Universal's UK theme park could feature Europe's tallest rides

BBC News, Bedfordshire

The new park is aiming to open in 2031

The new Universal Studios theme park that will be built in the UK could include the tallest rides in Europe, the company said.

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.

In new planning documents, the firm said it could build structures in the park reaching up to 377ft (115m), which includes rides.

"The reason for proposing structures up to this maximum height is to allow the proposed theme park to compete with other attractions in Europe," the documents said.

It continued: "Although the Universal Orlando Resort does not currently have attractions up to this height, taller attractions are more common in Europe, where rides need to be taller to create the experience, as space is more constrained.

"Building attractions that are higher, rather than over greater areas, also makes the best use of land which is in line with planning policy."

The current tallest ride in the UK is Hyperia at Thorpe Park which measures 236ft (72m), the tallest in Europe is Red Force, a 367ft (112m) rollercoaster at PortAventura World in Spain.

The plans explain that most structures at the park will range between 20m and 30m, with some taller structures creating a skyline with "visual interest".

Bedford's central location and transport links were important factors for Universal

The park expects to receive 8.5 million visitors a year, with 55,000 visitors on peak days.

Guests arriving to the park by car will drive through a tree-lined boulevard, while those using public transport will access the resort via a transport hub.

From there visitors will arrive at the site's entry plaza, which has restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.

These can be accessed and used by both those with and without tickets.

Paying guests then enter the attraction by passing under a large archway.

The documents describe how once inside the resort guests will experience "adrenaline-pumping coasters", "mind-blowing spectaculars" and will "come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains".

"They'll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they've only ever dreamed of," the document said.

The plans also include parking for more than 7,000 cars and additional spaces for people to arrive by coach and bicycle.

It also includes a proposal to build a new junction on the A421 and an expanded four-platform station at Wixams station on the Thameslink line.

There will also be a new footbridge over the tracks at the station, to allow people to walk or cycle to the site from Wixams.

Further active travel routes will allow visitors to reach the site at Kempston Hardwick from Interchange West Retail Park in Bedford.

The park is hoping to secure planning permission to open in time for 2031, when it aims to hire 8,500 staff mostly from the local area.

By 2051 it expects the amount of employees to increase to 10,000.

Sir Keir Starmer visited Bedford to announce Universal Studios would build its first European theme park in the UK

These planning documents submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have been made public as part of the consultation process.

Consultation ends on 31 August, at which point the MHCLG will review comments and make a decision.

If granted the SDO could still impose specific conditions on the construction and operation phases, requiring ongoing monitoring.

Universal declined to comment on the specifics of the planning documents, but encouraged people to submit feedback to MHCLG.