This weekend Universal UK plans were revealed as the first of two public events in Bedford to discuss their interest in building a Universal theme park in Stewartby.
Hundreds of people turned up to hear about the project as the 480-acre plot of land has already been purchased by Universal and work is already taking place on the site regarding soil samples and discovering water/gas mains with many survey flags spotted on the main theme park plot of land already.
A lot of work is left to do until the park make its final decision but this consultation feels so far ahead in terms of its progress that it’s quite difficult to see the project not happening.
Representatives confirmed that this particular public interest face-to-face meeting has been the most people of any Universal park meeting and the locals are the most enthusiastic they’ve ever come across regarding Universal theme park plans.
Universal have a keen interest in building a theme park in Europe and was strongly linking the resort to an increase in not only Bedfordshire tourism but also UK tourism and the jobs and opportunities that it will bring with it.
Local transport is also a key feature of Universal’s grand scope idea with a relocated train station and brand new roads not only benefitting the park but local residents.
President Page Thompson said regarding the Universal UK plans:
We’ve been amazed by the incredible welcome in Bedford and the enthusiasm for this project.
All we can really tell people today is that we’re interested in exploring the feasibility of building a theme park here.
Normally at this stage of considering a huge resort, you’re working out the infrastructure improvements that would have to take place – slip-roads off the major highways and improvements and enhancements to train services.
This project is the biggest theme park project the UK has ever seen and with plans to expand and have multiple parks in addition to accommodation, this could very well be the UK’s number one park before it’s even built.
With construction rumoured to start in 2025 (should they go ahead with this) with a vision to open around 2030, it’ll be a very exciting time for theme park enthusiasts as this movie theme park comes to fruition.
Travelling overseas to a Universal park may just be a thing of the past as the UK will be firmly on the map when it comes to tourism as Universal is one of the hottest properties around the world.
People love Universal Parks and Resort and with 8000 people set to gain employment from this project (rising to 10,000 after a matter of years), it’s a no-brainer for the UK government to jump on this and green light it should Universal wish to go ahead.
From the promising signs so far and with a final decision to. be made by the end of 2024 we could very well see a Universal theme park in the UK within 6-7 years!
I’m absolutely over the moon and I’m so excited that the UK will finally get a park of theming quality and immersion which will force their competition (here’s looking at you Merlin) to step up their game considerably.
