Key Takeaways:
- The UK’s first Universal Studios theme park has been granted planning permission to be built in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire.
- The park is expected to attract over 8 million visitors per year and create 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent positions.
- The theme park will feature rides and attractions based on popular franchises such as James Bond, Paddington, and The Lord of the Rings.
- The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, including £50bn of economic benefit to the economy.
- The park will include parking for over 7,000 cars, coach and bicycle spaces, and an entry plaza.
Introduction to the Theme Park Project
The UK is set to welcome its first Universal Studios theme park, with planning permission granted for the construction of the complex in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire. The project, which is expected to attract over 8 million visitors per year, will be built on a former brickworks site and will feature a range of rides and attractions based on popular franchises such as James Bond, Paddington, and The Lord of the Rings. The theme park will be a significant addition to the UK’s tourism industry, providing a unique entertainment experience for visitors from across the country and around the world.
The Planning Process
The planning permission for the theme park was granted through a Special Development Order (SDO), which allowed the government to approve the project directly and bypass standard local planning procedures. The SDO was issued by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who gave "proper and impartial consideration to the planning merits" of the project. The decision was made based on the evidence and advice presented, and the project is subject to conditions and limitations. The planning process involved close collaboration between Universal, local councils, and stakeholders, with the aim of creating a world-class theme park that will benefit the local economy and community.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
The theme park is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, with an estimated £50bn of economic benefit to the economy. The project will create 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent positions once operational, with approximately 80% of all jobs going to local workers. The theme park will also provide a major boost to local businesses and tourism, with thousands of visitors expected to flock to the area each year. The project will help deliver key transportation upgrades, including an expanded Wixams railway station and new direct slip roads from the A421, making it easier for visitors to access the theme park.
Transportation Upgrades
The theme park will require significant transportation upgrades to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. A new railway station will be built to serve the park in Stewartby, and National Highways has confirmed that there will be upgrades to the transport network in the area, including a new link road off the A421. The transportation upgrades will not only benefit the theme park but also the local community, providing improved access to the area and reducing congestion on local roads. The project will also include parking for over 7,000 cars, coach and bicycle spaces, and an entry plaza, making it easy for visitors to access the theme park.
Community Reaction
While some residents have welcomed the plans and the prospect of more jobs, others have expressed concerns about the impact of the theme park on the local community. Some residents living close to the site have reported that they had not been informed about what would happen to their homes, and had not received confirmed offers of compensation despite their properties being earmarked for demolition. Local MPs have pledged to work closely with residents, the council, and Universal Studios to ensure that the infrastructure needed to support the theme park is delivered, and that the benefits of the project are shared by the local community.
Conclusion
The approval of the Universal Studios theme park project is a significant milestone for the UK’s tourism industry, and is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. The theme park will provide a unique entertainment experience for visitors, and will create thousands of jobs and opportunities for local businesses. While there are concerns about the impact of the theme park on the local community, the project has the potential to be a major boost for the area, and will help to establish the UK as a major player in the global theme park industry. With its unique blend of rides, attractions, and entertainment options, the Universal Studios theme park is set to become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.
