New UK Universal theme park gets planning permission

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has approved a request for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO).

While the project still has a few further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone.

According to Universal, the development will deliver an entertainment resort complex featuring a theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.

The company estimates it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs. At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80 per cent of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

The project will also help deliver several long sought after transportation upgrades including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements.

By Patrick Whyte