Infrastructure upgrades are required in the area around Universal’s proposed UK theme park near Bedford if the plans are approved, a council leader has said.
Last month, a multi-billion pound deal was agreed for the new park in Bedfordshire, which was announced in December 2023 after Universal bought a 476-acre parcel of land in the county.
Speaking to the BBC, independent leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Adam Zerny, said work was needed to improve the area, including around junction 13 of the M1.
“Junction 13 does need to be sorted out, and we also believe the roundabouts should be removed from the A1 to improve the flow of traffic,” Zerny told the publication
“We will be pushing the government for solutions,” he added.
“We want a lot for this area, and we’re going to demand a lot. Don’t ask, don’t get.”
Zerny said Universal is “well aware of the infrastructure needs that we have continually put forward on behalf of residents”.
“We want a lot for this area”
“We will continue to lobby the government for what we need in this area,” he said.
The planned park could generate nearly £50 billion for the economy during construction and the first 20 years of operations, according to an economic impact analysis commissioned by Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Construction would also create a total of 20,000 jobs, and the resort could create 8,000 new jobs once up and running.
Zerny said the project “would be great news”.
He added: “Not just the park itself – new infrastructure, jobs in construction and on the site once it’s completed, and potentially increased income for local business.”
This week, Universal will open its fourth theme park at Universal Orlando, Epic Universe.
A 750-acre development, Epic Universe is the company’s most ambitious and most technologically advanced park to date.
Images courtesy of Universal
