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Universal’s new theme park in the UK recently received official approval, sparking excitement among families nationwide who may one day visit the attraction. After extensive discussions, Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, granted planning permission for the park to be built in Kempston Hardwick near Bedford. This ambitious development by the American entertainment giant is more than just another amusement park; it aims to become one of the largest theme parks globally. Universal’s planning documents emphasized that the UK should host at least two world-class theme parks, calling this project a “generational opportunity.” However, achieving such a monumental vision poses challenges, and reactions among local residents have been mixed.
Living adjacent to the proposed theme park has raised concerns for some locals. Claudia Pixley, who resides on Manor Road where the park’s entrance will be located, criticizes the plans, arguing that Universal has not secured enough land and should consider purchasing a more expansive site away from small village roads. She highlights the risk of traffic congestion, especially if major nearby routes like the M1 or A421 experience disruptions. Claudia describes the project as “absolute madness” and mentions that Universal representatives have attempted to acquire her home, but she intends to remain in what she calls her “little slice of Eden.” Although she voices apprehension, Universal reports that 92% of respondents in a survey of 6,000 local residents support the development, reflecting broader community enthusiasm even as challenges loom in managing the scale of this venture.
Scheduled to open by 2031, this massive resort will cover roughly 268 hectares (662 acres), including a theme park area of 96.7 hectares (238 acres). Universal projects an initial annual attendance of 8.5 million visitors, with numbers possibly rising to 12 million by 2051, potentially surpassing Disneyland Paris—which welcomed 10.2 million people last year—as Europe’s most popular theme park. These figures dwarf current UK parks; for comparison, Legoland Windsor hosted 2.42 million visitors in 2023, Alton Towers had 2.35 million, Thorpe Park drew 1.62 million, and Chessington World of Adventures attracted 1.5 million in 2022. Such growth underscores the scale and ambition of Universal’s project, which could introduce Europe’s tallest rides.
Industry enthusiasts express optimism about the park’s potential. Theme Park Kate, a content creator who focuses on attractions, views the new site as “a huge game changer within Europe,” realistically capable of rivaling Disneyland Paris. She notes that while the Harry Potter franchise has been featured at several Universal parks, introducing new intellectual properties like James Bond or The Lord of the Rings—still unconfirmed but rumored—would create novel experiences for fans. She also believes the park’s arrival could prompt existing UK theme parks to improve and innovate. Similarly, YouTuber Jack Silkstone, a frequent theme park visitor living near Thorpe Park, describes living beside such attractions as “honestly a dream” and sees Universal’s plans as a major opportunity for the country’s economy. He emphasizes Universal’s status as a global leader in the industry and the unique influence it could bring to the UK.
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