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Town 'should act early' to cash in on theme park

Euan DuncanLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageUniversal Destinations and Experiences/Comcast Artist's aerial rendering of a large resort complex centred around a bright blue lagoon. The development includes rollercoasters and thrill rides on the left, hotel and entertainment buildings surrounding the water, landscaped pathways, pools, and attractions throughout the site. Dense woodland surrounds the complex, with evening-style lighting highlighting the rides, buildings, and waterfront areas. A circular structure with a fiery feature sits near the top of the image, while multiple coaster tracks loop around the resort.Universal Destinations and Experiences/Comcast
The Universal UK Resort is due to open in 2031

A Bedfordshire town should not wait until the new Universal UK Resort opens before taking advantage of the opportunities it could bring, a report has said.

The report for Biggleswade Town Council said the park should "bring multiple positive and wellbeing outcomes" for the surrounding area.

The council's community development manager suggested advertising at the park to "showcase the town's strengths" as well as increasing the amount of rooms available in the town for visitors to stay in.

The 268 hectare (662 acre) tourist attraction is due to open in 2031 in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford.

The report, which is being discussed on Tuesday, said villages and towns within five to 10 miles (8 to 16km) of the park would be the beneficiaries of immediate benefits arising from the park.

Biggleswade lies two miles (3km) outside that area, but still "retains geographic importance to the theme park".

Hospitality was highlighted as an area to improve before the park opens. There are currently 45 rooms available in the town centre for visitors to stay in, along with an unknown number of Airbnbs.

News imageGoogle View along Biggleswade high street lined with a mix of red-brick, white-painted and timber-framed buildings. A two-lane road curves through the scene, with parked cars along the kerb and a few vehicles travelling along the street. In the foreground, a small public square contains a stone war memorial, benches, flowerbeds and flagpoles. Hanging flower baskets are attached to lamp-posts along the pavement. Shops and businesses occupy the buildings on the right-hand side. A "TO LET" sign is attached to an upper storey. Mature trees stand near the memorial, and the sky is overcast with patches of brighter cloud.Google
The report says Biggleswade should prepare for opportunities linked to the new resort

Transport links were also among the recommendations with a suggestion of introducing work buses to link Universal with major employers including Amazon and Tritax Symmetry Park, to help lower-paid workers access jobs.

The report noted that while the park was likely to increase tourist visits to the town, Biggleswade had no museum or tourist information service.

News imageEast West Rail Architect's visualisation of the proposed Tempsford railway station. A large covered entrance plaza with timber columns and a white canopy sits beneath an elevated railway platform and track structure. The station name, "Tempsford", and the National Rail logo are displayed on the building at the upper left.East West Rail
Tempsford station's delivery has been accelerated to support visitors to the Universal resort

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, funding for the projects could come from developer contributions, private companies or government grants.

The report also stated projects such as East West Rail and the Tempsford new town would bring "benefits, costs and wider implications".

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