Universal gets green light to build its UK theme park
Universal's new theme park in England has gotten government approval to begin construction. The approval also gives Universal the right to bypass standard local planning procedures.
Universal is planning a theme park on a 476-acre site near Bedford, about one hour north of London. The company has released concept art for the as-yet-unnamed theme park, with the surrounding resort to include a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex, according to United Kingdom officials.
Concept image for the UK Universal Studios park, courtesy Universal Destinations & Experiences
The UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has approved Universal's plans via a Special Development Order that allows the company to bypass local planning requirements. The order goes into effect on January 12.
"While there are still further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone for the project," Universal Destinations & Experiences President for New Ventures Page Thompson said in a letter released today. "On behalf of the company, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the continued engagement from Bedford and the various communities surrounding our site, as well as the many other national and local stakeholders who have provided feedback and expressed such enthusiasm on the transformative nature of our project.
"In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us. The interest and support we’ve already seen from both local companies and residents has been incredibly encouraging."
The park is expected to open in 2031.
Replies (7)
Yesssssss.
We're already planning at being at the Grand Opening. Only 5 years to go!
Just throwing this out there, but Batman '89 was shot at the Warner Bros lot in England. I'm sure they've got lots of props and set decorations just gathering dust in storage. If the DC deal goes through, it'd probably be pretty easy to transport it to USB to help give a potential Gotham City a more audit feel
This is a really intriguing project, and by the sounds of it Universal are setting a very high bar by getting approval for anticipating 6.5 million guests in the first year of operation.
Obviously the IPs that are ultimately a part of the project will steal the headlines, but I think the real story will be how this new park impacts the European theme park market, particularly Merlin's parks in the UK and Disneyland Paris.
@ Russell Meyer - I would imagine the people in charge of Merlin have a few beads of sweat trickling down at the moment! The two big UK parks, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, have a bunch of decent rides between them, but those parks will pale in comparison to what Universal will bring to the table. Even their latest big ride, Hyperia, doesn’t compare to VelociCoaster.
Every time Disney or Universal announce a new park anywhere I am always excited as to what the IPs and attractions are. When EPIC was announced I was weak with bated anticipation but the IPs don't do it for me although I can't judge the attractions as I have yet to experience them. I will probably visit next year but the primary reason will be it's a new park not because of the IPs. I genuinely believe that Universal UK Project/Resort (delete as appropriate) will have stronger IPs than EPIC and the drip feeding of announcements is already whetting my appetite although some will be tailored specifically to the UK market.
The reports say thay are scheduled to break ground next year with an indicative opening date of 2031 but I do think this may be a tad optimistic as Britain is not noted for its fast track construction projects so HHNForever, you may have to wait a little longer, but, let's all get excited.
I expect it to be better than Orlando's Studios and EPIC but not as good as IoA but let's wait and see.
Can't wait to see the development of this park and am happy I don't need to go to the US to get my Universal fix starting 2031.
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Very exciting. Especially as it will only be a couple of hours drive from me. The speculation/rumours about lands and attractions are going to be very lively, I’m sure.