Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

With so many major new projects planned in Bedfordshire, there’s a strong sense in the county and its businesses of a new future on our doorstep.

It’s a groundswell of transformation that will bring with it wealth, job creation, strengthened infrastructure, greater connectivity, extensive new business opportunities for the regional supply chain, and – not least - the reinvigoration of communities and places.

In short, this is Bedfordshire’s new dawn – and in this piece we take a brief look at the developments driving the county’s proud evolution.

Universal Studios Theme Park, Stewartby

This site produced the bricks that built many a Bedfordshire building, so it’s fitting that it will be the bedrock on which a new lease of life for the area will be founded, as the Universal Studios Theme Park comes to town.

This will be the Hollywood giant’s first European resort and will put Bedfordshire firmly on the tourist map. It is projected to attract up to 8.5 million visitors in its first year and will be a truly global destination, bringing over £1 billion into the region, and generating employment, community improvements, and no shortage of opportunities for local businesses.

This is much more than just an amusement park; it’s a springboard for a new economic era in the area.

East West Rail: linking towns and gowns

It’s also full steam ahead for the East West Rail link, which will unite the scientific and innovation powerhouses of Oxford and Cambridge in a corridor that will pass through Bedford.

The link will boost connectivity, improve the commuter experience, and enable ideas, talent, investment, and wealth creation to be shared.

Housing and education will benefit, too, as the corridor establishes itself as a major economic, social, and cultural thoroughfare, giving access to the two gems in the UK’s academic crown, and the commercial potential that attaches to them.

London Luton Airport’s bold expansion

This is a project that gives the local and regional economy wings – in more ways than one!

Expanding the capacity of the airport to handle 32 million passengers per year will massively strengthen the site’s international connectivity, putting Bedfordshire centre-stage as a global destination.

Luton’s proximity to London, the region’s forthcoming rail links to Oxford and Cambridge and the Universal Studios Theme Park, are all major potential attractors of air travel into the area.

And on a more local level, the airport expansion will benefit the Luton area too, driving the hotel, hospitality, and tourism trades, enabling local businesses to tender for the expansion work, and creating employment.

Luton Town development: seriously on the ball

Sport is also proving a catalyst for Bedfordshire’s burgeoning fortunes, with the new Luton Town FC stadium development at Power Court set to create a magnet destination not just for footie fans, but for all the family, with retail, leisure, and hospitality space right in the heart of Luton.

An attraction of this kind will help energise and regenerate the area, creating a social, cultural, and economic hub that creates employment and opportunities, and raising people’s expectations of what Luton can offer – whether they’re for the home team or arriving from the away camp!

Luton Hoo redevelopment: history aims big

Finally, the beautiful, historic Luton Hoo site is also primed for some game-changing development. Not only of its renowned hotel and golf course, but of its sporting and media ambitions, as the venue bids to host the Ryder Cup!

This would place the area firmly on the international sporting stage, attracting thousands of visitors and millions in global media coverage, further cementing Bedfordshire’s reputation as a place to watch, and a place to be.

There can be no doubt; Bedfordshire’s on the rise, and here at the Chamber we’re so excited to see the opportunities it brings for businesses in this area – opportunities we’re already sharing with our members.

For more information on how to join Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, visit www.chamber-business.com, or call our friendly team on 01582 522448.