Fresh details have emerged about the thrilling concept as Universal Destinations and Experiences prepares for the attraction.
Last year, the company, owned by Comcast, the parent group of Sky, acquired a 476-acre site on a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire.
The company has proposed developing a large theme park resort on the site and has begun engaging with local residents and the government.
A recent report commissioned by Universal revealed that the project would generate 20,000 long-term jobs, with 5,000 workers on site during peak construction.
Upon becoming operational, the resort is expected to initially create 8,000 new jobs across various roles.
The research also indicated that the project would contribute more than £49 billion to the regional and broader UK economy.
This encompasses a £35.1 billion contribution from the construction phase and the first 20 years of operations.
It is also anticipated to generate up to £14.1 billion in additional revenue for the Treasury during the same period.
The park is scheduled to operate year-round, mirroring the operational model of the group’s other global resorts.
Page Thompson, president of new ventures for Universal Destinations and Experiences, stated, “A world-class theme park and resort from Universal has the potential to generate billions in economic benefits for the UK.”
She added that this could be accomplished by “creating thousands of high-quality jobs and drawing millions of new visitors to the country.”
The company engaged in a month-long public consultation process for its plans beginning in early April.
It is understood that Universal is expected to pursue planning permission directly from the government later this year using a special development order.
If approved, the construction of the site is expected to span at least five years.
According to the 16-page document, the proposed site could encompass amenities such as a hotel, retail, dining, and entertainment zones, along with a Lake Zone, restoration area, and landscaped sections.
The landscaped areas will aim to minimize the visual impact of the resort on the surrounding environment.
As outlined in the proposal, rides, attractions, and buildings at the theme park would adhere to a maximum height restriction.
According to their statement, “The maximum height of any component would be 115 meters, with the highest occupiable floor of any building limited to 75 meters.”
Specific rides and attractions will be finalized at a later stage, with the theme park stating, “We acknowledge the tremendous anticipation our theme parks and developments generate, but it is still early in the process to determine the specific featured attractions and experiences.”
The proposal also hints that the Bedford-based theme park may include its own Citywalk.
Citywalk is an entertainment and retail area typically situated near a theme park.
They mentioned, “Accessing CityWalk does not require a ticket, offering visitors and the local community a unique culinary experience. For example, CityWalk Orlando features themed restaurants like our Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.
“CityWalk’s themed experiences are distinct from typical entertainment options, thus not directly competing with the leisure offerings found in town centers or on high streets.”
Additionally, the theme park corporation plans to construct hotels within its resort site, with the intention of complementing rather than competing with existing accommodation providers in Bedford.
If plans proceed, a new train station will also be constructed. Wixams Railway Station is set to be situated on the Midland Main Line, while another station is planned on the East West Rail line in close proximity to the resort.
A theme park praised as the “best in Europe” by some mothers has announced plans for a new attraction set to debut next year.
Efteling, established in 1952, is a renowned fairytale theme park located in the Netherlands, often likened to the Dutch equivalent of Disneyland.
Spanning 180 acres, the park is celebrated for its enchanting atmosphere and family-friendly attractions.
The upcoming addition will introduce a new “royal gazebo” situated between the Troll King and Mother Holle’s well in the Fairytale Forest.
The Princess and the Pea will be the 31st fairytale to join the park’s collection.
Construction is scheduled to commence this autumn, with the attraction slated to open by spring 2025.
The company has put forward plans to construct a large-scale theme park resort on the site and has initiated discussions with local residents and government officials.
According to a recent report commissioned by Universal, the project’s construction is expected to generate 20,000 long-term jobs, with up to 5,000 workers on site at the peak of construction.