Bedfordshire Universal Studios theme park plan discussed by ministers

Universal Destinations and Experiences said it would be many months before it made a decision on any plans for a theme park in Bedfordshire

Plans for a new UK theme park have been discussed by the highest levels of government.

Universal Studios owners bought land in Stewartby, Bedfordshire, to potentially transform into a major attraction.

In the Commons, Bedford Labour MP Mohammad Yasin asked the government to support road improvements to help deliver the proposed theme park.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said he and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had been briefed on the bid.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has been involved in discussions regarding the Bedfordshire theme park

Mr Yasin said: "Bedford Borough could become the home of the only Universal theme park in Europe, bringing enormous prosperity and jobs to my constituency and, indeed, the eastern regions."

He then asked the transport secretary: "Given road infrastructure funding has already been allocated until 2025, will the government commit to supporting this exciting project and funding the substantial road improvements that will be necessary for this plan to go ahead?"

Mr Harper responded: "I'm very familiar with that scheme - I've been briefed on it myself, and I know the chancellor has been involved in this as well.

"We will look very carefully at the proposals put forward, and I know the government will want to do what we can to make sure that this exciting proposal comes to fruition."

The discussion took place during transport questions in the Commons.

Universal Orlando is a 541-acre theme park, larger than the Bedfordshire plot

The idea of a theme park at the former brickworks site is being "explored" by Universal Destinations and Experiences.

The company purchased 480-acre (195 hectares) plot between Bedford and Milton Keynes, 60 miles (97km) from London.

"We are always looking at new locations around the world, including in Europe, and the UK is an attractive place for a potential project," a spokesperson for the Comcast-owned firm said.

The company has resorts in Orlando and Hollywood in the United States, as well as Osaka in Japan and Beijing in China.