Could Universal’s plans for a UK park be going ahead? It’s looking positive – the UK Transport Secretary has shared his support in Parliament for the theme park.
After years of murmurings about the prospect of a Universal Park in the UK, it was officially confirmed in December 2023 that Universal was in the “very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience in Bedford, England.”
Positive Signs From the UK Government
While plans for the park are far from concrete, the news has left UK theme park fans very excited. And it seems like things are moving along nicely, as the subject of the future theme park was raised on 8th February, 2024, in Parliament.
In response to a question about road improvements (to aid the bid), Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated that he had spoken to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and was keen on further discussions.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mark Harper said, "We will look very carefully at the proposals put forward, and I know the government will want to do what we can to make sure that this exciting proposal comes to fruition."
Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin has previously said that this park would bring "enormous prosperity and jobs" to his constituency.
Universal UK: What We Know So Far
While this project is showing plenty of positive signs, plans for this park are in the very early stages.
In late 2023, Universal confirmed that their parent company Comcast had purchased a 480-acre plot of land in Stewartby, between Bedford and Milton Keynes.
This plot of land is around the same size as Thorpe Park, London’s closest major theme park. It’s also less than two hours from the capital by car or train, or just 45 minutes from London Luton Airport.
Universal has also shared a letter to local Bedford residents introducing their plans and opening up the conversation around potential concerns regarding the park.
Rumors are flying about the theming of a Universal theme park in the UK. While nothing has been confirmed (remember, Universal UK is in its very early stages), the suggestions of James Bond, Harry Potter, and Paddington Bear-style lands are gaining lots of attention online.
Universal has launched a dedicated website for the UK project where the company will be posting future updates.
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