Universal begins public meetings for UK theme park

The company behind the proposal stressed a final decision on the project has not been made

The company behind Universal Studios theme parks has started a public engagement period ahead of submitting a formal planning application for a UK attraction.

Universal Destinations & Experiences confirmed in December they had bought 476-acres of land in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford, to potentially transform into a major attraction.

The US-based company will host two exhibition events for residents and businesses from the local area in addition to inviting people to complete an online survey.

The public engagement period, which will run until 3 May, does not mean a final decision has been made on the potential project, the firm said.

The theme park has been proposed for land in Bedfordshire near Stewartby, Wixams, Wotton and Kempston

Labour MP for Bedford & Kempston, Mohammed Yasin, encouraged people to share their views.

He said: "I have been clear from the start with Universal that it is important that to keep public support, they are as transparent as possible, and I am pleased that at such an early stage of the project public engagement has begun."

The theme park company said the secretary of state for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport agreed to act as the sponsor of a potential special development order application for the project.

The order would allow the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities to be the planning decision maker.

Universal Destinations & Experiences had rides based on the Harry Potter franchise in Florida, Japan, Hollywood and Beijing

Two public events will be held in Bedfordshire for the wider community to learn more information about the proposals.

Universal Destinations & Experiences said the public exhibition would not include information not already available on its website.

The first meeting is scheduled to take place at Kimberley College in Stewartby on 13 April.

A second event takes place at Bedford College on 16 April.