Universal Studios Bedfordshire Faces Water Shortage Concerns Amid Plans for £50bn Theme Park

Universal Studios’ vision to bring Europe’s largest theme park to Bedfordshire has generated huge excitement, with the project forecast to create 28,000 jobs and inject £50 billion into the UK economy. The park is currently scheduled to open in 2031.

But beneath the fanfare lies a major challenge: the region’s ageing water system.

Experts warn that the park could increase Bedford’s daily water demand by as much as 50%. Anglian Water, the local supplier, says it may need to double the size of Bedford’s sewage treatment works and overhaul major infrastructure.

Anglian water blames a “broken regulatory model” that makes it difficult to secure the long-term funding needed for growth projects of this scale. Ofwat, the industry regulator, has pushed back, insisting that Anglian has not yet submitted detailed proposals for the work.

Environmental groups, including CPRE Bedfordshire, have gone further, stating they have “no confidence” Anglian can deliver the extra supply in an environmentally sustainable way.

While broadly supportive, Central Bedfordshire Council has raised several concerns about the impact of the project:

• Traffic & Transport: Universal could earn around £27 million a year from car parking charges, and councillors want 10% of this redirected to fund local transport improvements.

• Food & Health: Proposals include limiting fast-food advertising, adding fresh food kiosks, and requiring calorie labelling on menus.

• Housing Pressures: Officials fear a boom in short-term holiday lets could inflate local rents, and they want Universal to help deliver affordable housing.

• Wildlife & Environment: The council questioned why water voles are missing from ecological surveys and noted the site’s location in a flood-prone area, requiring further drainage upgrades.

The Bedfordshire development has become part of a larger debate over the future of Britain’s water sector. Utilities argue that stricter regulation has left them unable to invest adequately in long-term infrastructure. Critics counter that companies have prioritised shareholder returns over sustainability.

Universal’s Response

Universal Studios has stressed its commitment to working with local stakeholders. A spokesperson said the company is “excited about our transformative development and is working closely with numerous stakeholders to ensure that our efforts are complementary to and supportive of the long-term vision and vitality of this region.”

Council leader Adam Zerny added that the public and local businesses have been enthusiastic. “If the government approves the planning application,” he said, “the council’s role will be to work closely with Universal to make sure the promised benefits come to our area.”