Biggleswade 'should move early' to cash in on theme park

A Bedfordshire town should not wait until the new Universal UK Resort opens before taking advantage of the opportunities it could bring, a report has said.

The report for Biggleswade Town Council said the park should "bring multiple positive and wellbeing outcomes" for the surrounding area.

The council's community development manager suggested advertising at the park to "showcase the town's strengths" as well as increasing the amount of rooms available in the town for visitors to stay in.

The 268 hectare (662 acre) tourist attraction is due to open in 2031 in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford.

The report, which is being discussed on Tuesday, said villages and towns within five to 10 miles (8 to 16km) of the park would be the beneficiaries of immediate benefits arising from the park.

Biggleswade lies two miles (3km) outside that area, but still "retains geographic importance to the theme park".

Hospitality was highlighted as an area to improve before the park opens. There are currently 45 rooms available in the town centre for visitors to stay in, along with an unknown number of Airbnbs.

Transport links were also among the recommendations with a suggestion of introducing work buses to link Universal with major employers including Amazon and Tritax Symmetry Park, to help lower-paid workers access jobs.

The report noted that while the park was likely to increase tourist visits to the town, Biggleswade had no museum or tourist information service.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service , funding for the projects could come from developer contributions, private companies or government grants.

The report also stated projects such as East West Rail and the Tempsford new town would bring "benefits, costs and wider implications".

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds , Facebook , Instagram and X .

City's readiness for Universal raises concerns

Universal will be 'a wake-up call' for theme parks

'Universal park will supercharge county's economy'