News

Universal Destinations & Experiences, a leading entertainment company, recently launched a new webpage dedicated to their "UK Project." The company has confirmed that it has acquired land in Bedford, England, and is currently exploring its feasibility for a possible theme park. The new website emphasises that Universal is only "exploring" the possibility of experiences for the land, located about 45 miles from London and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter. If the project goes ahead, the park will be located in the yellow section of the map released by Universal.

In their official statement on the website, Universal Destinations & Experiences stated that they are still in the very early stages of exploring the potential park and resort experience in Bedford, England. Despite purchasing the land, the company is only beginning its feasibility study to evaluate potential sites. It may take several months before they decide whether the project should proceed.

The company's focus on collaboration and community engagement is evident in its statement. They have emphasised that if the project goes through, local residents will have opportunities to meet with them and discuss any plans as they develop. Universal is committed to enhancing natural beauty and protecting the ecology of its operations and hopes to work closely with local communities should the project proceed.

In a letter to residents, Universal Destinations & Experiences noted that their theme parks create thousands of jobs and generate significant positive economic impact locally and further afield. The company's dedication to sustainability and community engagement is commendable and will likely lead to a positive outcome for all involved if the project goes through.

The Full Letter sent to residents is as follows:

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Dear local resident,

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This week, you may have seen media reports concerning Comcast Corporation’s purchase of a parcel of land near Bedford, as well as speculation surrounding the land’s potential use.
We are writing to you to introduce ourselves and share more information about the potential project we are considering as it currently stands.

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Universal Destinations and Experiences, which is part of Comcast Corporation and based in the United States, is in the very early stages of exploring the possibility of a potential park and resort experience at this location. 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.

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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. 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.

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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. While we have been encouraged by the positive nature of conversations we’ve had so far with various national and local stakeholders — including Bedford Borough Council and the Mayor of Bedford Borough — we plan to work closely with our local communities should we progress. With this in mind, and as we continue our feasibility study, we have launched a new website www.universalukproject.co.uk to provide any relevant updates.

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There is still a long way to go, and we may not have any more information to share in the near term. Rest assured, if this potential project does progress, we will reach out to you again.
We hope this update has been helpful and look forward to closer partnerships locally and nationally as we continue to explore the possibility of bringing a park and resort experience to Bedford Borough.

Yours sincerely,
John McReynolds
External Affairs, Universal Destinations & Experiences

Gidon Freeman
Government and Regulatory Affairs, NBCUniversal