The quiet villages of Bedfordshire are on the brink of a transformation that could reshape not just their skyline but their very way of life. Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX), the powerhouse behind blockbuster movie franchises like Harry Potter, Shrek, and The Minions, has set its sights on a sprawling 476-acre disused brickworks near Kempston Hardwick for what would be its first European theme park. The proposal, still under rigorous planning review, has ignited both hope and apprehension among locals, policymakers, and industry observers.
At the heart of the debate is a simple question: can a massive entertainment project, expected to attract up to 55,000 visitors on peak days, truly coexist with the rhythms of rural English life?
On July 24, 2025, the Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Parish Council Extraordinary General Meeting became a flashpoint for community concern. One resident, voicing the anxieties of many parents, asked pointedly, "We're talking about a whole community here... the children can play out safely in the evening. Are they still going to be able to do that while 55,000 random people at times are going to be walking in and out this village? Would you want your children out playing because I wouldn't." According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, this sentiment has rippled through the area, prompting questions about how such a project might alter the fabric of everyday life.
The numbers are staggering. Universal’s proposed park is estimated to be worth £50 billion to the UK economy and is projected to create 28,000 jobs—20,000 during construction and 8,000 in hospitality and creative industries once the gates open, as reported by Sky News. Over 18,000 people have already expressed interest in employment, with 80% hailing from Bedford and its neighboring communities. Around 2,000 suppliers, too, have signaled their eagerness to work with Universal, underscoring the project's broad economic appeal.
But the promise of prosperity comes with caveats. Local concerns extend beyond safety. There are worries about increased traffic, strain on local infrastructure, and the impact on private renters as construction workers descend on the area. Universal’s own updates acknowledge these issues, stating, "The planning process facilitates open dialogue and feedback, and we appreciate Bedford Borough’s commitment to that process and continued support of our proposed development. We are excited about the significant opportunities our planned project presents and remain fully committed to ensuring our SDO application is thoroughly vetted."
Safety, however, remains the most emotionally charged issue. The prospect of tens of thousands of visitors flooding into what was once a quiet village has some parents questioning whether their children will still be able to play outside with the same freedom. The Bedford Borough Council has been pressed on whether safeguarding assessments have been carried out and whether it is confident that the development would not increase risks such as child sexual exploitation, grooming, or other harms. A council spokesperson assured, "[The council] considered the various elements of the application submitted by Universal as part of the SDO [Special Development Order] process." They added that, if the project is approved, the council would "work with Universal, Bedfordshire Police and other blue light partners... to ensure appropriate safety and security is maintained for local residents and visitors."
Bedfordshire Police, too, are taking the matter seriously. Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy explained, "We will continue to assess the impact the project may have on the force's ability to effectively police the county... and work closely alongside partners including Universal, the local authority and other blue light services to ensure that those who live and work in Bedfordshire are safe." The force has already reviewed the planning documents, which anticipate significant visitor numbers and the corresponding need for robust public safety measures.
Universal Destinations & Experiences, for its part, has outlined a comprehensive set of safety and well-being measures in its planning documents. These include a Worker Code of Conduct for all staff and contractors, a Security and Emergency Management Plan with a "unified control approach" spanning from design through long-term operations, and traffic safety measures such as segregated walking and cycling routes, safe crossings, and maintained emergency access during construction. To address noise, the company proposes inward-facing attractions, landscaping, and a community noise hotline. Restricted access to on-site water areas, enforced with fences and barriers, aims to prevent accidents, while food and drink outlets will be located away from schools and offer more than just fast food options.
In an effort to bridge the gap between Universal and the community, UDX also plans to appoint a community liaison officer, send regular updates to residents, and collaborate with local schools on education and careers programs. Despite these assurances, as of August 16, 2025, Universal had not responded to specific requests for comment on safeguarding, leaving some questions hanging in the air.
The Bedfordshire project is not without precedent. Across the Atlantic, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park opened its doors in 2025, marking the company’s largest expansion since Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999. According to an economic study conducted by the University of Central Florida, Epic Universe is projected to generate $2 billion for Central Florida’s economy in its first year alone. The park’s construction created 65,000 jobs, and more than 17,000 permanent operations positions have been filled. In 2023, construction activity alone was tied to about 94,000 jobs, highlighting the enormous potential of such mega-projects to drive employment and economic growth.
Epic Universe’s influence, as reported by the University of Central Florida, extends far beyond Orlando. Its suppliers, vendors, and contractors come from across the state and the country, benefiting industries from hospitality to manufacturing. However, the Orlando experience also raises questions about infrastructure and the long-term sustainability of such rapid growth. The economic report did not specify how much of the projected $2 billion would translate directly into wages versus tourism spending or tax revenue, nor did it assess how local infrastructure would keep up with the park’s long-term impact.
For Bedfordshire, these lessons from Florida offer both inspiration and a cautionary tale. The potential for economic revitalization is enormous, but so too are the challenges of managing growth, safeguarding communities, and maintaining the character of the region. The planning process, as Universal and local authorities have repeatedly emphasized, is designed to be open and transparent, allowing for community input and thorough vetting of every concern.
As the debate continues, the villagers of Bedfordshire find themselves at a crossroads. The promise of jobs, investment, and a place on the global entertainment map is tantalizing. Yet the desire to preserve the safety and tranquility of their home is just as strong. Whether Universal’s vision will win the day remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the world are now watching this corner of England, waiting to see how it will balance the old with the new.
