The Government has said they are treating a potential Universal theme park in Bedford Borough and the investment it will bring to the UK as a priority.
In a letter to Bedford & Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), the Rt. Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said: ‘My officials are working closely with NBCUniversal to assess the local and national impacts and facilitate the deliverability of this project.’
The DCMS secretary was responding to a letter Mr Yasin sent to her earlier this month seeking reassurances the project is getting the support needed to make it happen.
Today’s reply suggests that the government is indeed taking the potential project seriously.
‘This Government intends to make it a priority to engage with businesses who are interested in making significant investments in the UK, our communities and our workforce to ensure they have the support and confidence to bring economic and societal benefit to the UK.
‘As you note in your letter, a world-class, large-scale theme park has the potential to transform the area, drive growth and create thousands of jobs,’ wrote the secretary.
Mr Yasin has said the response is positive.
“I have received a very positive response from Secretary of State Lisa Nandy to my letter on Universal Studios.
“It’s promising that Department officials have been continuing their discussions with Universal and that Ministers are taking a personal interest in progressing this important project.
“It’s positive to see such a proactive approach from the Government to engage with businesses investing in our country.
“I will of course continue my discussions with Universal and will do all I can to facilitate a decision to build this transformational entertainment park development,” he said.
The news comes after the CEOs and political leaders of councils in the region signed a joint letter in full support of the project.
Universal Destinations and Experiences have yet to announce if they will be going ahead with submitting plans for a theme park in Kemspton Hardwick, but are expected to make a decision “before the end of the year’.
Jon Shortland, the council’s chief officer for highways, transport, planning and infrastructure development also told a meeting earlier this month that ” things are going very positively”.
Read: Universal “surprise” at new Government but things are still “going very positively”
