Adrenaline junkies got an early Christmas present this year when Universal Studios announced exciting new plans to open a huge theme park in the UK.
Brits have been left buzzing with the prospect of having a world-class attraction, that will be brimming with the best rollercoasters right on their doorsteps, since news broke about the proposal in Bedfordshire.
Universal Studios intend to bring some of the theme park magic across the pond, following the success of its adult playgrounds in the US, China, Singapore and Japan.
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Universal Destinations and Experiences announced that its 'exploring' the idea of building a park and resort on a former brickworks site in Bedfordshire on Tuesday (19 December).
The company said they had purchased 480 acres of land at Stewartby as it was 'always looking at new locations around the world', which was music to many people's ears.
Some Brits have since received some written correspondence about the plans to construct a thrill seekers' paradise in the East of England, which also provided an update on the timeline of the 'potential project'.
Universal Destinations and Experiences sent a letter to locals explaining it was in the 'very early stages' of exploring the possibility of bringing a bit of magic to the UK, while boasting about the other benefits it could bring.
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John Reynolds, from the company's external affairs department, said: "While we do own the land, we are only at the beginning of our feasibility study as part of our evaluation of potential sites.
"It may well therefore be many months before we decide whether to proceed with the project.
"Our destinations around the world — from the United States to Japan and China — are beautifully designed and landscaped resorts that offer world-class service and feature immersive experiences that invite people to step into the stories they have imagined in their hearts and minds.
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"They also create thousands of jobs and generate significant positive economic impact, both locally and further afield. We are also committed to enhancing natural beauty and protecting the ecology of the areas where we operate.
"Above all, we have a strong track record of working together with local communities and relevant stakeholders as we consider any new project — engaging with the local community in Bedford, Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Wixams, Wootton, and elsewhere will be no different."
He said Universal Studios have been 'encouraged by the positive nature of conversations' it has had with various national and local stakeholders and planned to 'work closely with local communities' if the theme park gets the green light.
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The US firm has launched a website (www.universalukproject.co.uk) to keep people in the loop, but Reynolds told people there is 'still a long way to go'.
Bedford Borough Council has already given the idea the thumbs up, with elected mayor Tom Wootton gushing that the attraction could be 'transformative for the borough'.
He said that 'much detailed work is required before any decisions are made' and reassured locals that the council was 'committed to ensure that any plans align with the best interests of our residents'.
The site in Bedfordshire had previously been earmarked as a housing estate and recently had planning permission for 1,000 homes, which were not built.
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Universal Destinations and Experiences said earlier that the location was ideal due to it's 'transportation connectivity to London and Europe, with more than half of the UK population within two hours', as well as it's proximity to Luton Airport.
Topics: UK News, Theme Park, Universal Pictures
Olivia Burke