Universal Destinations & Experiences is in negotiations with the UK government over its plans for a theme park near Bedford.
Sam Fox, a priority projects consultant for Bedford Borough Council, told an overview and scrutiny committee on Thursday (26 September) that Universal and the government started negotiations “a couple of weeks ago”, Bedford Today reports.
“We’ve now entered a period of quiet from Universal in the public domain, so we’re not expecting them to be saying anything,” he said.“We’re not expecting the government to be saying anything publicly. We simply await the outcome of the government and Universal negotiations on that financial package.”
The committee heard that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is the project sponsor. If submitted, a planning application would be handled by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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.
Fox added: “I’m pleased to say there’s no major red flags for us that we’ve seen from a technical point of view that would make us think, actually the council can’t support this, or we don’t recommend that the council supports this.”
Universal recently undertook a period of public engagement for its planned park, which has been endorsed by the leaders of six local authorities.
“No major red flags” for council
Universal’s proposed park 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.
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 August, it was confirmed that the government would meet with representatives from NBCUniversal to discuss the plans.
Images courtesy of Universal
