UK Universal Park Submits Plan & Seeks SDO

Many outlets, including the BBC, are covering today’s news that Universal have sought planning permission for their planned new park in the UK. The BBC explains:

"Universal has sought planning permission for a new destination in Bedford through a special development order (SDO), which would allow the government to approve the project directly and bypass standard local planning procedures."

The planning docs don’t give too much away in terms of what to expect in terms of rides and attractions, but some key takeaways include:

·       Expectations of 8.5 million visitors a year

·       The possibility of a coaster with maximum height of 377 feet (115 metres)

·       Peak days could have 55,000 visitors on park

·       An entry plaza with shops, entertainment and restaurants (like CityWalk)

·       Parking for 7,000 cars

·       Aims to hire 8,500 staff

With the government publicly backing the project there’s confidence permission will be granted without any major pushback, although there’s plenty still to be done before we start seeing an exciting new skyline in Bedford.

We’ll be following the progress, along with how other UK attractions will respond, as it develops.