Universal's upcoming UK resort could be a "wake-up call" to other theme parks in the UK, according to attractions developer John Wardley.
Wardley, whose work includes Nemesis at Alton Towers, told the BBC the planned Universal park in Bedfordshire would be "the best thing to happen to the industry in Britain in many years".
He added: "I think theme parks have needed a bit of a shake-up, a wake-up call and this is going to do it.
"If existing attractions react in a positive way, they can be a very successful compliment to Universal, it all depends on how they react."
Universal's UK resort could be a "wake-up call" to other theme parks in the UK, according to attractions developer John WardleyMerlin
Set to open in 2031, Universal United Kingdom Resort will include a theme park with several immersive lands, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
Comcast NBCUniversal is investing more than £5bn in the resort, with an additional £1bn committed over its first 10 years of opening.
The development will be supported by £1.3bn in government funding for local infrastructure and transport improvements.
Wardley said he does not think smaller parks in the region will be impacted. Instead, it will be "the bigger parks that will have to watch out".
Universal UK to open in 2031
"I think they are going to rise to the challenge and develop new products and compete satisfactorily with Universal," he added.
Earlier this week, Universal revealed the first contractors and consultants appointed to help deliver its UK project.
Bovis, Galliford Try, Buro Happold, Gensler Europe, Sir Robert McAlpine and Mott MacDonald are among 23 companies selected to support delivery of the UK resort.
Universal said opportunities for regional and UK businesses will continue to expand, with the project expected to create 28,000 jobs between construction and employment, and generate £50 billion of economic benefit.
