Universal GB - Archived Post Announcement Discussion

[GooseOnTheLoose]

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

If Universal's operation has as nearly the amount of impact, which excitable thoosies here claim, on Merlin's business, it's worth the attempt. As any man on death row would likely attest.

Whilst the project wouldn't be cancelled, it could cause a delay or force any relevant bodies to give similar concessions.

This is all in the extreme hypothetical, because, as I mentioned, we're not yet aware of any details of any deal.

 

[ThemeParkAddict]

If I can throw my predictions/wishlist into the ring…

Minions Land
Despicable Me Plaza
Gru’s House
Studio Backlot: Behind the Scenes of Despicable Me

I think those four areas should be enough for the grand opening. For the hub/entrance, I’m less sure, but maybe some kind of Despicable Me theme?

 

[Mick]

Shawn TPW’s video he mentions Universal are anticipating guest numbers in excess of 8mil for the first year of opening.

From what I can see online, the likes of Legoland, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park get 1 to 2 million guests a year and DLP gets around 12 million a year (anyone please correct me if I’m wrong) - just to give it some context.

 

[Quantum]

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

I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the final concept art, I have a feeling some of the areas are deliberately vague. In terms of expansion don't forget they have the whole brickworks site they own for future expansion, there is also other plots of land they could acquire as and when available if Comcast wants

 

[rob666]

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

Sorry mate, I sorted all that stuff out over Christmas with my dodgy work chemicals in my ghillie suit.
Will I live long enough to visit this place in my actual retirement?

 

[Bowser]

Pandemic aside do Universal have a track record for delivering on schedule? I appreciate this is the UK we are talking about…

 

[tech]

Sorry mate, I sorted all that stuff out over Christmas with my dodgy work chemicals in my ghillie suit.

You are doing gods work sire

 

[Skyscraper]

This email was sent out at half 1 this morning;

Following more than a year of feasibility, due diligence, and close engagement with local and national stakeholders, as well as members of the local surrounding communities, Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, announced today it intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever Universal branded theme park and resort in the United Kingdom, located in Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.

The proposed plans include an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. It will be the first Universal-branded theme park in the UK and Europe.

This development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy. It will be a major contributor to the creative arts and tourism industries, generating nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and creating thousands of new, high-quality jobs. At opening, the theme park would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, with many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities.

The project, with strong support from the national and local Government, National Highways and Network Rail, will also help to unlock several longstanding local transportation upgrades. This includes the expanded construction of Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 to accommodate road traffic, and an upgraded Manor Road, in addition to improvements to the Active Travel Network.

The response to the project has been very positive – with thousands of local residents participating in our engagement period last year and 92% expressing their support.

Our next steps:

A planning proposal will be submitted to Government in the months ahead with a projected construction start date in 2026, subject to the relevant planning approval. Additional news will be shared on the project’s website universalukproject.co.uk, and local residents will be kept abreast of the status of the project’s planning proposal.

On behalf of the company, we sincerely appreciate the widespread support and enthusiasm for this project, and we look forward to the next steps in the months ahead.

The Universal UK Project Team

 

[Mattie boy]

So let me get this correct, subject to the local council agreement/planning this will go ahead now ?

 

[Harv]

Some things, like the lagoon and probably the entrance, probably won't change - but we definitely can't read into the IPs too much.

When work began on Epic Universe, reliable leakers were adamant that the very purpose of the new park was to accommodate a sprawling Middle Earth area. That obviously didn't materialise. .

 

[Dobba]

If I'm in Merlin's legal team the very least I'm doing is demanding to know how much Comcast are paying towards the rail infrastructure that accompanies this and then demanding the government pay the same percentage in a deal to build the much talked about road from JCB to Alton Towers.

 

[Quantum]

If I'm in Merlin's legal team the very least I'm doing is demanding to know how much Comcast are paying towards the rail infrastructure that accompanies this and then demanding the government pay the same percentage in a deal to build the much talked about road from JCB to Alton Towers.

Reopening the train line would be better for Towers but I can't imagine the government are going to be that bothered what Merlin think given the level of investment Universal are bringing

 

[Josh555]

If I'm in Merlin's legal team the very least I'm doing is demanding to know how much Comcast are paying towards the rail infrastructure that accompanies this and then demanding the government pay the same percentage in a deal to build the much talked about road from JCB to Alton Towers.

Merlin can demand what they want, the reality is that unless they can show that the government have acted in some way which can be challenged on the actual principles of civil litigation then they’d be wasting time and money.

A good example of this is the new Old Trafford where the government have agreed to subsidise the local infrastructure works etc. That was announced a while ago and to my knowledge hasn’t been subject to any kind of challenge from other football clubs wanting a similar deal.

 

[tech]

When work began on Epic Universe, reliable leakers were adamant that the very purpose of the new park was to accommodate a sprawling Middle Earth area. That obviously didn't materialise. .

Personally I’ve seen some very convincing plans that make me think that Universal are planning some form of Jazz Land area…

 

[Dobba]

Merlin can demand what they want, the reality is that unless they can show that the government have acted in some way which can be challenged on the actual principles of civil litigation then they’d be wasting time and money.

A good example of this is the new Old Trafford where the government have agreed to subsidise the local infrastructure works etc. That was announced a while ago and to my knowledge hasn’t been subject to any kind of challenge from other football clubs wanting a similar deal.

Because no Premier League football club have announced plans to rebuild their stadium in the weeks and months since that deal was announced.

It's like saying there hasn't been any stone circle builders demanding they get the same Heritage Site status from UNESCO as Stonehenge.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

A good example of this is the new Old Trafford where the government have agreed to subsidise the local infrastructure works etc. That was announced a while ago and to my knowledge hasn’t been subject to any kind of challenge from other football clubs wanting a similar deal.

Old Trafford is already there, which is a crucial difference compared to the Universal development.

 

[Mick]

I expect the government will be able to justify it along the lines of the multi-billion boost to the economy and thousands of jobs that will be created from the development of the overall park, with which the transport infrastructure is intrinsically linked.

Building a new road into Towers, whilst it would be welcome and beneficial would offer far less value for money in terms of growth to the economy and new jobs because Towers is already a functioning theme park providing employment and contributing to the economy. Not really fair, but also makes sense to me.

 

[Skyscraper]

Clearer version of the potential concept art:

 

[Dobba]

Old Trafford is already there, which is a crucial difference compared to the Universal development.

And I'd be amazed if the reasons the government give for either building this entirely for Comcast or at least putting up the bulk of the money doesn't include aiming to limit the traffic impact on the surrounding towns and villages that this park will bring.

Merlin would be mad not to put in an application. They'll either get it approved or let the government tell them and every other theme park operator in the country that Comcast are getting favourable treatment and bring a whole heap of legal challenges on themselves.

 

[havaska]

I expect the government will be able to justify it along the lines of the multi-billion boost to the economy and thousands of jobs that will be created from the development of the overall park, with which the transport infrastructure is intrinsically linked.

Building a new road into Towers, whilst it would be welcome and beneficial would offer far less value for money in terms of growth to the economy and new jobs because Towers is already a functioning theme park providing employment and contributing to the economy. Not really fair, but also makes sense to me.

The government can justify it on the basis that this is a multiple of billions of pounds investment. It’s also something that will grow the economy, create more jobs and bring in more tax revenue, and attract people fr overseas to visit the UK.

Merlin’s investments are in the tens of millions and a multitude smaller in comparison. And they don’t pull in people from abroad (thoosies aside) catering to a mostly domestic audience.

I actually think, if anything, Universal a net benefit to Merlin as people may visit their London parks if they travel to the UK to go to Universal.