Universal “surprise” at new Government but things are still “going very positively”

A senior officer at Bedford Borough Council has said that the general election and forming of a new Government has taken Universal Destinations and Experiences, who are working on plans for a new theme park in the area, by surprise.

Jon Shortland, the council’s chief officer for highways, transport, planning and infrastructure development, was asked by a committee chair, councillor Colleen Atkins (Labour, Harpur) to give an update on what he knows about the project.

He wasn’t meant to be speaking but an apparent mix-up meant the officer due to give an update did not attend last night’s (Thursday, 18 July) Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Initially, Mr Shortland replied that he didn’t think he could say much as he’d signed a non-disclosure agreement. “I will try to have to think of what is publicly known that I can talk about,” he said.

Speaking of the impact the general election and the formation of a new government may have had on the project, Mr Shortland added, “The new government was a bit of a surprise, I think, to our American colleagues.

“They weren’t expecting an [election] to be called, I don’t think many of us were. They had been talking to members of the shadow cabinet, the member of the shadow cabinet who was most closely involved with this was the shadow for culture, media, and sport.

“And she was one of the few Labour MPs to lose their seats,” he said. “So they’ve had to do some work with the new minister.”

But he offered reassurance that the project overall had not been affected. “My impression of how things are going is that they are going very positively,” he said.

“If I was to hazard a guess I would say that both sides are approaching a deal which could be beneficial for all parties… I understand they’ll be a decision before the end of the year.”

Yesterday the Bedford Independent broke the news that the CEOs and political leaders of six local councils in the region had signed a letter telling Prime Minister Keir Starmer they are in full support of a Universal theme park coming to Bedford Borough.

Read: Local council leaders unite and tell Prime Minister “we strongly support” Universal UK theme park plans

Announcing that letter had been sent, Laura Church, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, said: “We know the importance of this Universal project getting the green light.

“The potential theme park and resort serve as a major draw for tourists, attracting millions of annual visitors, with many projected to come from Europe and overseas.

“It will also help bolster the UK’s profile as a leader in the creative industries, a must-see visitor destination and business investment hub, resulting in growth for the region.”

Universal Destinations and Experiences has been approached for comment.

By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
And Paul Hutchinson
Bedford Independent