Bedfordians were disappointed today (Wednesday) after Chancellor Rachel Reeves failed to give an update on negotiations between the Government and Universal Parks & Destinations about their Universal Studios UK plans.
Speculation that a ‘green light’ on the project could be announced during the Chancellor’s growth speech started last week after sources close to the Treasury said that she would announce expansions of Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton Airports and other delayed projects.
Instead, the speech, which was made in Oxford, was met with disappointment by those excited at the project getting the go-ahead.
Read: Is Bedford’s Universal theme park about to be given the green light?
After the speech, Bedford & Kempston MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour) quizzed the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones about when we would be getting an update.
He asked, “Nothing is more exciting than the proposal for a Universal Studios theme park, the first of its kind in Europe to be built in Bedford.
“This project has a huge potential to transform the region. So can the Secretary provide an update and show me that progress has been made to turn this plan into reality?”
The secretary thanked Yasin for his “tireless campaigning” for investment in the region, but added, “Unfortunately I can’t update the House at this stage, but I look forward to doing so in due course”.
Afterwards, Yasin posted on his Facebook page that he ‘broadly welcomes’ the significant investment plans for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc announced by Rachel Reeves, which set out a plan to create Europe’s ‘Silicon Valley’ in the region with better transport links and housing.
The transport links include the East West Rail project and an upgrade to the A428.
Read: Chancellor of the exchequer gives unequivocal backing to East West Rail
‘We still await further news on Universal,’ wrote Yasin, ‘But a plan is emerging for our region that could be very exciting.’
Reacting to the Bedford & Kempston MPs comments, one Bedfodian wrote, ‘The plan only becomes exciting with universal. It will be a crime if this unique opportunity falls through. Let’s hope Universal don’t walk away while the government dithers.’
Mr Yasin replied, ‘It’s a big deal for sure. And It has to be right and I have confidence in the Government.’
Frustration and optimism
Mid Bedfordshire MP, Blake Stephenson (Conservative), was also disappointed.
Posting on his Facebook page, he wrote, ‘The Universal theme park would not only turbocharge growth in Bedfordshire but also across the country.
‘The Chief Secretary to the Treasury also missed the opportunity to do so in his growth statement to the Commons just hours ago. ‘
Meanwhile, members of a Facebook group set up to celebrate the potential 476-acre Universal theme park in Kempston Hardwick also expressed frustration.
‘This is such an opportunity I just wish our government would just get on with it before we lose this fantastic chance,’ wrote one in the We want Universal Studios in Bedfordshire group.
‘Disappointing that there was no announcement but the commitment to EWR is a good sign, ‘ wrote another.
But, others are still optimistic.
‘I think it’s all fine and I have a high degree of confidence, we just need to wait a bit longer,’ wrote one.
While another added, ‘Universal will make the announcement when they’re ready. If you listen to the detail (sic) of the investment [growth] speech it delivers a lot of transport links, infrastructure and expansion in and around the area in question.
‘Remember this project will not just impart (sic) Bedford it needs infrastructure across many areas before a major theme park will work. For example, look at the roads into Alton Towers could you imagine that for a universal theme park?”
Universal Destinations and Experiences have previously not been drawn into revealing any details of how negotiations with the UK Government are going, other than to say they are “continuing”.
Rumours that a Universal Theme Park may be coming to the area were first revealed by Orlando Park Stop in December 2023, with the Bedford Independent confirming directly with Universal Destinations & Experiences that the rumours were true the following day.
