From a quiet town with nothing to show to now being the heart of UK’s attraction industry which will be noticed by many people: How this could be a new Era for the quiet town.
Bedford Town is located along the River Great Ouse, where the embankment is a route for dog walkers, joggers and a place where family and friends spend their time together. Swans can be seen across the riverbank whilst people take pictures of the scenery. Tudor-era houses can be spotted across the town, showing the development of Bedford Town across history. Ruins of former medieval castles can also be found dating back to 1066. Food markets are located everywhere across the town, keeping Bedford’s core identity of always being a place where people would come to trade and sell goods.
Pictured taken by Heijiro at Bedford Town
Outside the town centre lies a place called Kempston Hardwick. While economic growth is expected to happen when Universal Studios opens, some residents fear the charm of character Bedford had may be lost. Others fear Bedford is not ready for the innovation. Brenden Nyatsambo, a resident who has lived in Bedford his whole life, said his worries on this topic, “The transport systems Bedford has will not be able to support millions of people daily. The town needs more investment in public transport and roads for this project to sustain correctly.”
In 2025, the UK government approved the development which is expected to be completed by 2031 and will be the first Universal Studios in Europe. The announcement of this project has created a variety of feelings across Bedford, such as a sense of excitement. This massive project is expected to create many job opportunities, many investments within Bedford infrastructure and a massive turnout of tourists, for example, Brenden Nyatsambo shared his other views about Universal studios where he said, “ignoring the issues and changes this project my cause, the beneficial attributes will be extremely fulfilling” showcasing how this new theme park isn’t just a negative change to those who oppose it.
Picture taken by Heijiro Rao
However, others are worried about this irreversible rapid change which may reshape Bedford’s reputation of being a simple and tranquil town. There are a lot of eyes on this project, creating a variety of mixed reactions amongst the locals. For example, issues on housing, as prices of properties will increase as tourism skyrockets. Kempston Hardwick, a place well known for being an area which consisted of dog trails and bike routes, may now be significantly industrialised, with many tourists visiting daily and Kempston may be transformed into a town with endless shops and services. Locals are hoping for this project to help Bedford financial, however wishing that the core aspect of Bedford doesn’t go away. Nyatsambo further stated he wants Bedford to benefit this, but he hopes “it doesn’t lose what made it iconic.”
However, many are excited for the development of this project, for example, according to the University of Bedfordshire, there is expected to be 20 thousand jobs available just in the construction phase and an extra 18 thousand jobs open when the theme park is open. Kofi Sackey, a 19-year-old, who works in construction at the University of Bedfordshire under an apprenticeship contract, has expressed his view on this topic stating that this project “will give me a boost in my future credentials” due to him being able to be a part of this project.
Picture taken by Heijiro Rao
There are however many benefits despite the challenges such as a surge in economic growth to small business owners as well as increased income to investors. Due to the number services being built such as hotels, restaurants, and jobs at Universal Studios, there will be many job opportunities which will benefit the economy. The more economic growth for Bedford may lead to better investments to public transport which will help with the congestion issue in Bedford.