Universal has ‘big vision’ for theme park area, says MP

Universal Destinations and Experiences is consulting Bedfordshire politicians and stakeholders about possible plans for a theme park

An MP said that Universal Studios has a "big vision" for the local area, after the company announced plans for a potential theme park.

Universal Destinations and Experiences has purchased 480 acres of land near Stewartby, Bedfordshire.

Labour MP for Mid Bedfordshire Alistair Strathern said he had been in "lots of discussions with Universal".

"There are some exciting aspects of the project, but they also need it to work for the local area," he added.

There are several Universal Studios movie-themed parks around the world, but this could be the first one in Europe.

Universal Studios has several theme parks inspired by movies, such as the one in Orlando

In December, a spokeswoman for Universal said it had "acquired land" near Bedford and was "at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort".

"It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community," she added.

Mr Strathern said he attended a "positive and constructive" meeting with leading executives from Universal and the local parish council, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick.

He said parish councillors were able to put forward questions and concerns on behalf of their community.

• Listen: MP says theme park could benefit Bedfordshire

"There is a lot of real excitement among local residents, after some initial disbelief.

"People are excited about the scale of the project and job opportunities, and see this as a chance to address longstanding concerns about our infrastructure."

MP Alistair Strathern said potential plans for Universal Studios would be "one of the biggest opportunities to come to Mid Bedfordshire"

He said residents felt the local area "has not had enough investment" in its road and rail connections.

But Mr Strathern also acknowledged that people wanted to know what impact a huge theme park would have, and were keen to know specific details of any proposal.

"There would be millions of people travelling to the park. There is lots of work still be done to make the idea work," he said.

Overall he said he was very positive about the potential development.

"Fundamentally, this is one of the biggest opportunities to come to Mid Bedfordshire for a long time," he said.