Overview
- The Special Development Order has been laid before Parliament and is due to take effect on January 12, 2026, subject to the statutory review period.
- Approval covers the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks and neighbouring land for an entertainment resort featuring a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining and entertainment district.
- Forecasts suggest 8.5–12 million annual visitors, around £50 billion in long-term economic impact, approximately 20,000 construction jobs and about 8,000 permanent roles.
- Transport works linked to the project include an expanded Wixams railway station, a new East West Rail station at Stewartby, and new A421 slip roads, supported by roughly £500 million in public infrastructure funding.
- Universal plans early site preparation after the review, with construction targeted to begin in 2026 and an opening aimed for 2031, subject to remaining approvals.