US firm formally begins planning process on 476-acre scheme with construction scheduled to begin next year
Universal has formally started the planning process for what is set to be the largest theme park in Europe.
The company behind the global theme park chain has lodged a Special Development Order with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for the 476-acre scheme in Bedfordshire.
MHCLG will now be inviting representations on documents filed with the application, including designs, drawings and an environmental statement.
Universal said the application was for 鈥渁n entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses鈥�.
The project is being sponsored by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and is being submitted directly to the government rather than to the local planning authority, Bedford borough council.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: 鈥淎 request for planning permission for an entertainment resort complex and associated development in Bedford has been submitted to the Department by Universal Destinations & Experiences.鈥�
The department said the application documents will be made available 鈥渋n due course鈥�.
It comes around three months after the company confirmed it was pressing ahead with its plans for the theme park, its first in the United Kingdom, and outlined a rough timeline with construction set to start as soon as next year.
The firm has described the scheme as a 鈥渨orld-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal鈥檚 distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment鈥�.
It will also contain a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex, along with upgrades to the nearby Wixams railway station, a new station on the East West Rail line near the resort and new slip roads off the A421.
The 541-acre Universal Studios Florida is among the most visited theme parks in the world and was the first of a chain which now includes parks in Los Angeles, Japan, China and Singapore.
Universal aims to create unique attractions, rides and themed zones in its parks which cannot be found elsewhere.
The BBC reported in April that Harry Potter will not be included in the Bedfordshire park, but it could feature areas themed around James Bond, Jurassic Park, Paddington and Lord of the Rings, with the latter potentially including a castle.
Rides, the majority of which will be indoor, have already been designed and 鈥渃ontracts have been signed鈥� with the owners of brands set to feature.
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