Universal Destinations & Experiences’ proposed theme park near Bedford in the UK could result in a “dramatic change” to tourism in the region and beyond.
Plans for a theme park in the UK were confirmed by Universal in December 2023 after the company purchased a 476-acre parcel of land south of Bedford.
Per the BBC, tourism minister Chris Bryant said during a parliamentary debate this week: “I am very hopeful that we will be able to get to the very significant and dramatic change that this would make not only to visitor numbers in Bedfordshire but for the whole of the United Kingdom.”
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His comments came after Blake Stephenson, MP for Mid Bedfordshire, said: “Universal could be the key to unlock the government’s growth mission in Bedfordshire, bringing in billions in investment that will have both direct and indirect benefits for our communities.”
Bryant declined to “enter into the specifics of the ongoing discussions” for the plans for the UK park, which could generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy during construction and the first 20 years of operations, according to an economic impact analysis commissioned by Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Stephenson said the site for the proposed Universal UK theme park project “now has the potential to power our local economy again”.
New park to “turbocharge” economy
“If the government are serious about their growth agenda, Bedfordshire represents a real opportunity,” Stephenson said. The project “would turbocharge our economy”, he added.
During a recent tour of Bedford, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ senior vice president of external affairs, John McReynolds, said the new park could “unlock enormous economic potential and boost growth” for the town.
In more news, Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, is opening on 22 May 2025 in Orlando, Florida. The new park will offer more than 50 attractions and experiences across its five themed lands.
Images courtesy of Universal
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