Project Universal

Your trusted unofficial news source for the Universal Studios UK construction.

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

My favourite photo from last week… and I completely forgot to post it!

I love the flumpers queuing up for their next load, but just look at how flat that land is now.

This field used to be up at the height of the embankment the digger is sitting on. Seeing how far they’ve lowered it, and how level they’ve made it, really brings home just how much earth has been shifted.

One photo that really shows the scale of the work going on here!

What catches your eye first — the queue of flumpers or how much the ground level has changed?

#UniversalUK #UniversalUnitedKingdomResort #Bedford #Construction #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

We've been doing a bit of digging into the new four-platform Wixams Railway Station, which will eventually serve Universal United Kingdom Resort, and we've uncovered some interesting information!

It turns out Morgan Sindall Infrastructure is involved as the civils and station contractor, working alongside Network Rail to develop the new station.

We actually missed a few of their job adverts, some of which have now closed, but they've given us a rather interesting look at what's happening behind the scenes.

The project is moving into what's known as ES3 Option Selection which basiclly means they know they want a four-platform station, and they're now working out the best way to fit it all onto the site and how they're actually going to build it.

The job adverts mention some interesting things, including major earthworks involving the Midland Main Line's fast and slow lines, construction planning, design specialists and preparations to bring subcontractors on board.

We also know that modifications to the existing railway infrastructure are part of the plans, although exactly what those changes will look like remains to be seen.

Could we see some fairly substantial changes to the existing tracks?

And here's another interesting bit. Morgan Sindall's recruitment information suggests construction activity could get underway in early 2027, which lines up with Network Rail's expectations.

So although things might look fairly quiet at Wixams right now, there's clearly plenty going on behind the scenes!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. With four platforms planned, do you think they'll manage to fit everything around the existing tracks, or are we going to see some serious railway engineering and track alterations before the station takes shape?

Follow Project Universal for the latest news, discoveries and developments!

#ProjectUniversal #UniversalUK #Wixams #NetworkRail #MorganSindall #Bedford #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

🚒 Universal UK Resort Brings New Challenges for Bedfordshire Fire Service.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is already preparing for the arrival of Universal United Kingdom Resort, identifying it as one of several major developments that could place additional demands on emergency services.

With around 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year, there's plenty to consider, from emergency access and increased traffic to dealing with incidents involving large crowds.

The fire service has launched a public consultation on its plans for 2027–2032, which closes on 15 January 2027.

Do you think Bedfordshire will need more emergency service resources when Universal opens in 2031?

Follow Project Universal for the latest updates!

#ProjectUniversal #UniversalUK #Bedford #Bedfordshire #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

Not much in the way of action at the moment but this fence has fallen down that runs along the back of the core zone, join me every 20 minutes where we check if the fence is still fallen down!

It's Fence Watch!

#joking

Imagine if that had fallen on you?! Where there's blame there's a claim!

Thanks DC for the image.

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

🎉 Facebook recognized me as a consistent stories creator this week!

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

Calling all contractors working at the Universal UK Resort site!

Looking for somewhere local to stay? Our accommodation listings website, Stay Near Universal, can help you find accommodation at very competitive prices.

Have a browse and find somewhere that suits your stay. Link in the comments below.

Know someone working on site who needs accommodation? Pass this their way!

#StayNearUniversal #UniversalUK #ContractorAccommodation #Bedfordshire #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

We’re bringing Bricking It - The Universal UK Resort Podcast to YouTube LIVE — and you can be part of the conversation!

Join me and my co-hosts for Universal UK Resort chat, special guests and phone-ins where you can have your say. Got a question, a theory or something you want us to discuss? Let’s hear it!

Live streams are coming soon, so subscribe now and turn on notifications to catch our first show.

👉 https://t.co/2HF3H6E4sU

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

What's going on here then? Answers in the comments below.

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

A few of you commented yesterday that we might be seeing the beginnings of the lagoon, so today I returned to the Core Zone for a closer look.

By my reckoning, the northern end of the lagoon would sit roughly in line with the current ditch, which you can still make out. The area where the track widens at the junction could also be around the lagoon’s western end.

It’s interesting to see them starting to dig down, but whether this is the start of the lagoon excavation remains to be seen. They could simply be removing topsoil to use elsewhere before that work begins.

What do you reckon — early signs of the lagoon taking shape, or more ground preparation?

As usual, follow Project Universal for the latest news, rumours and speculation.

#ProjectUniversal #UniversalUK #UniversalUnitedKingdomResort #Bedford #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

The dumpers keep dumping and the rollers keep rolling! Another very busy week on the Core Zone at Universal UK.

Work continues to level the ground at the Broadmead Road end, where the new entrance is coming along nicely too.

A new ditch is also taking shape alongside the railway line, close to where a road is shown on the plans. Plenty to keep an eye on along that stretch.

Meanwhile, the archaeologists in their orange jackets are still busy searching for clues to the site’s past. Whether they’ve found any treasure is another matter! 😂

Which part of the site are you most looking forward to seeing take shape?

#ProjectUniversal #UniversalUK #UniversalStudiosUK #Bedford #ConstructionUpdate #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

👻👻👻👻

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

@DigitalDan7 Can you make it not be a launch coaster, I know a guy who doesn't like them 🫣

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

It’s been a busy week on the Lake Zone at Universal United Kingdom Resort, with more soil heading over to the Core Zone to raise and level the ground near Broadmead Road.

Collins’ drone pilot was also spotted flying survey missions, collecting images to map the changing ground levels. That data helps the team work out where more soil is needed and where the next loads should go.

There’s a lot more to it than picking up soil and dumping it somewhere else. Every load has a part to play!

Anyone else find this side of the construction surprisingly interesting?

#ProjectUniversal #UniversalUK #Bedford #Construction #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

🚄 Virgin Trains direct from Universal Studios UK to Europe? Let's revisit this!

Six days ago, we suggested that one day it might be possible to catch a train from Universal Studios UK directly to Europe.

Quite a few people were quick to tell us it was impossible!

Now, listen, I'm not a train nerd, but it's still got me wondering why this couldn't happen.

After all, Toyota has been running car transporter trains between Derbyshire and France through the Channel Tunnel since 2022, carrying British-built Corollas to France and bringing French-built cars back.

And guess what? Those trains run right past the Universal Studios UK site on the Marston Vale Line!

Meanwhile, Virgin has signed agreements for 12 brand-new Alstom high-speed trains for its proposed European services.

Now, I appreciate passenger trains are a different kettle of fish. There are technical challenges, border controls and all sorts to consider.

But surely that's not the same as saying it's impossible?

We might need some custom infrastructure, but there's plenty of land around the development, and we haven't even seen the detailed station designs yet!

I'm not suggesting Virgin has any plans to serve Universal, but imagine boarding a train at Universal Studios UK and stepping off in Paris!

So, railway experts, what would actually stop this from happening?

#VirginTrains #UniversalStudiosUK #ChannelTunnel #EastWestRail #Bedford #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

I’m not normally one for a rant, but the rubbish along Woburn Road and the lay-by is starting to get my back up.

Since Universal cut back the trees and vegetation, you can really see just how much rubbish is lying there. More than two weeks later, it’s still there.

Just to be clear, this isn’t Universal’s lay-by, and they haven’t caused the mess. That’s down to the people who thought it was acceptable to dump their rubbish.

But this is a busy road, and the lay-by is right beside the construction site. People driving past will see the site and see the rubbish. For anyone coming to have their first look at where the resort is being built, it’s hardly a great first impression.

I’d like to see the council get it cleared. And if that’s not happening, could Universal help organise a litter pick? They’ve spoken about being a good neighbour, and this feels like something fairly straightforward that would make a real difference.

You all know I’m excited about Universal coming to Bedford. But I’m a local resident too, and if something gets my back up, I’m not afraid to use this platform to speak up and put pressure where it’s needed.

Council elections are next May and this is exactly the sort of thing we should not be seeing.

Can get this sorted?

Tom Wootton Mayor of Bedford Cllr. Marc Frost Cllr Graeme Coombes

#Bedford #WoburnRoad #UniversalUK #KeepBritainTidy #fblifestyle

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

🚧 **MORE ROADWORKS PLANNED FOR MANOR ROAD!** 🚧

Universal has confirmed that three sections of Manor Road will be resurfaced over the weekend of **Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October**, with work taking place between **8am and 5pm** each day.

The work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption, and residents will still be able to access their properties, with traffic marshals on hand to escort vehicles through safely.

It's also worth remembering that **Manor Road remains closed to through traffic until Friday 27 November**.

Universal says further traffic management updates will be published on its official website

Another bit of progress as preparations for the new Universal UK resort continue!

#UniversalUK #ManorRoad #Bedford #UniversalStudiosUK #fblifestyle

Image for reference only.

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

@SkyNews You wouldn't steal a policeman's hat 🤷‍♂️

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

@CheekyVic @OctopusEnergy I've just ditched them for this nonsense! Screw @OctopusEnergy save 70 by switching away! Greed.

[Project Universal @ProUniversalUK]

A little bit of excitement on the concrete slab today! A concrete pump has been busy all day laying what looks like a new path around the spot where the new office block will be built.

There wasn’t a concrete mixer on site when these photos were taken, but if you’re wondering how it works, the mixer empties its load into a hopper at the back of the pump. The pump then sends the concrete along the pipe to wherever it’s needed.

Another little change to keep an eye on as this area takes shape.

#UniversalUK #UniversalStudiosUK #Bedford #Construction #fblifestyle