BRTA Press
Release: 10th November 2026
BRTA has
sent a letter to Universal to draw attention to strategic rail access and links
and inviting their attention and interest in ensuring they can be delivered.
The British
Regional Transport Association (BRTA), is a voluntary transport advocacy
organization that strongly supports the proposed Universal resort development
in Bedfordshire.
We believe
this project represents a transformative opportunity, not only for Bedford but
for the wider Midlands, South East and East of England. The resort promises
substantial economic, employment and tourism benefits, and we welcome
Universal's investment in the United Kingdom.
However, we
are concerned that current transport planning may not adequately provide for
the possibility that the resort proves significantly more successful than
current forecasts anticipate.
Universal
is creating a destination of national significance. Visitors will travel from
all directions to a single location and, if attendance exceeds expectations,
the surrounding highway network could face increasing pressure despite planned
road improvements. We therefore believe that robust, future-proofed rail
connectivity should form a central component of long-term planning.
The Bedford
area occupies a uniquely strategic location at the crossroads of several
regions:
- London and the South East to the south;
- Milton Keynes, Northampton and the
Midlands to the west and north-west;
- Cambridge and East Anglia to the east;
- The East Midlands to the north.
While rail
access from London is comparatively strong through Thameslink, significant gaps
remain elsewhere.
In
particular:
- Rail access from Northampton and much of the
wider Midlands remains indirect and relatively unattractive.
- Travel from Leicester and the East
Midlands requires inconvenient interchange arrangements.
- There is currently no direct rail
connection between Bedford and Cambridge.
- East West Rail proposals remain some
distance from delivery and do not presently address wider connectivity
concerns.
We believe
there is a risk that existing plans underestimate the attractiveness of the
resort and the volume of visitors who could be encouraged to arrive by rail if
suitable infrastructure were available.
Bedford-Northampton
Railway Reinstatement
BRTA
believes that reinstating the Bedford-Northampton railway would offer
substantial benefits to Universal, local communities and the wider region.
A modern
rail connection integrated with Thameslink and the wider national rail network
could create direct links from Birmingham, Northampton and the Midlands to the
resort via Wixams Station. This would:
- Increase the resort's catchment area;
- Make access easier for employees as well
as visitors;
- Reduce reliance on private cars;
- Lower demand for parking provision;
- Help mitigate road congestion;
- Improve environmental sustainability;
- Provide inclusive access for those unable
to drive.
Given the
scale of the resort and its anticipated long-term success, we believe this
opportunity merits serious consideration.
Specific
Requests
We would
greatly appreciate Universal's support in the following areas:
1.
Protection of the former railway alignment
We are
concerned that a proposed residential development north of Bromham, on the
former railway corridor, could prejudice future reinstatement of this
strategically important route. We believe the wider regional implications
should be carefully considered before development proceeds and would welcome
Universal's support for safeguarding transport options that may benefit the
resort in the future.
2. Support
for further consideration of the Bedford-Northampton rail link
We would be
grateful for any assistance in helping ensure that this proposal receives
appropriate consideration from Government, transport authorities and strategic
decision-makers.
3.
Independent assessment of strategic benefits
A study
examining the potential benefits to Universal Bedford, local regeneration and
regional accessibility arising from improved rail connectivity, including both
Bedford-Northampton and Bedford-Cambridge links, would provide valuable
evidence for future planning. Previous studies have consistently indicated
strong demand and strategic value for these connections, yet further work is
required to quantify the specific opportunities presented by the Universal
development.
Conclusion
Our concern
is straightforward: the resort may prove even more successful than current
projections suggest. If that proves to be the case, investing in comprehensive
rail connectivity now could deliver substantial long-term benefits for
Universal, visitors, employees and the wider region.
We would
welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters with you or members of your
senior leadership team, either in person or via an online meeting.
Thank you
for your consideration. We look forward to the success of Universal Bedford and
hope that the transport infrastructure supporting it will be equally ambitious.
End Press
Release
Further
comment: Professor Andrew N. Williams BRTA Northampton
Area Rep: 07923 489254 and Richard Pill, BRTA CEO 07735 268 421

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