Universal announcement highlights county’s opportunity, fire chief says

Bedfordshire will be home to Europe’s first Universal theme park, as the Government has today (9 April) announced the project has received agreement in principle to move forward.  

The major investment in the county would bring 20,000 new jobs, generate billions in economic benefits and attract millions of visitors to the area every year.  

Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson said: “This is fantastic news for the county and our fire service is thrilled to hear the news. We know Bedfordshire is a dynamic county with so much to give, and today’s government backing shows just how much opportunity and excitement is to come.  

“Bedfordshire is changing rapidly – we're one of the fastest growing counties in the country – and as a fire service, we have to keep pace with the changing risk profile, which is why this financial year (2025/6) we’re going to be refreshing our community risk analysis, to help us understand what our growing communities need and want from us.”

Regarding Universal, CFO Hopkinson continued: “As a fire service, we have been involved in the consultation and shared indicative proposals with Universal and Bedford Borough as part of that process as to what the impact of the construction and the development of theme park would mean for our prevention, protection and response activities, working together to make Bedfordshire safe. As plans for this monumental theme park take shape, we look forward to continuing to be part of Team Bedfordshire on that journey.”

CFO Hopkinson added that testament must be paid to Bedford Borough Council Chief Executive Laura Church, Mayor Tom Wootton and all the incredible team at the council and associated organisations for their hard work in securing the investment and positioning Bedford as a perfect host.

The attraction is still subject to approval of a planning proposal, and would be constructed on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks, just south of Bedford.