Universal Destinations & Experiences has revealed that 92 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed are supportive of its proposal for a UK theme park.
Plans for a theme park in the UK were confirmed by Universal in December 2023 after the company bought a 476-acre parcel of land south of Bedford.
In a new letter dated 9 May and published on the project website, Universal said it is “incredibly appreciative of the very warm welcome we received and have been delighted by the enthusiasm and overwhelmingly positive responses provided throughout the public engagement period”.
During the past four weeks of public engagement, Universal has met with nearly 1,500 people at its public events, and has engaged with nearly 100 local organisations.
Additionally, an engagement survey had more than 6,000 responses, mostly from people in local communities. Universal said just over 92 percent of people are supportive, less than 4 percent are not supportive, and 4 percent don’t know.
In the letter, Universal also said there is strong support for the economic impact the project could bring to the Bedford area.
However, the company noted some concerns from locals. “We heard clearly that major infrastructure investment, such as road and rail improvements, would be required to support the needs of the local community and visitors, and we agree.
Universal to continue due diligence
“Additionally, we were thankful for the constructive dialogue around minimising visual impact and noise and are confident we can provide minimal impact to the area based on our track record of inward, immersive development at our parks around the world.”
At the end of the letter, Universal said its “continued due diligence and stakeholder dialogues will help determine whether we can proceed with this project”. The company continues to speak to transport authorities, as well as local and national governments.
“Thank you so much for your engagement and feedback. Collaboration and community engagement are at the core of any new experience we create, and this was a significant milestone in our due diligence,” Universal added.
Images courtesy of Universal
