Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin and the surrounding villages in Beds and Herts, has welcomed the "fantastic news" that a world-leading Universal Studios Theme Park will go ahead in Bedfordshire. 

Since his very first day as a Bedfordshire MP back in 2023, Strathern has been in contact with Universal to support their work. Alongside promoting their vision, he has shared local constituent concerns to ensure the approved plans work for our local towns and villages.

The project is expected to create a huge 28,000 local jobs and bring in a massive £50 billion for our economy. 

It constitutes one of the biggest investments in our region in history, and will be transformational for local business including hospitality, travel and accommodation. Too rarely a go-to for holidaymakers, this offers an exciting opportunity to put Bedfordshire on the map. 

The Universal site is planned to be at Kempston beside the A421, just south of Bedford, about a half hour drive from Hitchin.

It will join Universal sites in Hollywood, Orlando, Singapore, and Beijing. 

Alistair Strathern MP said: "This news is game-changing for all aspects of our local economy".

"From young people seeking work to local businesses, this news offers exciting opportunities for everyone in Bedfordshire and beyond. It has been a pleasure to support this project from the very first day I became an MP and to help however I could. There is plenty of work ahead, and I will be working with Universal to make sure the project works for all in our communities."

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Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, John Tizard said: "This is a historic day for the county, and a great example of leadership of place. I would like to share my huge congratulations to Bedford Borough Council and our local MPs who have worked so hard to secure this investment". 

"The new theme park will be a huge economic boost to the county. I will be working hard to ensure the police service is actively involved in developing and planning for the new theme park, and making sure the  police service is actively engaged with Bedford Borough Council. This will include making the case for Section 106 funding for investing in police infrastructure."