Biggleswade could benefit from Universal theme park - if council acts quickly

That’s according to a Biggleswade Town Council (BTC) town centre management committee report, which states that although about 12 miles from the visitor attraction at Kempston Hardwick, “Biggleswade retains geographic importance” to the tourist site.

Written by the council’s community development manager Ian Campbell, the report refers to “benefits, costs and wider implications for the town, arising from the proposed development”.

The opening of the Universal theme park in the summer of 2031 “should bring multiple positive economic and wellbeing outcomes for Bedford borough and the surrounding area”, he suggested.

“The East West Rail project, two new train stations, improvements to the A1 ‘Black Cat’ junction and the A421, and a new town at Tempsford will create extra pressures and benefits, as development and demographic influx take shape to 2050.

“Assuming Universal and these other projects mature on schedule, officers assess that BTC could act on the opportunities presented ahead of their actual delivery dates.

“It should be noted the immediate benefits arising from the theme park will be applicable to those villages and towns nearest the park, so within a five- to ten-mile radius.

“Biggleswade at 12 miles distance still retains geographic importance to the theme park, for several strategic advantages. In terms of hospitality beds and local tourism, there are currently about 45 rooms available in the town centre across a handful of establishments.

“There’s currently no museum or tourist information centre located centrally in Biggleswade, despite the growing number of important historical and archaeological finds unearthed by development activity in the area.

“The national scheme for vacant shop units could be used to source a vacant high street unit to become a new museum and information centre.” The theme park is likely to increase onward tourist visits to the town, he said.

“Finance could be obtained from the three Section 106 (developer) funding lines allocated for local libraries, possibly combining a museum function with an improved library offer. New tourist signage would be needed across the town, and the green plaques would form part of the heritage.

“Although no orbital bus service exists for Biggleswade either, one is needed for workers and visitors. Works buses serving locations such as Universal, Amazon, Holme Farm and Tritax Symmetry Park would support those on low wages and without access to personal transport.

“The theme park would need to be a destination itself, as it’s likely to routinely attract high visitor volumes. Current efforts to boost local business across multiple parameters, including development and construction, need to have a hub in Biggleswade.”

The above strategic benefits require Section 106 funding with Central Bedfordshire Council support, external private business financial engagement and national government strategic backing, he added. “Officers would need to engage at all levels to realise the benefits for the town.

“It may be necessary for this council to consider investing in targeted local advertising at the theme park to showcase the town’s strengths and maximise the pull towards Biggleswade for visitors, who opt to explore the wider county.”