Universal Studios United Kingdom Set for Major Boost as Planning Permission Expected by End of 2025

It looks like Universal Studios United Kingdom is set for a major boost as planning permission could be granted before the end of 2025.

That’s according to a recent update from Mohammad Yasin, the Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston. In a recent Facebook post, Yasin confirmed that he met with the Universal team on November 4th and that they were working “through the final details needed to secure planning approval.”

He went on to state that the decision for Universal to be given a Special Development Order remains “on track for early December”, according to Universal – meaning planning permission for the park could be obtained before the end of 2025.

Once planning permission is granted, Yasin anticipated things to “move quickly”, according to his post. The first stage of this is expected to be initial work on “habitat relocation, detailed archaeological protection surveys, and the construction of slip roads to allow access for construction vehicles.”

In addition, he was told that the number of people who have registered interest in working at the construction site is nearly 30,000, with a further 2,000 businesses doing the same. Over 80% of those applications have been from Bedford and the wider Bedfordshire area.

Universal’s documents for planning permission approval were submitted back in early July in a public consultation that ran until August 31, and revealed some exciting details about the upcoming park. For instance, the actual resort construction is likely to begin in Q4 2027 ahead of the park’s 2031 opening date. It also recently registered the potential name for the park with the UK Intellectual Property Office.

In the documentation, Universal itself described that guests would experience “adrenaline-pumping coasters”, “mind-blowing spectaculars” and would “come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains”, while they would also “discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they’ve only ever dreamed of.”

Yassin also highlighted that he had heard “encouraging reports” concerning the Highways Agency’s junction upgrades along the A421 trunk road being coordinated with Network Rail to serve the new Wixams station, with plans “advancing with other rail operators, including East West Rail”.

It was previously revealed that Universal’s impending UK park would “unlock several longstanding transport upgrades” in a letter sent to local residents back in May 2025, committing that the park would work for expanding Wixams railway station as well as for adding direct slip roads from the A421 to the park for accommodating the sea of road traffic, and upgrading Manor Road that runs by the site.

As a final point, Yasin noted that he discussed Universal’s association with local colleges and universities – Cranfield University, Kimberley College, and the Bedford College Group. Bedford College has been awarded funding and a designation as a Construction Technical Excellence College, or CTEC, by the UK Government, according to Yassin, and will “serve as a regional training hub, helping tens of thousands of people develop high-demand skills by 2029” as part of a £100 million investment into ten select colleges across the country. Given that Universal had previously stated the importance of supporting local talent, this feels like a timely investment.

Read more about everything we know so far about Universal Studios United Kingdom.