Universal’s proposed UK theme park could “unlock enormous economic potential and boost growth” for Bedford, says a Universal senior vice president.
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.
Now, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ senior vice president of external affairs, John McReynolds, has taken a tour of Bedford town centre and spoken to local businesses.
Via a press release from Bedford Borough Council, the purpose of the tour was to highlight “key local businesses and how Universal’s proposed investment will help drive the developments that are central to the town’s economic growth and revitalisation”.
McReynolds was joined by Bedford’s mayor Tom Wootton. Together, they visited the La Piazza cafe, a garden centre called Not Another Jungle, and the Charisma gift shop.
“A world-class Universal theme park and resort could help unlock enormous economic potential and boost growth for Bedford and the UK,” he said.
“The support we have received from Mayor Tom, the Bedford borough and the many community members we have actively engaged with throughout this process has been nothing short of incredible.”
Wootton said: “A project of this scale has the potential to be transformative for Bedford borough and deliver significant benefits for the UK economy.
“Universal create thousands of jobs, help to drive footfall to existing local businesses, and unlock major investment into other local enterprises and infrastructure through their supply chain and companies who want to be based around them.”
UK theme park could “boost growth”
Universal’s proposed park could generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy during construction and the first 20 years of operations.
Construction would also create a total of 20,000 jobs, and the resort could create 8,000 new jobs once up and running.
Universal recently undertook a period of public engagement for its planned attraction, which has been endorsed by the leaders of six local authorities.
It was later confirmed that the UK’s new Labour government is to meet with representatives from NBCUniversal to discuss the plans.
Images courtesy of Universal
