The theme park is expected to attract around 55,000 people each day once it is built
The first Universal Studios theme park in the UK has been granted planning permission to be built near Cambridgeshire. Mohammad Yasin, the Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, said the government had given the go-ahead for the complex to be built in Kempston Hardwick.
Universal has confirmed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has approved the plans. Planning permission was granted by way of a Special Development Order (SDO), which meant the plans could bypass standard local planning procedures.
The SDO comes into force on January 12. Mr Yasin said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ that the plans have been given the green light.
The theme park is expected to employ around 8,000 people once complete, with around 20,000 construction jobs during the build. It is expected to represent a £50 billion economic boost to the UK economy.
A spokesperson for Universal said in a letter published on Tuesday (December 16) that the update represented an important milestone for the company. A parliamentary review period must still be completed.
They added: “In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us. The interest and support we’ve already seen from both local companies and residents has been incredibly encouraging.”
The theme park will be built at the site of a former brickworks, with nearby transport links including Luton Airport. Around 55,000 visitors are expected to visit the park on peak days, with rides of up to 115m planned.
