Hundreds queue to hear plans for Universal resort in Bedfordshire

Hundreds of people queued to hear about a "transformative" movie-themed resort which could be created in Bedfordshire.

Universal Destinations and Experiences held its first public event on Saturday about the project since buying land in Stewartby, south of Bedford.

President Page Thompson said it was in its early stages and there was "a lot of work to do before a final decision".

"We've been amazed by the incredible welcome in Bedford and the enthusiasm for this project," he added.

While the concept is still being explored, the 480-acre (194-hectare) site could join the likes of Hollywood, Orlando, Beijing and Singapore in having a huge park with movie-based rides and experiences.

The presentation at Kimberley Sixth Form College, Stewartby, included information boards on things such as the environment and transportation - but no further details on what the park itself could contain.

"All we can really tell people today is that we're interested in exploring the feasibility of building a theme park here," said Mr Thompson.

"Normally at this stage of considering a huge resort, you're working out the infrastructure improvements that would have to take place - slip-roads off the major highways and improvements and enhancements to train services."

Attendees approached by the BBC gave a mixed reaction to the project, with some in favour of a "boost" for the Bedford economy and jobs market, but almost all were concerned about how the local infrastructure would cope.

Asked about concerns around any disruption caused by the site, Mr Thompson said: "This is really a transformative project for the whole Bedford area.

"It's going to create thousands of jobs, both during the construction period and after we open, when we'll have about 8,000 people working for the park full-time. It's a tremendous opportunity.

"What I hope people take away from this is that we've done this all over the world, we've built these great resorts that people love and we can do it here in the UK, as long as the project makes sense."

He said Universal Destinations and Experiences would "have a better idea" about whether it could "move forward" with its plans by the end of the year.

The 28-day "public engagement" continues with an exhibition at Bedford College's Modern Methods of Construction building from 16:30 until 20:00 BST on Tuesday.

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