We recently reported confirmation of land purchase in the U.K. by Universal parent company Comcast, with that plot of land currently being explored to be the home of Universal’s first U.K.-based theme park. In response to this breaking news, Universal has released a website titled the Universal UK Project and also sent a letter to residents briefing them on the current status of the project.
Related: Universal Acquires Land for New UK Theme Park
The UK project website notes Universal is currently in the “very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience in Bedford, England.” A feasibility study is currently underway as part of Universal’s “evaluation of potential sites” with an ultimate decision several months away.
The phrasing here is key, as the website seems to indicate the question is not if Universal will construct a theme park in the United Kingdom, but rather the decision is made to build a park in the U.K. with the exact location currently being explored.
Universal issued a letter to those who live within the general vicinity of the Bedford parcel in response to the recent news. The letter reads:
Dear local resident,
This week, you may have seen media reports concerning Comcast Corporation’s purchase of a parcel of land near Bedford, as well as speculation surrounding the land’s potential use.
We are writing to you to introduce ourselves and share more information about the potential project we are considering as it currently stands.
Universal Destinations and Experiences, which is part of Comcast Corporation and based in the United States, is in the very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience at this location. While we do own the land, we are only at the beginning of our feasibility study as part of our evaluation of potential sites. It may well therefore be many months before we decide whether to proceed with the project.
Our destinations around the world — from the United States to Japan and China — are beautifully designed and landscaped resorts that offer world-class service and feature immersive experiences that invite people to step into the stories they have imagined in their hearts and minds. They also create thousands of jobs and generate significant positive economic impact, both locally and further afield. We are also committed to enhancing natural beauty and protecting the ecology of the areas where we operate.
Above all, we have a strong track record of working together with local communities and relevant stakeholders as we consider any new project — engaging with the local community in Bedford, Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Wixams, Wootton, and elsewhere will be no different. While we have been encouraged by the positive nature of conversations we’ve had so far with various national and local stakeholders — including Bedford Borough Council and the Mayor of Bedford Borough — we plan to work closely with our local communities should we progress. With this in mind, and as we continue our feasibility study, we have launched a new website www.universalukproject.co.uk to provide any relevant updates.
There is still a long way to go, and we may not have any more information to share in the near term. Rest assured, if this potential project does progress, we will reach out to you again.
We hope this update has been helpful and look forward to closer partnerships locally and nationally as we continue to explore the possibility of bringing a park and resort experience to Bedford Borough.Yours sincerely,
John McReynolds
External Affairs, Universal Destinations & ExperiencesGidon Freeman
Universal UK Project Website
Government and Regulatory Affairs, NBCUniversal
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While we will have to stay tuned over the next several months to developments, the purchase of a parcel of land and the launch of a UK Project Website is a very promising sign for U.K.-based theme park fans who would love to have a Universal theme park closer to home!
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