Infrastructure needed for Universal park - council

The Universal Studios theme park near Bedford could attract 8.5 million annual visitors by 2031

Vital infrastructure upgrades are required if plans for the first Universal Studios theme park in the UK go ahead, a council leader has warned.

Universal Destinations & Experiences will build its first UK resort on a site that includes former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick near Bedford.

Independent leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Adam Zerny, said while the plans were "great news", work was needed to improve the area including around junction 13 of the M1, a key route for accessing the proposed site from the west.

A formal planning application has not been submitted, but Zerny said the council had been in close contact with the company over the past year and continued to press for major transport improvements.

"Universal are well aware of the infrastructure needs that we have continually put forward on behalf of residents," Zerny said.

"We will continue to lobby the government for what we need in this area."

A full public consultation on the plans is expected to be run by the government later this year, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Adam Zerny said the council would need to ensure the council and public's comments were represented during the public consultation

Asked whether he personally supported the project, Zerny said it "would be great news".

"Not just the park itself - new infrastructure, jobs in construction and on the site once it's completed, and potentially increased income for local business," he said.

He added that the council stood to gain financially as well.

But Zerny acknowledged there were major infrastructure needs for the area.

"Junction 13 does need to be sorted out, and we also believe the roundabouts should be removed from the A1 to improve the flow of traffic. We will be pushing the government for solutions," he continued.

"We want a lot for this area, and we're going to demand a lot. Don't ask, don't get."

'Close collaboration'

A spokesperson for Universal Destinations & Experiences said the project would have a "transformative impact on Bedford and the wider region", creating thousands of jobs.

They said the park would have a £50bn economic benefit for the UK.

"It will also help to unlock several major local infrastructure upgrades," they continued.

"This includes an expanded Wixams rail station, new direct slip roads from the A421, and several other road and Active Travel improvements.

"We remain committed to close collaboration with key partners such as Central Bedfordshire Council throughout the planning process and appreciate their continued support for this project."