Universal’s impact is already reaching Bedford town centre

Empty offices at Mayfair House, on the corner of Lurke Street and Gadsby Street, are being turned into a 26‑apartment apart‑hotel aimed at professionals working on the Universal United Kingdom Resort, the Bedford Independent reports.

Published 9 October 2026 1 min read By Project Universal

Universal’s impact is already reaching Bedford town centre.

According to the Bedford Independent, empty offices at Mayfair House, on the corner of Lurke Street and Gadsby Street, are being turned into a 26-apartment apart-hotel aimed at professionals working on Universal United Kingdom Resort.

It’s an interesting example of how the construction project could bring investment beyond the site itself. Before the first visitors arrive, there will be people working on the resort who need somewhere to stay, eat and spend their time off.

For Bedford’s shops, pubs, restaurants and accommodation businesses, that could mean opportunities well ahead of the planned 2031 opening.

Would you like to see more empty town centre buildings brought back into use like this?

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