Universal Studios has received the green light to construct a massive theme park in the UK, a move poised to rival Disneyland Paris and other European attractions. The approval, granted by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed, allows the park to be built in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford. This decision has sparked excitement among families across the country, eager for a new entertainment destination.
The project is not merely an addition to the UK’s attractions but aims to be one of the largest theme parks globally. Universal’s planning documents describe the venture as a “generational opportunity,” asserting that the UK should host at least two global theme parks. However, the ambitious scale of the project has elicited mixed reactions from local residents and experts alike.
Community Concerns and Local Impact
While the prospect of a new theme park is thrilling to many, some locals express concerns about its potential impact on the community. Claudia Pixley, a resident living near the proposed entrance, voiced her apprehensions about the park’s location and the strain it could place on local infrastructure. “They haven’t bought enough land; what they should be buying is 2,000 acres somewhere and put their theme park in the middle,” she said, highlighting the limitations of the surrounding roadways.
Despite these concerns, a survey conducted by Universal indicates strong local support, with 92% of respondents in the Bedford area favoring the development. The park is slated to open by 2031, drawing an estimated 8.5 million visitors annually, potentially increasing to 12 million by 2051. This would surpass Disneyland Paris, which attracted 10.2 million visitors last year.
Legoland Windsor Resort: 2.42 million annual visitors (2023)
Alton Towers: 2.35 million annual visitors (2023)
Thorpe Park: 1.62 million annual visitors (2023)
Chessington World of Adventures: 1.5 million annual visitors (2022)
Potential for a European Game Changer
Theme park enthusiasts like Theme Park Kate, a content creator specializing in attractions, see Universal’s venture as a potential “game changer” in Europe. She believes the park’s ambition and scale are realistic and could rival Disneyland Paris’s longstanding dominance. “It will potentially be a theme park that can compete with the popularity of Disneyland Paris,” she noted, emphasizing the park’s potential to introduce unique intellectual properties (IPs) such as James Bond or The Lord of the Rings.
Jack Silkstone, a YouTuber and theme park aficionado, echoed this sentiment, describing the opportunity as a dream for the UK’s economy and tourism sector. “Universal are global leaders in the theme park industry; they do it different,” he stated, expressing confidence in the project’s success.
Economic Implications and Infrastructure Developments
The park is expected to create over 8,000 jobs, with many positions filled by local residents. The development will also include infrastructure upgrades, such as an enhanced railway station in the neighboring town of Wixams. Despite concerns about traffic congestion, Bedford borough councillor Marc Frost assured that traffic surveys and road improvements are part of the planning process.
Property values in the area are another consideration, with some residents poised to benefit from increased demand. Nick Kier, a partner at Lane & Holmes estate agents, noted that property prices are likely to rise, benefiting those who invest strategically. “There are definite winners and losers in this scenario,” he explained, acknowledging the potential for both economic growth and increased living costs.
The Path Forward
As Universal moves forward with its plans, the theme park’s impact on the local community and the broader UK tourism industry remains a topic of keen interest. While challenges exist, the potential benefits of increased tourism, job creation, and economic stimulation are significant. As the project progresses, stakeholders will continue to monitor its development, eager to see how Universal’s ambitious vision unfolds.
