It is amazing how problem areas can be opportunities that just haven’t been noticed.
One such instance occurred with the swamp that sat between the A45 and Irthlingborough. It was a stinking cesspit that had been unused for many years and attracted constant fly-tipping and fire-bugs. Then someone had the vision to see how it could become an asset.
It took years of hard work by the developers and local councillors, but eventually the site turned into the amazing retail/leisure area that is Rushden Lakes.
Today, Rushden Lakes is recognised as probably the finest retail centre in Europe. It also pioneered the integration of wildlife, leisure and retail, something that previously was considered almost impossible.
Now someone has made a similar leap of imagination for the former quarries south of Bedford.
Universal Studios plans to convert those quarries into a giant theme park – the first of its kind to be built in the UK. The plan is to make it bigger and better than Disneyland Paris with a potential eight million visitors per year.
Whilst Rushden Lakes gained planning consent for their major scheme from East Northants Council, it was then appealed all the way up to the Secretary of State. The delays held up the scheme for over a year and involved a great deal of campaigning.
Given the size of the scheme, Universal decided to go right to the top from the beginning – and it paid off.
In December 2025, the scheme took a big leap forward, when the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government issued a Special Development Order (SDO) authorising the scheme to go forward.
The complex will be built in Kempston Hardwick, close to Bedford and is scheduled to open in 2031. Over the next few months, Nene Herald will discuss the Universal theme park, and its likely impact on t