Universal Studios

Stewartby & Kempston Hardwick Parish Council are delighted to have finally received the confirmation that Universal Studios are coming to our Parish.

More detail can be found – www.universalukproject.co.uk or contact lmelville@stewartbykhparishcouncil.gov.uk

17th April 2026 – Road Closures and Road Works associated with Universal

We have been informed of an update on the road closures and road works assosiated with Universal, please see below. Broadmead will now not be closed this coming Monday 20th April.

Update: Planned Broadmead Road and Woburn Road closures 11th May – 12th June 2026

Last month, we wrote to you about planned traffic management measures along Broadmead Road and

Woburn Road between 7th April and 22nd May 2026. Since then, the planned closures of Broadmead

Road (20th April – 22nd May 2026) and Woburn Road (15th May – 18th May 2026) have changed. We are

writing to update you on the revised timetable to ensure you have the latest information.

The dates for the upcoming improvement works will now be as follows.

• 27th April to 10th May 2026 – Temporary traffic management will be in place on Broadmead Road.

• 11th May – 12th June 2026 – Broadmead Road will be closed between Woburn Road junction and Hansons Reach Roundabout.

• 8pm on 5th June – 5am on 8th June 2026 – Woburn Road will also be closed during this period.

During the closure periods, the respective diversion routes will remain the same for Broadmead Road and Woburn Road. We have included maps to help illustrate both diversions alongside this letter for reference.

Universal added “We remain committed to being a good neighbour and will continue to keep the community updated with the latest information. This includes on our website www.universalukproject.co.uk, where you can now sign up to receive construction updates. You can also email us at any time at universalukproject@londoncommunications.co.uk“

15th April

These new traffic lights are part of the traffic management plan for Universal. They will not become operational until after the Broadmead Road closure is completed. They will be used to assist with traffic flow against construction traffic. As in the plans this junction will have permanent lights when works are complete.

27th March 2026 – Note from the Chair, Cllr Melville

A direct conversation has been had with universal today regarding residents understandable concerns over the pending closure of Broadmead Road. Green Lane will be closely monitored during the closure to see what impact it has and if modifications such as adding temporary lights will improve traffic exiting right, although it is thought that this will make the situation worse, there is an open mind that tweaks may be needed. We have also brought to their attention that works are also scheduled on the B530 at Houghton Conquest at the same time and Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils must urgently review and liase with each other to avoid these clashes. Whilst disruption is unavoidable, Universal are aware of the impact to the community and will keep open communications and make any practical adjustments and we remain in regular contact for any issues that arise.

17th March – Road Works associated with Universal

A request for a temporary road closure for Broadmead Road Stewartby 26 – 021

Reason: Enabling works to support the construction of the Universal Destinations & Experiences UK Project, including highway improvements around Broadmead Road level crossing. The scope also includes two new site access points from Broadmead Road (serving the West Gateway and Core Zones) and minor carriageway realignment between Woburn Road and the Core Zone access.

Dates: This temporary road closure is anticipated to be in operation 08:00 – 17:00 hours from 20th April 2026 to 11th May 2026

Signed Alternative Routes for Vehicles: Stewartby Way, Green Lane, Woburn Road

The reverse route applies

Note 1: Please also click on the link showing the closure extent and alternative routes.

Note 2: Access will not be maintained for Emergency vehicles

18th December 2025

Council Chair, Lee Milville, Christmas note to include reflection of Universal Studio “I still find myself pinching my arm when meeting with Universal’s senior executives. Many of us remember the bemusement in the Parish Council chamber during their very first presentation, when the Universal logo zoomed dramatically across the screen and “landed” in Kempston Hardwick. ……”

16th December

Universal Gets Green light -statement from Bedford Borough Council.

Arrival of Universal comes one step closer as Government grants planning permission

Bedford has taken a giant step towards welcoming Universal Destinations & Experiences after the Government approved the request for planning permission by a Special Development Order (SDO).

Today’s announcement follows several years of close collaboration between Universal, councillors and council staff.

It is a major step towards Europe’s first Universal-branded theme park and resort opening in Bedford Borough. The project will provide a c.£50billion economic benefit to the economy, while creating around 20,000 jobs during the construction period alone.

Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford Borough described the news as “one of the proudest moments of my political life.”

He said; “I’d love to take all the credit for this – but I can’t! This is the result of so much hard work by so many people, and it will be something that has a huge, positive impact on countless lives even when I’m long forgotten. It’s one of the proudest moments of my political life.

“This is a huge vote of confidence in Bedford and Kempston, in the borough and region, and in the Council. This is the perfect place for this investment, well-connected, full of talent, and ready to grow. I know that our residents and businesses will seize all the opportunities that this will offer us, and I’ll work with Universal night and day to ensure our partnership can continue to bloom.”

An SDO is a special type of planning permission for major schemes, which is granted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MCHLG) instead of by a council.

Whilst there are still further planning steps to complete, today’s announcement is a key milestone.

Bedford Borough Council chief executive Laura Church said that Universal would be a key driver for the Borough’s economy.

She said; “This truly puts Bedford on the map, as a global destination for tourism, creativity and innovation for generations to come.

“It begins with tens of thousands of construction jobs, followed by the many more roles when the park opens. The millions of visitors each year will offer possibilities for our economy and our residents in hospitality, retail, technology and so much more.

“When the resort opens it will be one of the largest employers in the region, and it is expected that approximately 80% of employees will come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes. Universal want to work with our residents and our businesses.”

Town Mayor with representative from Universal Studio

(Picture – Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford Borough, with Universal Studio)

29th August 2025

Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Parish Council submit response to Universal Special Develepoment Order (SDO). Submitted document can be found here

24th July 2025

Extraordinary Meeting held at Stewartby Village hall to consider the Planning Application. Agenda and meeting details can be found here . Details of the planning permission can be found here

4th July 2025

Notice of request for planning permission

Universal Destinations & Experiences (“the Promoter”) has submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (“MHCLG”) seeking planning
permission for an Entertainment Resort Complex and associated development at the former Brickworks and other land at Kempston Hardwick, Bedford . The request is accompanied by a
statement referred to as an Environmental Statement.

You can submit your representations by clicking here
You can also submit your representations by email or alternatively, to MHCLG by post to MHCLG c/o Mott MacDonald, Mott MacDonald, 4th Floor, Mountbatten House, Grosvenor
Square, Southampton, SO15 2JU.

Any representations submitted after the consultation, ends at 12:00 BST on 31 August 2025, may not be taken into account.

Representations made in connection with the Proposal may be made public. We advise you not to include any personal information about yourself or others.

Printed documentation can be viewed, sone by appointment, at the below dates and addresses –

Ministry of Housing, Communities andLocal Government, i9 Building, Railway Drive, Wolverhampton WV1 1LH. 8am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday. (No appointment)

Bedford Borough Council, Bedford Borough Hub, 2 Horne Lane, Bedford, MK40 1RA. 9am –5pm Monday– Friday or 10am- 5pm on Wednesdays. You must make an appointment to view the
documents. To book, please email: universalgbproject@bedford.gov.uk

Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ. 8.30am – 5pm Monday- Thursday 8.30am – 4pm on Fridays. Members of the public should report to reception to inspect the documents. An appointment will not be required but this could change subject to demand. We therefore recommend contacting Central Bedfordshire Council when planning your visit: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/364/universal_theme_park_bedford

Printed copies can be requested at a charge of £3,328.00 by contacting universalukproject@londoncommunications.co.uk

26th June 2025

June 2025 local letter’ issued by Universal Studi0. Please click here

9th April 2025

News Article from The iPaper with comments from your Chair, Cllr Lee Melville, from the 9th April 2025. Please click here to view.

We have engaged with Universal senior executives over the past months to ensure the needs of our community are considered and understood. To date we have been very encouraged by the openness and consideration showed by Universal and we look forward to working with them on this major investment and development not only for our local community but for Bedford and the UK as a whole.