New Universal Studios UK theme park could be coming to Bedford

Hold on to your hats – if this rumour is true, it would be amazing for the town.

Apparently, it looks like a new Universal Studios theme park could be set to open in none other than Bedford.

Yes, you read that right. Rumours have been circulating on YouTube and even The Sun

And this morning (Tuesday), a spokesperson from Universal Destinations and Experiences confirmed the project is in its exploration phase.

She said: “We recently acquired land in Bedford and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site. It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community.”

It looks likes Bedford’s great links to London and Luton Airport are certainly in our favour – as well our vision of becoming a prosperous place to live, work and visit – but plans are in their infancy.

Universal's owners Comcast acquired Cloud Wing UK Ltd – which in turn owns the former brickworks site in Kempston Hardwick

According to theme park fans on the site Orlando Park Stop, UK domain names were registered in September of this year. And the site’s sale has since been withdrawn

X – formerly Twitter – has been awash with rumours with theme park news account @TMainStreetNews sharing a picture it claimed was concept art for the project which was shown during an internal presentation.

One person posted: “I can recognise a Jurassic World themed area in that concept art.”

While another added: “If they brought a Jurassic World ride I think I would die.”

Bedford mayor Tom Wootton said: “The suggestion of a major business investment is of course positive, nevertheless these are early days and much detailed work is required before any decisions are made.

“We very much welcome and are excited by the interest from Universal and the immense potential for it to be transformative for the borough. We’re committed to ensure that any plans align with the best interests of our residents.”

Mohammad Yasin MP added: "To have such a huge global brand like Universal Studios invest in Britain would be fantastic. It would be hugely exciting if Bedford were to be home to a new theme park. It would bring significant investment and growth into the area, bringing jobs and tourism with it.

"Obviously, I would be working to ensure local residents are given a voice as plans develop and that the plans take account of existing development in our region so that all residents can benefit. But this is without doubt a very interesting proposition for our region."

The new theme park – if it gets off the ground – is not be confused with Home of Production’s plans for a new film and TV studio in Stewartby