Over 1,000 responses submitted as the railway set to serve Universal Studios gathers momentum.
The consultation on the proposed East West Rail (EWR) line has passed a significant milestone, with more than 1,000 feedback forms already submitted and the deadline still weeks away.
With over 1,700 people having attended events so far and nearly 30,000 views on the project’s consultation pages, it’s clear this railway has captured the attention of communities across the Oxford–Cambridge corridor.
But this isn’t just about trains.
What Major Attraction is the EWR Set to Serve?
Sitting at the very heart of this proposed new line is one of the most ambitious development projects the UK has ever seen — the Universal Entertainment Resort near Bedford. See my previous posts for more info.
Construction is already underway on the 476-acre site south of Bedford town centre, with an expected opening in 2031 and projections of over eight million visitors in its first year alone. The project is forecast to generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create around 28,000 jobs (Universal UK Project) — and East West Rail is integral to making it work.
East West Rail’s chief executive David Hughes has confirmed the project was re-sequenced in direct response to the scale of demand expected from the Universal resort (Leighton Buzzard Observer), with earlier plans for a single slow train per hour scrapped in favour of something far more ambitious.
The updated consultation now proposes up to four or five trains per hour, longer five-carriage trains, and a transition to hybrid battery-electric technology ahead of full electrification (Inside the Magic).
The resort site is bordered to the north-east by the planned East West Main Line, with proposals including a new station to replace Kempston Hardwick and an expanded Wixams station — effectively putting Universal Studios on the railway map from day one.
The Consultation Deadline
The consultation, which runs until 9 June 2026, is the final route-wide consultation before EWR Co submits its formal planning application next year. Eight events are still to come, including both in-person and online sessions.
There is much more to share on both the railway and the resort — we’ll be bringing you further updates in the weeks ahead.
Read the original report by Paul Hutchinson from the Bedford Independent here.
To have your say, visit the East West Rail consultation page or contact EWR Co at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk / 0330 134 0067. Deadline: 11.59pm, 9 June 2026. Below are the dates and locations for the remaining consultation meetings – as supplied by EWR.
| Date | Venue |
| Thurs 14th May 2pm-7pm | Lidlington Village Hall High Street, Lidlington, Bedford, MK43 0RN |
| Friday 15th May 2pm-7pm | Longueville Hall Whaddon Road, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes, MK17 0AT |
| Monday 18th May 11am-6pm | Venture Conferencing, Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2TG |
| Thursday 21st May 11am-6pm | Cambridge United Football Club Cledara Abbey Stadium, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8LN |
| Saturday 23rd May 11am-6pm | King’s House 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9AZ |
| Saturday 30th May 11am-6pm | Cambridge Belfry Hotel, Back Lane, Great Cambourne, Cambourne, Cambridge CB23 6BW |
| Tuesday 2nd June 10am-12pm | Online webinar: https://shorturl.at/ljyQ0 |