The United Kingdom government has formally granted planning permission for the country’s first Universal Studios theme park and resort, marking a significant milestone for the long-anticipated development near Bedford.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government approved the project on December 16 through a Special Development Order, a mechanism that allows the government to authorize major infrastructure directly, bypassing standard local planning procedures.

The approval will come into effect on January 12, 2026, following a statutory parliamentary review period, after which detailed design work and early site preparations can begin.

The planned resort, to be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, will encompass a large entertainment complex with themed lands, visitor accommodation, retail, dining and leisure facilities.

Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of Comcast’s global parks division, anticipates the park will attract more than eight million visitors annually and serve as a catalyst for substantial economic activity across Britain’s tourism sector.

The government estimates the development could contribute an estimated fifty billion pounds to the national economy and create around twenty-eight thousand jobs, including both construction and long-term operational roles.

Local leaders said the decision would transform Bedfordshire into a major destination for international tourism, with improvements to transport infrastructure planned to support visitor flows, including upgrades to rail links and local road networks.

The resort’s opening is currently targeted for 2031, subject to further technical planning and construction scheduling.

The project’s backers say it will position the region on the global map of themed entertainment and bring enduring benefits to the local workforce and businesses.