• ℹ️ Heads up...

    This is a popular topic that is fast moving Guest - before posting, please ensure that you check out the first post in the topic for a quick reminder of guidelines, and importantly a summary of the known facts and information so far. Thanks.

[🌎 Universal GB] General Discussion

Horses for courses, but I've found the Bedford videos very welcome over a drab winter or two. Thanks to them, I really understand the lay of the land a lot more - where the railway stations are in relation to the park, where the access roads are going to run down etc. Sure, sometimes there's not much going on, but some of us just appreciate the ride.
 
I think it's fascinating for people who have never been exposed to major infrastructure work before.

Because of my work history in major road projects I'm far more interested to see how badly National Highways botch the M1 junction upgrade. They hardly ever get junctions and roundabouts right first time.
 
I find it amusing to have a debate about whether these videos are interesting, on a forum where we have dedicated topics for toilets and benches.

Someone will find these early videos interesting. I think it's nice we’re able to follow such a huge project from the beginning of muddy fields.
 
SeeSharpy said:
How are the vloggers going to handle the footpath reopening on the 28th...

Don't think a single one has got the closure notice right
Click to expand...
There is no chance the footpath reopens on 28th. The public footpath ran across a field which as of today the new haul road crossed - people and machinery don't mix.
Danny said:
These are the vloggers who believe they will be entitled to an exclusive preview due to their public service to the project, ahead of board members, the teams who have worked to design and construct the site, space satellites snapping photos, and so on.
Click to expand...
I very much doubt I'll get to any preview event, my videos are simply to document the changes on site - I'm also following 2 other large local projects the A1 Black Cat and Luton Town's new stadium. I have also shown some of the large constructed pieces of HS2 and some of EWR.
 
WanderingNortherner said:
There is no chance the footpath reopens on 28th. The public footpath ran across a field which as of today the new haul road crossed - people and machinery don't mix.
...
Click to expand...
Citation very much needed.
Local footpath near me through a very large newbuild residential site, footpath closed by bylaw for six months.
Back open in seven months, with large scale building and road construction on each side, with a workman operating a large double gate to each side for the dozers and the like.
I dare say Monks Walk at Thorpe was similar.
 
Last edited:
The videos have been interesting and engaging. It's been nice seeing non formulaic creators that don't have a following or media access passes to attractions having a go.

The ones that have a deep passion for the build without worrying about how to make a living, the you tube algorithm or income from the film's have been very insightful.

I hope they continue and I'm very impressed by several who have been following UK drone and other laws.
 
rob666 said:
Citation very much needed.
Local footpath near me through a very large newbuild residential site, footpath closed by bylaw for six months.
Back open in seven months, with large scale building and road construction on each side, with a workman operating a large double gate to each side for the dozers and the like.
I dare say Monks Walk at Thorpe was similar.
Click to expand...

The notice mentions another 'temporary closing' will follow the current one. Also, the footpath will ultimately be rerouted, so this isn't a Monk's Walk situation, the footpath (that crosses Universal's Southern land) will be closed permanently at some point and in it's place one that skirts along the land.
 
rob666 said:
Citation very much needed.
Click to expand...

Haul road crossing the middle field.
616621590_122249403044252610_7934617504617547492_n.jpg


And footpath route, the haul road has crossed FP2, they can't reopen the footpath as it was closed "to secure site for works, security and safety to enable development", FP1 & FP2 are inside the compound in places.
615237891_122248448132252610_4795592579571973183_n.jpg
 
Because footpaths are legal rights of way, there are complex rules, and appeals procedures, against closure...all costly and time consuming.
Temporary closures are much easier, and quicker, and extensions can be applied for, without needing an act of law.
If it was straightforward, they would have applied for permanent closure.

If they are little used, there shouldn't be a problem.
But it only needs one thoosie with an email account...

Not quite the ancient history of Monks Walk though...
 
SeeSharpy said:
Looks like a hotel might be being built close to site (probably one of many!)


From: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1372917711297738&set=a.544786920777492
Click to expand...



aligning on the intent for what will become a landmark ApartHotel with food and beverage commercial (we hope!) development designed to service:
• Universal Studios employees & contractors
• Long-stay business visitors
• Leisure guests visiting the park
Click to expand...
Interesting concept. The area will need some boggo standard Premier Inn type hotels though, I imagine they have already got plans in motion from the first day this whole project was announced
 
Isn't there a centre parcs only about 15 mins away too? I bet they are delighted with all the added competition coming to the area. Ha!

However maybe it will be a good thing for them and bring in even more business...who knows. Can't say I'd want to pay Centre Parc prices to spend all day offsite a theme park though. Wouldn't seem like the best use of money but then maybe people who stay for a week would be willing to give up a day of their break to visit Universal. It could work out for them.
 
Benjsh said:
Can't say I'd want to pay Centre Parc prices to spend all day offsite a theme park though. Wouldn't seem like the best use of money but then maybe people who stay for a week would be willing to give up a day of their break to visit Universal. It could work out for them.
Click to expand...
It could maybe function similarly to how Longleat coexists alongside the Center Parcs Longleat Forest resort. When we used to go to Center Parcs, we very often used to spend a day at Longleat on our way out before going home! Perhaps Universal could cater to a similar demographic?

Although I’d hazard a guess that Universal may be a bit more upmarket and not be as centred around day trippers as Longleat…
 
Benjsh said:
Isn't there a centre parcs only about 15 mins away too? I bet they are delighted with all the added competition coming to the area. Ha!

However maybe it will be a good thing for them and bring in even more business...who knows. Can't say I'd want to pay Centre Parc prices to spend all day offsite a theme park though. Wouldn't seem like the best use of money but then maybe people who stay for a week would be willing to give up a day of their break to visit Universal. It could work out for them.
Click to expand...
People absolutely will do.

Look at the Villages des Nature thing that is near Disneyland Paris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top