Universal currently operates parks in the United States in Orlando and Hollywood, as well as other locations in Japan, China and Singapore.Construction started last month Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas A theme park for families with young children.
Company officials said the Bedford site was identified because of its connections to other parts of the UK and Europe. It’s just over an hour away from London by train.
This isn’t Universal’s first theme park in Europe. The company previously owned a park in Salou, Spain, called Universal’s Port Aventura and later Universal Mediterranea, until NBCUniversal sold its stake in 2004. PortAventura World Parks & Resort and owned Resort Holdings BVa subsidiary of KKR and Investindustrial.
Universal said it will communicate its plans with the surrounding Bedford community as the project moves forward. The company sent Letter to residents dated December 20th, Share project details.There is also Website Where Universal plans to post updates. The company said it would have the opportunity to meet with Universal to discuss its plans if the project comes to fruition.
“From the United States to Japan to China, our destinations around the world are beautifully designed and landscaped resorts that offer world-class service and inspire people with stories imagined in their hearts and minds. “They feature immersive experiences that allow you to step into the world. They also create thousands of jobs and generate significant positive economic impact, both locally and further afield,” the letter said. Masu.
Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton welcomed Universal’s preliminary proposal as a “major business investment” but added the project was still in its early stages and detailed work was needed before a decision could be made. .
“We very much welcome and are excited about the interest from Universal and the tremendous potential it has to transform the borough,” he said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that all plans are in the best interests of our residents.”
Peter Weisher, director of the Themed Experiences Program at the University of Central Florida, said Bedford’s location is ideal for the theme park because of its proximity to London and a large base of theme park patrons.
“If they were to build a theme park there, it would be a great spot in a tourist hub next to large population centers that are already big fans of their product,” he said. I did.
Europe has a huge number of theme parks. Merlin Entertainment, which owns multiple brands including Legoland, operates parks in several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. Warner Bros. has invested in the park near Madrid, and Disneyland Paris will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2022.
Theme park enthusiasts looking to book flights to the UK for the new Universal Resort will need to be patient. Theme parks take years to build. Weishal said the rush job would take three years. Universal announced in 2019 that it would open Epic Universe Park in Orlando in 2023, but it is currently not open. It will be postponed until 2025.
“Their plans will take years to come to fruition,” he says. “They’re using new technology and new entertainment methods. So everything is custom and takes time to design and build.”