Talks held to maximise benefits of landmark Universal theme park to Bedford and wider region

It was chaired by Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock bringing together government, Universal Destinations and Experiences and eight local authorities to discuss how they can work together to maximise the benefits of the landmark Universal resort.

The Universal project is expected to create 28,000 jobs in construction and employment and generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy, bringing new jobs, skills and investment to Bedford and the surrounding region.

The meeting followed the government’s announcement in June of an investment of £1.3bn on regional and local community infrastructure to ensure the park can operate successfully, with improved transport links for local residents and visitors.

Opportunities discussed included how to drive local regeneration and boost the local economy by attracting tourists across the region and making sure local businesses can be involved in supplying the park and resort. Ensuring young people across the region have the chance to gain skills, qualifications, and paths to employment was also on the agenda.

Minister for Tourism and Place Stephanie Peacock said: “For the people of Bedford, the Universal United Kingdom Resort is more than just the thrill of a new theme park on their doorstep - it’s about the jobs, investment and opportunities it’ll create.

“That is why the Government is committed to supporting local communities to drive forward their priorities as the development progresses towards its opening in 2031.

“From apprenticeships and career pathways for young people, to new opportunities for local businesses and tradespeople, we want communities across Bedford and the wider region to feel the benefits of this investment. This is about putting power and opportunity into local communities, driving growth and bringing pride to every postcode.”

Set to become the UK’s most popular tourist attraction, the Universal United Kingdom Resort will bolster Bedfordshire’s existing visitor offering, which boasts a range of attractions including Wrest Park and Whipsnade Zoo.

The roundtable meeting held at Bedford’s Swan Hotel, was the first of its kind with further meetings planned for the future.,

This aligns with the Government’s ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and lay the foundations for Bedford to become an innovation hub.

Those attending the meeting included council leaders and CEOs from Bedford Borough Council, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Central Bedfordshire Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Luton Borough Council, Milton Keynes City Council, North Northamptonshire Council, and West Northamptonshire Council, as well as the MPs for Bedford and Mid Bedfordshire, and a senior representative from Universal.