“The resort may prove even more successful than current projections suggest” – British Regional Transport Association

A transport campaign group has written to Universal urging it to support the reinstatement of the Northampton to Bedford railway line to improve access to its planned theme park resort.

The British Regional Transport Association (BRTA) believes restoring the former route could provide a direct rail connection from Northampton and the wider Midlands to the multi-billion-pound development in Bedfordshire.

Preparation works earlier this year for the new Universal Studios UK on the site of a former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick, south of Bedford | Leon Neal/Getty Images

placeholder image — Preparation works earlier this year for the new Universal Studios UK on the site of a former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick, south of Bedford | Leon Neal/Getty Images

In a letter to Universal, the voluntary organisation welcomed the investment but raised concerns that existing transport plans might not cope if visitor numbers exceed expectations.

It warned that the surrounding road network could face increasing pressure despite planned improvements, with better rail connections potentially reducing congestion and reliance on cars.

The group highlighted Northampton's relatively poor rail connectivity with Bedford, arguing that the proposed resort presents an opportunity to reconsider restoring the former railway.

BRTA believes a modern connection, integrated with Thameslink and the national network, could provide direct services from Northampton, Birmingham and the Midlands to the resort via Wixams Station.

It says this would improve access for visitors and employees, increase the resort's catchment area and reduce demand for car parking.

The organisation has also raised concerns about proposed residential development north of Bromham, which it says could threaten the former railway alignment and prevent its future reinstatement.

BRTA is asking Universal to support safeguarding the route and help ensure the proposal receives appropriate consideration from the Government and transport authorities.

It has also called for an independent assessment of the potential benefits of improved rail connections between Northampton, Bedford and Cambridge.

The group believes such a study could establish how the resort might strengthen the case for investment in regional railway infrastructure.

In its letter, BRTA said: "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."

It added: "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."

BRTA has invited Universal's senior leadership team to discuss the proposals and hopes the resort's transport infrastructure will be equally ambitious.