Universal to 'put Bedford on the map', say locals

There's been an overwhelmingly positive reaction in Bedford to news that planning permission has been granted for the first Universal Studios theme park in the UK.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced the issuing of a Special Development Order (SDO) for the complex at Kempston Hardwick on Tuesday.

The entertainment company said the "transformative" project was expected to attract more than eight million visitors a year.

Sadie Mann, 66, said she and husband Andy were really pleased with the news.

"It's going to mean that a lot of people have a lot more to do in Bedfordshire," she said.

"It will certainly put us on the map. We're going to be up there with America and Japan now, with a theme park," she added.

Mr Mann, 68, had some reservations around traffic and rail infrastructure.

"There's always concerns, yes. There will be a bit of more chaos going on than we previously had, but it's becoming part of life now isn't it really?"

Universal had sought planning permission through a special devlopment order, or SDO, which allowed the government to approve the project directly, bypassing standard local planning procedures.

Resident Tom Campbell, 71, said: "I don't have a problem with the planning permission being short-circuited because it's such a major investment, I think it would be of national significance.

"I think it's well located. For Luton Airport and for the rail line too. The M1 and the A421, it would be difficult to find a better place for it I think," he said.

The 476-acre complex will be built on a former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick.

Jocelyn Lendore, 80, has lived in the town since 1962 and felt it was a good use of the old industrial site.

"I like the idea," he said.

"I think it's entertainment. It creates some jobs for the people to do, the younger people. If I were young enough to, I'd go get a job myself."

About 55,000 visitors are expected on peak days.

The site would also include parking for more than 7,000 cars, additional spaces for hundreds of people to arrive by coach and bicycle - and an entry plaza.

But one local, who didn't want to be named, said current road infrastructure was not capable of shouldering those types of visitor numbers.

"The roads can't take the traffic. The M1, the A421, the A1. I don't think that's going to work. No one's really thought about it to be honest."

He also voiced concerns about low wage jobs.

"They say it'll bring all these jobs but I'm pretty sure that anybody who's going to work for Universal Studios is not going to be on a pretty good salary," he queried.

Sue Lancaster, 78, had an altogether more optimistic outlook.

"I think for future generations it's got to be a positive," she said.

"I suppose, people might have concerns about the amount of people it will bring. I have sympathy with people whose lives are going to be directly impacted, the houses that are going to be demolished.

"But sadly, progress has it's downsides. I just hope they'll all be adequately compensated for the upheaval."

She also expressed hope that the venture could be built in a "green" way.

"As long as it's done properly... for the environment, hopefully it's done in such a way that it won't negatively impact on the green environment."

Following the planning approval, Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: "I want to express my sincere appreciation for the continued engagement from Bedford and the various communities surrounding our site.

"In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us."

While the majority of locals appeared to welcome the plans, others, including some living on Manor Road close to the site, have previously told the BBC they had not been informed about what would happen to their homes.

Another campaign group has also warned the building of Europe's first Universal theme park could put renters in Bedford at risk of losing their homes.

It's not yet known when work will begin on the park but Universal say it could be open by 2031.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.