For more Universal Studios UK and Universal United Kingdom resort updates, check out projectuniversal.uk

A quick update on Broadmead Road, as Universal has confirmed that the current closure has been extended by a further three weeks. The road was originally due to reopen on 12 June, but it will now remain closed until Friday 3 July. Looking at the progress so far, it's easy to see that quite a bit of work has already been carried out. One of the biggest visible changes appears to be the widening of the road, which should make it better suited to the heavy construction traffic that will eventually be using this route. Interestingly, no work has started on the level crossing itself yet. Universal says that during the project they discovered previously unmapped utility services beneath the road. These now need to be fully surveyed before the remaining upgrades can be completed, which is why the closure has had to be extended. For anyone affected, the existing vehicle and bus diversions via Green Lane will remain in place until the works are finished. The photos below show some of the progress that's been made over the last few weeks. It might not be the most exciting part of the Universal project, but these infrastructure upgrades are an important piece of the puzzle and will help support the huge amount of construction traffic expected in the years ahead. If you're local, how have you found the diversions so far? Have they made much difference to your usual journey times, or has traffic in your area noticeably increased? Let us know in the comments below. 👇 #UniversalUK #UniversalUnitedKingdomResort #ProjectUniversal #ProjectBedford #BroadmeadRoad #Bedford #Bedfordshire #ThemeParkConstruction #Infrastructure

Witnessing Brindle & Green's environmental work, especially their new fence, sparks curiosity. What other green initiatives are they undertaking? #Environmentalism #Community

Any recommendation on home car chargers? I've got an @Indra_rt but it's been nothing but a faff since day one so I'd just like to get rid of it and replace with one that just works. #ev #uk #charger #evcharger #carcharger

The latest episode of the Bricking it: The Universal UK Podcast is now available! Join us as we chat about the latest news, rumours, developments and everything happening around Universal UK. You can listen on your favourite podcast app or tune in via YouTube (audio-only). ⚠️ Please be aware that this episode contains adult language.

Navigating railway lines against official advice? It's a calculated risk, not recklessness. The justification lies in thorough risk assessments, proving that sometimes, the 'forbidden' path is the most practical. #RiskAssessment #Practicality #SafetyFirst

No bat activity? Ensure clearance for action and discourage return by providing alternative living arrangements. Humane exclusion methods make all the difference. #BatRemoval #WildlifeControl

A strange sense of déjà vu hits as the guard house is revisited. Then, a newly fenced-off area comes into view. What's happening here? #Mystery #Observation

For a more grown up take on Universal UK, listen to our Podcast! Warning! Contains swearing. open.spotify.com/show/3Xr4vQ…

A piece of history, the Guardhouse, faces demolition. Though weathered, its past significance is undeniable. A poignant reminder of what once stood. #History #Demolition

Exploring the ghostly remains of a horse racing track, pinpointing a potential grandstand spot and noting ongoing construction. A peek into history, with respect for privacy. #History #LocalHistory

Universal Almost Chose Milton Keynes – So How Did Bedford Win? It's one of the biggest "what ifs" in the history of Universal United Kingdom Resort. Before Universal settled on the former Kempston Hardwick Brickworks site in Bedfordshire, planning documents reveal that the company was seriously considering an alternative location on the north-eastern edge of Milton Keynes. The site, referred to in the documents as the "Newport Road site", was located close to Junction 14 of the M1 and appears to have covered land in the area between the motorway and Moulsoe. Today, much of that area is earmarked for housing and mixed-use development as part of Milton Keynes' future expansion plans. At first glance, it looked like a strong contender. The location had excellent motorway access, sat close to Milton Keynes itself, and was planned to benefit from major future transport improvements. However, the planning documents reveal that Universal and the landowners were unable to agree commercially acceptable terms, meaning a deal could not be reached. The site has since been allocated for alternative development, effectively taking it off the table. But there may have been another reason why Bedford ultimately proved more attractive. The same documents reveal that Universal had a very specific list of requirements when searching for a UK location. The company wanted a site with more than 200 acres of land, relatively flat terrain, good motorway access, railway connections and a location capable of attracting visitors from across the UK. While the Newport Road site appears to have met those minimum requirements, it was only just over the 200-acre threshold Universal had set. The Bedfordshire site was on an entirely different scale. Universal initially acquired around 480 acres before expanding its holdings through neighbouring land options and purchases. Today, the company controls approximately 662 acres around the former Kempston Hardwick Brickworks site, giving it more than three times the minimum land area it was seeking. That extra space provides room not only for the theme park itself, but also for hotels, entertainment districts, backstage facilities, transport infrastructure, future expansion areas and everything else needed to support a destination resort expected to attract millions of visitors every year. Transport links also played a major role in Bedford's favour. The resort will benefit from improvements to the A421, a new dedicated junction, upgrades to local roads, and improved rail connectivity through East West Rail and the nearby Wixams station. Location was another key factor. More than half of the UK's population lives within a two-hour drive of Bedford, while London is less than an hour away by train. All of this helped create the business case for what is now one of the largest private investments in UK tourism history. Universal plans to invest around £5 billion before the resort opens in 2031, with a further £1 billion expected to be spent on future expansions. The company estimates the project could generate almost £50 billion in economic benefits for the UK economy by 2055 while supporting around 28,000 jobs. Looking back now, it's fascinating to think how close things came to being very different. Had negotiations gone another way, Universal United Kingdom Resort might have been built near Junction 14 of the M1 instead of Bedford. Instead, Bedford secured what could become one of the most significant leisure and tourism developments Europe has seen in decades. Do you think Universal made the right choice with Bedford, or would the Newport Road site near Milton Keynes have worked just as well? #UniversalStudios #bedford #construction #projectuniversal #uk

A beloved historical guardhouse might be demolished, while a building renovation moves forward. Progress is also being made on Project Universal. #Preservation #Development

Fresh signs this week on manor road.

I had a @BurgerKing the other day. God please don't bring that to Universal UK, what a load of crap! @FiveGuys however, bring it on! Proper nice burger 🍔 #universalstudios #uk

Preventing bats from returning? One strategy involves the premeditated removal of roof tiles. It's a surprising method to deter them from coming back. #PestControl #HomeTips

Notice to locals, Woburn Road is closed for the weekend between the Wootton roundabout and Green lane. It's best to avoid the area. And yes I'm aware that's easier said than done if you live in Stewartby. #construction #UniversalStudios #bedford #projectuniversal