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The proposed Universal Studios theme park in the UK received approval this week, generating excitement among families nationwide who may one day visit the attraction.
Following extensive deliberations, Secretary of State Steve Reed granted planning permission for the park’s construction in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford.
This project is more than just a typical attraction; it represents an ambitious endeavor by the entertainment giant to establish one of the world’s largest theme parks.
In planning documents, Universal emphasized that a country like the UK should ideally have at least two world-class theme parks, describing the project as a “generational opportunity.”
However, the question remains whether Universal can successfully execute a project of this magnitude, particularly when competing with established players like Disneyland Paris. As BBC News reports, some local residents express concerns, suggesting it may be a challenging undertaking.
“They haven’t acquired sufficient land; ideally, they should secure 2,000 acres in a more remote location,” says Claudia Pixley, 46, who resides on the road where the theme park entrance is planned.
“As it stands, some of the surrounding roads are narrow village lanes.”
“Any disruption on the M1 or A421 causes gridlock in the area… and now they want to add Universal Studios to the mix.”
She describes the project as “utter madness,” stating that Universal representatives have approached her to purchase her home, where she has lived for a decade. However, she wishes to remain in her “slice of Eden.”
She may be among a minority of local residents who are unhappy about the new park. According to Universal, 92% of respondents in the Bedford area who participated in their survey of 6,000 people expressed support for the development.
This raises pertinent questions about the feasibility of Universal UK’s ambitious vision to rival the leading theme parks.
Scheduled to open by 2031, the park is projected to attract 8.5 million visitors annually and potentially feature the tallest rides in Europe. The resort’s total area is estimated to be 268 hectares (662 acres), with the theme park covering 96.7 hectares (238 acres).
In comparison, Disneyland Paris is estimated to be just under 52 hectares (130 acres), although some of Disney’s other parks globally are significantly larger.
Universal anticipates that its UK visitor numbers will rise to 12 million by 2051, potentially making it the most-visited park in Europe. According to Forbes, Disneyland Paris held that title last year with 10.2 million visitors.
Even at its projected opening, 8.5 million visitors would be more than three times the attendance of the UK’s largest parks today.
Theme Park Kate, a content creator specializing in theme parks on TikTok, believes that Universal’s future attraction could be “a huge game changer within Europe,” adding that its ambitious size and ride offerings are realistic.
“It has the potential to compete with the popularity of Disneyland Paris, which has dominated the European theme park market for many years,” she tells BBC News.
The theme park enthusiast speculates that the park would benefit from leveraging intellectual property (IP) that has not been used at other locations worldwide.
She adds, “Harry Potter has been done now at various Universal parks, but new IP like the rumored James Bond or Lord of the Rings will be unique to the park and bring in a large amount of fans that will want to see these brand new experiences for themselves for the very first time.”
Last year, a source told the BBC that the new park could include James Bond, The Lord of the Rings, Paddington, and Jurassic World-themed rides, although a Universal spokesperson said it was too early to confirm this.
Theme Park Kate is optimistic that this development could have a ripple effect, boosting the country’s existing parks and prompting them to “step up their game” to compete with Universal.
YouTuber Jack Silkstone, who visits theme parks around the world, shares this sentiment. He lives “next door” to Thorpe Park and suggests that living near a theme park is “honestly a dream.”
“Everyone has some form of connection to the park, whether they work there themselves, they know someone who works there, they love to visit, or they aspire to work at the park when they’re older,” he says.
“It creates a real sense of community that then spills out into the wider surrounding towns.”
Jack views the projected scale of the Universal UK park as a significant opportunity for the UK’s economy and expresses confidence that the company can achieve its goals.
“We’re very lucky, we’ve got some amazing, classic theme parks already in this country. But Universal are global leaders in the theme park industry; they do it different.”
Universal anticipates directly creating 8,050 jobs when the park opens, with many staff members coming from the surrounding areas.
Wixams, a town bordering the new theme park, will also receive an upgraded four-platform railway station as part of the proposals.
Despite concerns expressed by some, such as Claudia, that the area may not be able to accommodate an influx of visitors, Bedford borough councillor Marc Frost assures that traffic surveys have been completed, and road infrastructure will be in place.
Universal’s engagement with local officials suggests they “genuinely want to work and get on with their neighbors,” he adds.
Another consideration for those in the local area is property prices, and some could fare better than others in this regard.
Nick Kier, a partner at Lane & Holmes estate agents, reports that he is aware of individuals who have already purchased property near the Universal site, planning to rent them out to visitors in the future.
He explains, “There are definite winners and losers in this scenario,” adding that “you cannot expect, with that amount of investment coming in… that the prices won’t go up.”
“The people who are living here for a completely other reason will find it more expensive… That’s the losing side.”
At the same time, he acknowledges that local hotels for miles would likely benefit.
It’s clear that the Universal park could significantly surpass its competition if all goes according to plan. While the impacts may be a double-edged sword, many are eager to see what its opening brings.
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More trains will help cater for people wanting to travel to the theme park, a rail company says.
Residents of Dymchurch say they have fond memories of the decades-old attraction.
Freddy Stokes, of Premier Attractions, says he knows how important the theme park is to locals.
Performing arts union Equity says Puy Du Fou will provide “sustainable, high-quality employment”.
The North Yorkshire attraction attracts more than 230,000 visitors each year.
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