment into jobs, visitors and broader effects; contract signed 24 August and runs to the end of March 2027.
There is no confirmation Jaws is coming to Universal United Kingdom Resort, but a recent US trademark application explicitly covering “amusement park attraction and theme park services” has prompted fresh interest, amid Universal’s development of its Bedfordsh
Observer says activity around properties could indicate disconnection of electricity, gas, water and telecoms ahead of changes linked to Universal plans and the new Wixams station
Hundreds of tonnes are being shifted from the Lake Zone to the Broadmead Farm end, where it’s being spread and compacted and the ground is starting to change.
West Northamptonshire Council is backing work to maximise the jobs, visitors and business opportunities expected to ripple beyond Bedfordshire as plans progress toward 2031.
A steady stream of dirt is moving from the Lake Zone to the Core Zone near Broadmead Road, where dozers and rollers are spreading and compacting it into level ground.
New photos show heavy plant and early earthworks that could be the first steps towards a road running alongside the Marston Vale Line / East West Rail.
After decades on the site — and a bat-safe pause before work could start — the guardhouse that may be the last brickworks building could be gone by the end of the week.
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