A new theme park is "just the start" of Universal's century-long plans for its UK site, the company's president has said. The US firmbought a former brickworks near Bedfordwhich it plans to transform into a 476-acre attraction that will draw in 8.5 million annual visitors by 2031. "We look at these projects as really long term projects," said Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, speaking for the first time since the announcement. "We try to think about the next 100 years." He added: "We have a lot more land that we intend to develop... in ways that bring more people to the area and hopefully is beneficial for everybody. "Phase one of this project is the theme park, a 500-room hotel, some restaurants that people can visit without buying a theme park ticket. "This is just the start of the development in the Bedford area on our land that we're going to own." Universal theme parks already exist in America, China, Singapore and Japan. Mr Thompson insisted that the UK attraction would be the only Universal site in Europe - and not the first of many. "This is probably our real destination in Europe, and we do expect to draw from all over Europe," he said. "In fact, we expect in our first year that about 30% of our visitors will come from outside of the UK. So we think we're going to be a major driver for tourism to the country. "A country with the population and the tourist visitation of the UK should have probably three of the top 25 theme parks in the world. "Right now they don't have any - and our smallest park that we operate anywhere in the world draws nine million people. "So we feel very confident that demand is there." Before choosing to build at the former brickworks, the company had considered other locations across Europe. Mr Thompson described Kempston Hardwick as "the perfect site for us". "It's just a fantastic location, and the site was flat and already slated for development, and we knew from the very beginning we had incredibly strong support from the people in Bedford." The government's decision to backEast West Railand Luton Airport's expansion plans were positive factors, the firm said. Mr Thompson was not worried when it was pointed out East West Rail was not expected to be completed until the 2030s - andLuton Airport's annual passenger target of 32 million was set for 2043. "The Oxford link to our site on the East West Rail should be completed by 2030," he said. "Already London Luton Airport is drawing 18 million passengers a year. So the recent news about their planning approval for the expansion is just an extra bonus for us as well." The nearest access road, the A421,suffered severe flooding last yearafter heavy rainfall, but this did not phase the Orlando-based executive. "We have plans to work on the access ramp from the A421 directly into our site, and we will be addressing some of the issues you mentioned on that." During construction, Universal is expecting to create 20,000 jobs, with a peak of about 5,000 workers on site. It estimates that 80% of those jobs will come from Bedford, central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. The company does not expect to struggle to fill those roles and is working to ensure jobs are available for local people. Mr Thompson said: "We'll work with all of the local colleges, universities, and schools to try to make sure that we can help develop the skills that we need to attract those people. "The reason we went to Kimberley College and to Bedford College for our public meetings was to emphasise how we want to work with those institutions and others to develop curricula that helps create the jobs. "We've done a lot of research on both the number of people during the construction period and the number of people during operations, and we believe that in Bedford and the surrounding boroughs and the surrounding area, that we will have no trouble drawing that number of people." He said half of the management team based in Orlando started as hourly workers and there would be similar opportunities for career development for the young people of Bedford. Mr Thompson said he expected the theme park would be "transformational" for the Bedford area. He explained that at other parks, tourists had travelled from around the world, stayed in nearby hotels and made use of local amenities. "We want people to stay overnight, because that's really a beautiful area," he said. "I think people coming from London will come out and have a little bit of a staycation there for the weekend. "There's quite a lot of fun things to do in the surrounding area, so I think, and that will only grow. "I think we'll see more hotels, and I think there are many local businesses that are going to benefit from the park because we don't do everything ourselves. "Whether it's a local bakery, electrician, plumber security services, construction people - there's just going to be ongoing work on the site. And we're going to be outsourcing a lot of that work to the local community. " The company confirmed planning documents would be submitted to the government "in the next couple of months", with construction still targeted to start in 2026. Mr Thompson smiled when asked if those documents could include hints at what film franchises would inspire attractions at the park. "We've had a lot of speculation about what's in the park," he said. "We always enjoy the speculation. "We think it's very entertaining to see what people would like to see and what they expect to see in the park. "But we won't comment on the specific properties or lands in the park until we get a lot closer to opening." He paid tribute to the people of the borough, adding: "This project would not be happening if it weren't for the enthusiasm of the people in the Bedford area. "They deserve incredible thanks from us for their support at every stage of the project." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news onBBC Sounds,Facebook,InstagramandX.
Universal hints at century-long plans for UK park
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Universal Plans Long-Term Development for New UK Theme Park"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Universal's ambitious plans for a new theme park in the UK are just the beginning of a century-long vision, according to Page Thompson, president of Universal Destinations & Experiences. The company has acquired a 476-acre site near Bedford, previously a brickworks, with aims to transform it into a major tourist destination that is expected to attract approximately 8.5 million visitors annually by 2031. Thompson emphasized the long-term nature of the project, stating that the initial phase will include not only the theme park but also a 500-room hotel and various dining options accessible without a park ticket. He noted that this development is intended to enhance the local area by bringing more visitors and economic benefits to the region. Universal has confirmed that this will be the only one of its kind in Europe, with expectations that around 30% of its visitors will come from outside the UK, significantly boosting tourism in the country.
The project is projected to create around 20,000 jobs during its construction phase, with a peak workforce of about 5,000. Most of these positions are anticipated to be filled by local residents from Bedford and nearby areas. To ensure the local community benefits, Universal plans to collaborate with local educational institutions to develop relevant skills and job training programs. Thompson expressed confidence in the park's potential to transform the Bedford area, as similar parks have historically driven tourism and local economic growth. While construction is slated to begin in 2026, Universal is preparing to submit planning documents to the government shortly. Thompson acknowledged the community's enthusiasm and support as vital to the project's progression and hinted at exciting attractions inspired by popular film franchises, although he refrained from revealing specific details until closer to the park's opening.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement of Universal's plans for a new theme park in the UK is not just about creating an entertainment venue; it signifies a long-term vision that could reshape the regional economy and tourism landscape. The company's ambitious intentions suggest a deep commitment to this project, which they envision as a catalyst for growth and development in the area.
Long-Term Vision and Economic Impact
Universal's president, Page Thompson, emphasizes that this project is merely the first phase of a century-long plan. They anticipate drawing 8.5 million visitors annually by 2031, which positions the park as a significant player in the UK tourism sector. The assertion that the UK should have multiple top-tier theme parks reflects an understanding of the potential economic benefits, including job creation and increased local business revenues resulting from heightened tourist activity.
Community Perception and Local Development
The narrative presented aims to foster a positive perception within the community, portraying the park as a boon for local residents and businesses. Thompson's comments suggest a desire to integrate the development with the existing community, indicating that the project is not just for tourists but will also benefit locals. This approach seeks to build goodwill and support among residents, potentially masking any concerns about disruption or environmental impact associated with such a large-scale development.
Potential Concealments
While the announcement is overwhelmingly positive, it raises questions about potential downsides that are not addressed. For instance, there is little discussion about the environmental implications of developing a 476-acre site or the impact on local infrastructure. The focus on long-term benefits may serve to downplay immediate concerns that residents and environmental advocates might have regarding sustainability and traffic congestion.
Comparative Analysis and Connections
When compared to other recent developments in the entertainment sector, this project stands out due to its scale and ambition. It aligns with a broader trend of major corporations investing heavily in themed experiences to attract tourists. However, the unique positioning of this project as the only Universal site in Europe could suggest a strategic decision to establish a stronghold in a lucrative market, potentially leading to competitive pressures on existing attractions.
Economic and Political Implications
The potential for significant tourist influx could influence local and national economic policies as stakeholders seek to capitalize on Universal's presence. Should the park attract the projected number of visitors, it could drive discussions around infrastructure improvements and tourism strategies. This might also lead to political debates about land use, local governance, and the prioritization of tourism over other community needs.
Target Audience
This news is likely to resonate more with families, young adults, and tourism stakeholders who see the potential for leisure and economic growth. By framing the park as a destination for visitors from across Europe, Universal targets a diverse audience, including international tourists, thus broadening their appeal.
Market Influence and Stock Implications
The announcement could have implications for stock prices in the travel and entertainment sectors. Companies involved in tourism, hospitality, and local businesses may see positive movements in anticipation of increased visitor numbers. Additionally, the construction and real estate sectors might be affected as development progresses.
Geopolitical Context
While the news primarily focuses on local economic development, it fits within a broader context of global tourism trends and corporate investments. The establishment of a major theme park in the UK could enhance Britain's appeal as a tourist destination, especially in a post-pandemic world where travel and leisure activities are rebounding.
Use of AI in News Production
There may be elements of AI involved in the drafting or editing of this news piece, particularly in structuring the announcement to emphasize key points and enhance clarity. AI models could have been used to analyze previous announcements and public sentiments, shaping the narrative to resonate with target audiences.
In conclusion, while the announcement presents a compelling vision for the future, it also raises questions about transparency regarding the implications of such a large-scale project. The overall reliability of the information appears strong, but readers should remain cautious about the broader context and potential hidden challenges associated with such developments.