Universal’s new UK theme park is set to lead to the expansion of a station being built on the Midland Main Line.
The 476-acre site is between the forthcoming Wixams station and the existing Kempston Hardwick station on the Marston Vale line.
Enabling work at Wixams started last September after planning permission for a two-platform station with 234 parking spaces was given in March. So far only a worksite car park constructed.
Plans anticipated services every 15 minutes during peak times and 774,000 annual journeys.
It’s anticipated the new park will result in Wixams becoming a four-platform station, although exact details are still to be confirmed.
Construction of the park (approved by the government on April 9) on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks south of Bedford is set to begin next year with the aim of opening in 2031.
Universal estimates it will attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year.
In a letter to neighbours, Universal Destinations and Experience said: “The project, with strong support from the national and local Government, National Highways and Network Rail, will also help to unlock several longstanding local transportation upgrades. This includes the expanded construction of Wixams railway station,” along with road upgrades.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is working with Bedford Borough Council and Network Rail to access capacity requirements and potential service levels.
A council spokeswoman said: “The arrival of Universal, bringing thousands of new jobs and millions of annual visitors, has fundamentally strengthened the strategic importance of Wixams Station, which has always been central to our growth plans.
“This exciting development necessitates enhanced rail connectivity, not just for local residents but also for regional and international visitors.
“We are already working closely with stakeholders to determine how rail can best support Universal, the wider community, and this significant increase in demand.”
Network Rail described the development as “exciting news”. A spokesman said “plans for the railway and interfaces with the development itself need to be refined over the coming months”.
Meanwhile East West Rail, which is set to reach Bedford along the Maston Vale route, has said it has been liaising with Universal, the government and council.
East West Rail aims to reach Bedford in 2028. It’s understood Universal’s masterplan includes an allocated area for an East West Rail station, but it’s not clear if that will be in the grounds of the resort or nearby.
The Marston Vale route passes through Kempston Hardwick that borders the site which is served by an hourly train in each direction between Bedford and Bletchley.
The station had 2,296 entries and exits between April 2023 and March 2024 according to Office of Rail and Road data.
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