Universal GB - Archived Post Announcement Discussion

[flyingguitar]

I think one of the “coasters” might be the exterior of an indoor Minions Land similar to that in Beijing, which would leave 2 major outdoor coasters.

That’s not tons, and it does look like there are quite a few dark ride and indoor attraction buildings, which is what I was primarily expecting and hoping for from this project.

I’m honestly quite pleased with two major outdoor coasters, if the concept art is anything to go by! They look like really interesting rides!

ah, I am guessing you mean the lime??? green one (the lighter shade of green) it could be, although it looks a bit too complete for me to think it is theming.

the blue one looks like mr freez reverse blast, looks like it may have a direction change.

looks like there are also shot towers and a mazive indoor land

 

[Ted]

The coasters look really intresting,
Although I am surprised by the number of outdoor coasters, there is a lot of rain in the uk compared to florida and I wonder about getting them working at 365.

Actually Florida is much rainier than you think. It rains more days in the UK, but it's a lighter drizzle for the most part, where as Florida is consistently sunnier but is prone to heavier rainfall

 

[Matt N]

ah, I am guessing you mean the lime??? green one (the lighter shade of green) it could be, although it looks a bit too complete for me to think it is theming.

I could be wrong, but if you look closely at the picture, it looks as though it’s in top of a building, which makes me think it might be a Minions Land building rather than an outdoor coaster.

 

[Blackrock]

Universal have updated their website with new wording and a new letter.

Universal UK Project |

 

[flyingguitar]

Actually Florida is much rainier than you think. It rains more days in the UK, but it's a lighter drizzle for the most part, where as Florida is consistently sunnier but is prone to heavier rainfall

I have been, I should re-word this, it may rain more days but the rain is very different here you often get light rain, where it is uncomfortable to ride, but the rides will still run for most or the whole day.

in florida it is essentially like a switch where it is full on for 30 mins, but then stops. the rain is very heavy but short.

 

[Josh555]

Someone embed that ‘it’s happening’ gif!

 

[DistortAMG]

Someone embed that ‘it’s happening’ gif!

This looks great. I know this is only a concept image, but if they were to be believed, there is clearly lots of room designed for expansion, based on the general 'thinness' in physical sizes of some of the spaces.

Roll on the dark rides. I would love to see a substantial water ride; I know that is doubtful due to the climate, but they could rein in the wetness a little. I feel their water-based dark rides are amazing.

 

[DiogoJ42]

The coasters look really intresting,
Although I am surprised by the number of outdoor coasters, there is a lot of rain in the uk compared to florida and I wonder about getting them working at 365.

I suspect Universal are in for a shock if they try operate like they do stateside. Or in Japan, for that matter (I hear the locals don't like getting wet?)
Meanwhile, over here, we have headcases like @Zeock ...

 

[Craig]

Unsure as to whether this means something or not, but there's a change to the wording about planning permissions in the "Your Questions Answered" on the website too. As well as updates to the names of the government departments involved (just a name change, it's the same department), the wording has been significantly shortened and no longer makes reference to an SDO.

8. Does this project require planning consent?
We will submit a planning proposal to the Government seeking planning permission following consideration by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). It is anticipated that public consultation by MHCLG will be carried out prior to any planning decisions.

Our planning proposal would be accompanied by an Environmental Statement, which will be publicised and subject to consultation with statutory consultation bodies and the public. The Environmental Statement, together with any other information which is relevant to the decision, and any comments and representations made on it, must be taken into account in deciding whether or not to grant consent for any proposal.

8. Does this project require planning consent?
One route for securing the necessary planning approvals to move ahead with our investment is through planning permission granted directly by Government, via a special development order (SDO), where appropriate following consideration by a Secretary of State. The decision to determine whether this route is appropriate is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has agreed to act as the sponsor for the project within Government. The Government has indicated that the consideration of any proposal will be subject to administrative arrangements to ensure functional separation between DCMS as sponsor Department and the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as planning decision-maker. It is anticipated that public consultation by DLUHC will be carried out prior to any planning decisions, should we decide to take the project forward.

Our planning submission would be accompanied by an Environmental Statement, which will be publicised and subject to consultation with statutory consultation bodies and the public. The Environmental Statement, together with any other information which is relevant to the decision, and any comments and representations made on it, must be taken into account in deciding whether or not to grant consent for any proposal.

It may be nothing, but removing such a large chunk of information on the process may point to them reverting to another form of planning. Considering the video posted earlier made reference to many being unfamiliar with the SDO process and considering the delays referenced in there too, perhaps a DCO process might be the route they're going down instead? Sure it may take a little longer on the face of it, but with strong public support, a bit more familiarity with them and the government being keen to push these through quickly (Luton Airport was a DCO) maybe they'll find that process easier to navigate? Of course it still could be an SDO, just thought it was interesting all the same!

Question 9 has also been updated, which makes me think we're unlikely to be getting too many of those much wanted attraction concepts that would identify those IPs anytime soon:

9. What rides and experiences can I expect to see if this project is taken forward?
We recognise the tremendous excitement our developments bring; however, it is still too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. Should we secure the necessary planning approvals, we would confirm the exact details at a later stage.

9. What rides and experiences can I expect to see if this project is taken forward?
We recognise the tremendous excitement our developments bring, however, it is still too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. Should we proceed with the project, we would confirm these at a later stage.

Of course, we've got to remember that this is a park scheduled to open in 2031, so with 6 years to go there's also a likelihood we'll see some IPs we're not even aware of yet, or which may change as things progress.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

Details about the deal offered to Universal, to get this over the line, are still yet to be released. I'm sure it's only a matter of time, but I do wonder how much has been given away.

I would expect a lot of scrutiny, and potential cat fighting and legal objections, from other attraction operators, if it's too favourable, which could cause delays to the project.

 

[Quantum]

Great news to have it finally confirmed.

I wonder if some of the building on the concept art are placeholders as I'm not seeing a huge amount of theming. That said the area top right is very green, possible LOTR area? Hard to tell

 

[tech]

Details about the deal offered to Universal, to get this over the line, are still yet to be released. I'm sure it's only a matter of time, but I do wonder how much has been given away.

I would expect a lot of scrutiny, and potential cat fighting and legal objections, from other attraction operators, if it's too favourable, which could cause delays to the project.

Plus there’s still time for someone to find a rare spider or a couple of bats living on the land

 

[Mick]

Something about the concept art, the style of it, the lake in the middle, just makes me think AT.

Great news to wake up to.

 

[tech]

Details about the deal offered to Universal, to get this over the line, are still yet to be released. I'm sure it's only a matter of time, but I do wonder how much has been given away.

I would expect a lot of scrutiny, and potential cat fighting and legal objections, from other attraction operators, if it's too favourable, which could cause delays to the project.

Merlin legal will already be penning their 45 page objection, bleating on about how much harm it could do to their empire if we allow a properly run theme park to open in the UK.

 

[QTXAdsy]

Well then, to quote Norwegian football broadcaster Bjørge Lillelien I have this to say...

"Merlin! Can you hear me Merlin? Your parks are all going to take a hell of a beating!"

And that sewage burst on the opening day at Towers was with hindsight a metaphor for Merlin crapping themselves that this would happen.

 

[Josh555]

Details about the deal offered to Universal, to get this over the line, are still yet to be released. I'm sure it's only a matter of time, but I do wonder how much has been given away.

I would expect a lot of scrutiny, and potential cat fighting and legal objections, from other attraction operators, if it's too favourable, which could cause delays to the project.

Unless Merlin or whoever else have actual grounds for challenge on the basis of judicial review then there is no grounds for an unrelated third party to challenge an agreement made between two other parties.

 

[Dobba]

Well then, to quote Norwegian football broadcaster Bjørge Lillelien I have this to say...

"Merlin! Can you hear me Merlin? Your parks are all going to take a hell of a beating!"

And that sewage burst on the opening day at Towers was with hindsight a metaphor for Merlin crapping themselves that this would happen.

I'm sure Merlin will be absolutely devastated at the amount of Universal fanboys coming up with excuses for this park's approach to pricing admission, fast track tickets, car parking and food for the next six years.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

Unless Merlin or whoever else have actual grounds for challenge on the basis of judicial review then there is no grounds for an unrelated third party to challenge an agreement made between two other parties.

I did qualify and state "if it's too favourable", which is essentially a place holder for anti-competitive, or preferential. I also didn't state it was a certainty, but the deal will be scrutinised by those interested in potentially raising an objection, if they can.

It also wouldn't need to reach JR stage. We see this locally all of the time, with objections by large supermarkets when another proposes a development on "their patch". Though this is at the planning level, rather than any infrastructure or tax assistance.

 

[Jb85]

Without wanting to add to much as a lot has been said.
Great news for the industry and for the UK economy.

I do think the land envelope looks small - limited future expansion?

But I can’t help be excited by this.

Concept are looks great as well!

Merlin must now react

 

[Josh555]

I did qualify and state "if it's too favourable", which is essentially a place holder for anti-competitive, or preferential. I also didn't state it was a certainty, but the deal will be scrutinised by those interested in potentially raising an objection, if they can.

It also wouldn't need to reach JR stage. We see this locally all of the time, with objections by large supermarkets when another proposes a development on "their patch". Though this is at the planning level, rather than any infrastructure or tax assistance.

It just seems like a great deal of expense to fight a battle that would inevitably be lost.