Universal submits plans for first UK theme park
Universal has formally submitted a request for planning permission to the government as it hopes to build its first UK theme park. The company has requested permission from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to be “granted by way of a Special Development Order (SDO)” at a site close to Bedford.
A spokesperson from Universal said that the request would be for “an entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.” The development, it added, would have a “transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy,” saying that it would provide almost “£50bn of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs.”
“At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes,” Universal said.
Rather than applying to the local planning authority, it has chosen to submit a Special Development Order directly to the government, sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. This means that the MHCLG would be the primary decision maker, while also seeking input and representation from other bodies.
The company said that it has included statements on environment, planning, as well as design and access as part of its submission. The project, it said, would help “help deliver several long sought after transportation upgrades” including an expanded Wixams rail station, direct slip roads from the A421, as well as other local road upgrades.
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