Bedford area with four drive-through cafes could see more added

BBC News

6 days ago

Three drive-through cafes could be built opposite the site earmarked for Universal Studios and next to a retail park with four existing drive-throughs.A planning application has been submitted to develop agricultural land next to the A421 in Kempston, south of Bedford.Applicant Turnstone Estates also wants to add six commercial buildings, which would be divided into "flexible use units" for small and medium-sized businesses.The 5.29 hectare site borders the Interchange Retail Park that currently hosts several stores and Burger King, Costa, KFC and McDonalds.
The proposed Universal Studios theme park would sit on the other side of the A421 at Kempston Hardwick, and hopes to attract up to 55,000 visitors per day at peak times.Universal's planning application includes a suggestion to link up the theme park's lake area with the Interchange Retail Park for cyclists and pedestrians.
Turnstone Estates said the project - entitled Interchange South - was in a "strategic location"."Within five minutes is the proposed Universal Studios UK location, placing it at the heart of one of the most significant regional investments in a generation."It offers a rare opportunity for a range of businesses to locate in an established retail and employment location and next to a future global visitor destination," it said.
The property developer said its site was allocated for development in the Bedford Local Plan 2030.It also plans to include rooftop solar panels to generate electricity and 140 cycle spaces and 273 car parking spaces."This proposal aims to bring forward a viable and deliverable scheme on land that has remained underutilised, thereby contributing positively to the local economy," it added.
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