Alistair Strathern celebrates confirmation of Universal Studios Theme Park in Bedford

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 9th APRIL 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin and the surrounding villages in Beds and Herts, has welcomed the fantastic news that a world-leading Universal Studios Theme Park will go ahead in Bedfordshire.

Since his very first day as a Bedfordshire MP back in 2023, Strathern has been in contact with Universal to support their work. Alongside promoting their vision, he has shared local constituent concerns to ensure the approved plans work for our local towns and villages.

The project is expected to create a huge 28,000 local jobs and bring in a massive £50 billion for our economy.

It constitutes one of the biggest investments in our region in history, and will be transformational for local business including hospitality, travel and accommodation. Too rarely a go-to for holidaymakers, this offers an exciting opportunity to put Bedfordshire on the map.

The Universal site is planned to be at Kempston beside the A421, just south of Bedford.

It will join Universal sites in Hollywood, Orlando, Singapore, and Beijing.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“This news is game-changing for all aspects of our local economy.

“From young people seeking work to local businesses, this news offers exciting opportunities for everyone in Bedfordshire and beyond.

“It has been a pleasure to support this project from the very first day I became an MP and to help however I could.

“There is plenty of work ahead, and I will be working with Universal to make sure the project works for all in our communities.”

Notes for Editors

You can see more information about the project here.

You can see a January 2024 BBC News story about Strathern supporting the project, here.