Does Bedford want a Universal theme park?

The prime minister declared that a new Universal theme park will "put Bedford on the map".

Universal Destinations & Experiences will build its first UK resort south of the town, on the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick.

Tom Wootton, the borough's Conservative mayor, said: "Bedford is the perfect place for this investment – well-connected, full of talent and ready to grow."

But how do people who live, work and study close to the proposed site feel about the project that could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year?

Libby Lionetti, who runs La Piazza Cafe in Bedford, said he was "over the moon" to hear that Universal was moving in and it's "the only thing we're talking about" in the town.

His family-run business, which has served the town since 1986, has struggled since the pandemic but he said the news felt like a step in the right direction.

"It's like a 'Thank you very much' to me, my family and local businesses. It's brilliant," he said.

He was visited by an employee from Universal last year during the consultation period.

Mr Lionetti recalled: "We had a general conversation about how Bedford was, how long I've been here, my family.

"He said, 'Let me have one of your coffees', and then said, 'Wow, that's nice'. I think the coffee did it. I think it was me.

"We're in April now - this year is flowing away. We don't want to wish our lives away but 2031 is going to be here soon. It's going to be great.

"Well done, Bedford! Well done!"

Universal said it would make upgrades to the proposed railway station at Wixams, which has been long awaited by those living there.

Jamie Ham, 33, said: "It will bring growth to the area. The train station will go on the fast line rather than the slow line. Hopefully, it will give Bedford town centre a bit of a spruce-up as well."

His wife, Caitlin, 32, said she was hoping for some Harry Potter-themed rides.

"We've not been [to a Universal park] before but it will be something that will be on the doorstep, easy to get to, so we're looking forward it," she said.

Her husband added: "The only theme park I've been to is Blackpool Pleasure Beach, being from the north, so if tops that then that's a bonus."

Sir Keir Starmer visited Kimberley College in Stewartby, where he told students they could end up with jobs at the park when it's complete.

"These are going to be the jobs of [you] and your colleagues for years to come," the prime minster promised.

Lenka Stevens studied horticulture at Shuttleworth College, part of Bedford College Group, and she said she hoped the new park would provide work opportunities.

"I could be a gardener. I could be a garden designer and design perhaps the planting scheme surrounding the area of Universal Studios," she said.

"I'm not 100% sure but I believe the opportunities are endless so hopefully there will be a small job for me somewhere.

"Hopefully, living in Bedford, I'll get a chance to get a job and be a part of this amazing venture and show off my skills that I learnt at the college."

Utsharja Bhandari is studying performing arts at Bedford College after she moved to the area with her family from Nepal.

The 21-year-old said: "Bedford has built up a reputation as being behind all the other cities and not having anything going on.

"Bringing Universal to Bedford is going to put Bedford on the map, as our prime minister said.

"I'm so grateful for it. I can't wait to work at Universal Studios."

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