More than 100 people representing organisations from across Bedfordshire’s built environment sector attended the launch of the Bedfordshire Development Forum (BDF) at the Harpur Suite, in Bedford on Tuesday, 13 October.
Attendees included senior representatives from the built environment, local government and infrastructure sectors. The BDF has been established to give the public and private sectors a regular place to discuss the practical issues affecting growth, investment and development across Bedfordshire. Its launch comes at a significant moment for the county.
Work is now under way on the Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford Borough, which is expected to support around 20,000 jobs during construction and direct 8,000 jobs once operational, while generating nearly £50 billion in economic benefit for the UK, the resort is expected to open in 2031.
The BDF aims to bring together organisations involved in shaping and delivering that growth, providing a space to identify challenges early, improve understanding between the public and private sectors and discuss practical solutions.
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Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford Borough said: “I’ve never been in any doubt that Bedford is the centre of the universe – and Universal’s arrival means it’s also at the centre of a scheme worth £50billion, tens of thousands of jobs, and a legacy that will benefit us all for generations.
“I’m determined to ensure that Bedford Borough gets the maximum benefit from Universal, and events like today’s launch of the Bedfordshire Development Forum will do exactly that.”
Laura Church, chief executive of Bedford Borough Council said: “The arrival of the Universal United Kingdom Resort is one of the biggest single investments in British history.
“There isn’t anything like this in the country, it places us firmly on the map, and we know that working with partners will be key to ensuring its success for Bedford.
“The Bedfordshire Development Forum will ensure that public and private sectors can work hand in glove to ensure that growth, investment and development all provide maximum benefit to our people and our businesses.”
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