Exciting Updates on the Universal Studios Project

Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin met today with the Universal Studios team currently in the UK as they work through the final details needed to secure planning approval for this landmark project. 🎢✨

Although it’s been a quieter period publicly, there’s clearly a lot happening behind the scenes. Mohammad shared that the project remains on track for early December to reach its next major milestone — being granted the Special Development Order! 🙌

💼 Nearly 30,000 people have already registered interest in working at the site, along with 2,000 local businesses — and it’s amazing to hear that around 80% of those applications have come from Bedford and the wider Bedfordshire area!

🚧 Once approval is granted, things are expected to move quickly in the new year, with early work including habitat relocation, detailed archaeological protection surveys, and access road construction.
We’ve already seen some of this early groundwork taking shape — such as the new ponds on the north lake zone and the creation of two man-made badger setts at either end of the site 🦡💧.
In recent weeks, survey works have also been spotted, which we believe are directly linked to the planned access road construction — another positive sign of progress!

🚦 It’s encouraging to hear that upgrades to the A421 and coordination with Network Rail for the new Wixams Station are continuing efficiently, helping minimise disruption while keeping this huge project on track.

🎓 Universal’s collaboration with Cranfield University, Kimberley College, and the Bedford College Group (now officially a Construction Technical Excellence College!) shows a real commitment to nurturing local skills and opportunities — ensuring the benefits of this investment stay within our community for years to come.

It’s fantastic to see real progress being made and to know Bedford is at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting developments. 💙