In a thrilling development for UK theme park enthusiasts
Universal Destinations & Experiences has set its sights on the picturesque town of Bedford for its first-ever UK attraction. The Hollywood heavyweight has already acquired a sprawling 476-acre site in Kempston Hardwick, just a stone’s throw away from Bedford’s bustling town centre.
Universal Studios Great Britain: A New Era of Entertainment on the Horizon
Exciting developments are underway in Bedfordshire, as recent deliveries of building and site security materials at the proposed entrance to Universal Studios Great Britain in Bedford signal that an official announcement regarding the park project could be imminent. This comes on the heels of the recent registration of trademarks for “Universal Studios” in the UK, further cementing the likelihood of the project moving forward.
While Universal Destinations & Experiences hasn’t revealed specific movie-themed attractions for the Bedford location, we can speculate based on their successful franchises:
Wizarding Wonders: Could we see a magical section dedicated to the wizarding world of Harry Potter? Imagine strolling down Diagon Alley or sipping butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.
Fast & Furious Thrills: Buckle up for high-speed chases and adrenaline-pumping action inspired by the blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise. Picture yourself racing through the streets of Bedford in custom cars.
Jurassic Adventures: Dinosaurs roaming the Bedfordshire countryside? A Jurassic World-themed area could bring prehistoric creatures to life, complete with heart-pounding rides and interactive exhibits.
Minion Mayhem: Despicable Me’s mischievous Minions could take over a corner of the park, spreading laughter and chaos. Banana-themed rides, anyone?
Super Nintendo World: Universal’s collaboration with Nintendo has been a hit in other parks. Will we find Mario Kart races or a Donkey Kong jungle adventure in Bedford?
Universal Destinations & Experiences carefully chose Bedford for several compelling reasons:
Accessibility: More than half of the UK population lives within a two-hour drive of the proposed location. With London just 45 minutes away and Luton Airport nearby, accessibility is a key factor.
Scenic Beauty: The rolling hills, charming villages, and lush greenery of Bedfordshire provide an idyllic backdrop for a theme park. Imagine thrilling rides nestled amidst picturesque landscapes.
Historic Significance: Bedford boasts a vibrant history, making it an ideal canvas for Universal’s creative endeavours. From ancient marketplaces to medieval architecture, the town’s rich heritage can inspire captivating attractions.
This project has the potential to be transformative for Bedford and deliver significant benefits for the UK economy. The developments create thousands of jobs, help to drive footfall to existing local businesses, and unlock major investment into other local enterprises and infrastructure.
Should Universal Studios proceed with this project, the benefits would include:
- The creation of an expected 8,000 new jobs once operational, rising to 10,000 by year 20 of operation, which would be advertised locally first where feasible.
- Thousands of jobs generated through construction, with an estimated onsite peak workforce of 5,000.
- Increased local employment opportunities. Initial estimates suggest that over 75% of the workforce would come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
- Dedicated training programmes. We invest significantly in our people with training and development programmes. A range of jobs at different experience levels would be created, each with genuine growth opportunities.
- The facilitation of significant infrastructure improvements, including major road and rail upgrades.
- A major boost to local and UK tourism, with the expectation that for every job created at the park, 1.5 further jobs would be created throughout the UK economy.
- Partnerships with local education institutions and businesses.
Community Engagement and Feedback
Universal Destinations & Experiences is actively engaging with local residents and businesses. They’ve hosted public exhibitions and invited feedback to shape the park’s vision. The company emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and the community.
The Future Beckons
As Universal Destinations & Experiences explores the feasibility of this exciting venture, Bedfordians eagerly await news of ground-breaking attractions, thrilling roller coasters, and magical experiences. Whether you’re a die-hard film fan or a thrill-seeker, the prospect of a Universal theme park near Bedford promises adventure, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Universal Destinations & Experiences
Head on over to the Universal Destinations & Experiences UK Project website to see the latest updates. There you will find a recently posted 16 page document outlining the project to date. You will also be able to have your say via the online public survey.
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Page Thompson
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