Universal Requests Special Development Order for Bedford’s Universal Theme Park 

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01 July 2025

Universal is pursuing a Special Development Order to speed up the delivery of its first branded theme park in Europe.

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Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, has submitted a Special Development Order, seeking approval directly from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), rather than going down the standard planning approval route.

A Special Development Order is a piece of secondary legislation introduced in the UK in the 1970s and allows developers to avoid primary legislation or an affirmative vote in Parliament. Such orders are used for nationally important projects.

The former Kempston Hardwick Brickworks site in Bedford is set to become a Universal-branded theme park, which will allegedly generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs. Upon opening, the complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with 80 per cent of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. 

Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, has submitted a Special Development Order, seeking approval directly from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Subject to planning permission, construction is due to start in 2026, with the park set to open in 2031.

A statement from Universal says: “The past year has enabled us to closely engage with Bedford Borough Council, neighbouring authorities, national government, transport and environmental bodies and local communities. Thousands of residents participated in our engagement in April 2024 and 92 per cent expressed their support for the project, which we appreciate and played a key role in us moving forward with the project. 

“Once the [Special Development Order] request is received, MHCLG will be inviting representations on the Environmental Statement that accompanies the request, as well as the other documents, plans, and drawings submitted in relation to the proposed development. 

“Details of where the material can be expected and how to make a representation will be available in due course.”

Picture: a photograph of four people, including two children, standing in front of a universal sign, smiling with outstretched arms. Image Credit: Universal

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 01 July 2025

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