New £62million train station will be made even bigger to welcome millions of passengers at UK Universal theme park
Officials estimate up to 12.5million passengers a year could visit
5
More than £28m has already been spent on the two-platform railway station in Bedfordshire
Around 28,000 jobs will be created by the
The park will create roughly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 when it opens in 2031.
With such a large number of passengers expected to arrive by train, the construction of a new two-platform railway station near to the site has officially been put on hold.
Work had already started on building the station at Wixams in Bedfordshire.
READ MORE IN TRAVEL
More than £28m has already been spent on the project.
Bedford Borough Council had budgeted £62.6m for the original railway station plan, but more money will now be needed.
5
A new four-platform railway station will now be built at Wixams
Conservative Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton has rubber stamped the decision to terminate the existing agreement with
Instead, design work will begin on a larger four-platform station to help accommodate the influx of tourists and visitors.
Most read in News Travel
The
will be divided into four main land areas known as the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.
Within these zones will be the theme park; retail and entertainment destinations; visitor accommodation including hotels, camping and caravanning; sport, recreation, leisure and spa facilities and conference and convention spaces.
5
The theme park will transform the current site, above
The plans state: "[Guests will ] experience blockbuster attractions, adrenaline-pumping coasters, and mind-blowing spectaculars.
"They'll 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."
Termination clause
Construction on the original train station began in September 2024.
But the council had inserted a termination clause in anticipation of the Universal development potentially overtaking the existing plans.
5
The official plans show the four zones of the Universal theme park
Mayor Wootton approved the decision to scrap the original agreement on Friday, July 25.
Network Rail has halted further subcontract awards, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food
Work is focused on making the site safe and clearing materials, with the demobilisation expected to finish by the end of August.
The council had budgeted about £62m for the Wixams Station project and revised funding proposals will be laid out for councillors to examine.
5
Wixams station is to be expanded to cope with the influx of visitors to the theme park
The
There is also set to be events spaces for parades, shows and displays.
Entertainment venues are set to include theatres and cinemas and sport, recreation, leisure and
Other entertainment venues suggested are music and dance venues, nightclubs and even tattoo parlours.
Planned indoor and outdoor cultural spaces include exhibition spaces, art galleries and
What the new Universal theme park means for the UK
By
Universal Studios being given the go-ahead for a UK theme park is welcome news for rollercoaster fans.
After the decade-long saga of the London Resort - a £3.5billion project dubbed the UK's Disneyland that was eventually scrapped - the new Universal park will be the first new theme park in the country in decades.
Backed by both locals and now the government, it will also be the first Universal park in the UK and could have a number of themed lands including Harry Potter, Super Mario and Minions, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
We have a way off until it opens, with it hoping to be ready by 2031.
But with our Head of Travel Lisa Minot having a sneak peak at the new Epic Universe theme park in Florida (opening this summer) – it's certainly an exciting addition to the UK.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The historic English manor that's launched a new Italian-like wine terrace in time for summer
I FEEL like I'm in a quaint Italian town as I sit listening to live guitar while enjoying a glass of wine in a beautiful ivy-walled courtyard. Yet I'm nowhere near Italy. I'm in the heart of Kent, visiting an historic health spa during its landmark 100th anniversary year. 3 Champney's Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, Kent, has undergone extensive renovations, including a total spa refresh Credit: PETER KOCIHA/Supplied 3 Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool Credit: Supplied From its quirky beginnings as the nation's first 'health farm', pioneering hydrotherapy in the '50s, to introducing This year, it is marking the milestone with a year-long 100 Years Young campaign. Think exclusive treatments and great products you won't find elsewhere. READ MORE TRAVEL GUIDES The wine is the only UK entry to make the top 50 in the 2025 World's Best Vineyards Awards. A variety of amazing small plates, including a delicious whipped feta and flatbreads, are the perfect accompaniment. Of course, you could go bigger, with pizzas, burgers and sandwiches on offer (the sea pizza being a feast of garlic chili prawns, salmon and pickles). Most read in News Travel Relaxing among the backdrop of an 18th century manor house, there are frankly few better ways to spend an evening. The next day I was transported from Italy to France, with a beautifully laid out picnic on the manor grounds. Go on a virtual tour of the Champneys hotel - the perfect Mother's Day retreat Hopping into one of the hotel Range Rovers, I am assured by the driver that the walk would be far too difficult to do myself. Taking an entire three minutes, I feel slightly put out until I spot the size of the hamper being hauled from the boot with a bucket of champagne. Perhaps my driver was right after all. My only company is an errant bee as he leaves me to enjoy a feast of fresh pastries and sandwiches. With more than enough to feed two people, I should have asked him to join me. Back at the spa, there are more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments. My Champneys 100 Years Facial (£105) begins with a meditation, followed by a triple cleanse, exfoliation and anti-ageing cryotherapy globes. Back at the spa, there's more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments. For more ingulgence, you could opt for The 100 Years Face & Body Reset (£150) with a massage, wood therapy, and lemon tea to finish. Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool, with cream-covered plush sunloungers and beautiful sunset views. Tucked next door are the Mews Cottages, with my room hidden behind a baby pink door. Inside, a comfy double bed and lounge look out over lush grounds, and I make the most of the roll-top bath and Elemis toiletries. Complete with my leftover hamper strawberries. Not bad for a spa that's been doing this for 100 years. They've clearly learned a thing or two about la dolce vita. 3 The Sun's Kara Godfrey enjoys the view from Eastwell Manor's new summer terrace Credit: Handout GO: KENT CHAMPNEY'S STAYING THERE: One night at Eastwell Manor starts at£325 for two people, with unlimited spa, gym and class access as well as dinner, breakfast and lunch. A picnic hamper is £55pp. See
The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The little-known European sunshine spot with 35C heat, miles of sandy beaches, delicious cuisine & €60 Ryanair flights
TAKE a look at the little-known sunshine spot with 35C heat, miles of sandy beaches, delicious cuisine & €60 Ryanair flights. Rimini is a breathtaking city located in northern Italy. 5 Rimini, Italy is the perfect destination for an end of summer getaway Credit: Getty Images 5 The architecture and colourful buildings are simply stunning Credit: Getty Images 5 The coastal city has miles of sandy beaches Credit: Getty Images The hottest month in Rimini is August, when sunny days already reach up to 33C, making it the perfect time to visit. Rimini is one of Italy's most vibrant seaside resorts, famous for its miles of sandy beaches, Roman history and vibrant nightlife. And Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Rimini sits on the northeastern coast of Italy and attracts thousands of holidaymakers from around the world every READ MORE IN TRAVEL The popular beach town is a great-value alternative to pricier Italian hotspots, offering a lively atmosphere without the need for overspending. Rimini boasts over 15km of sandy shoreline, with well-equipped lidos, beach clubs and a long seafront promenade ideal for cycling or evening strolls. The beaches are packed with sunbeds and umbrellas, with shallow, warm water that's perfect for families and swimmers. This includes Lido San Giuliano and Bagno 26 Most read in News Travel Watersports activities are popular here and tourists can try out paddleboarding, banana boats or even parasailing during summer. There are also boat trips from the harbour to explore the coast, enjoy sunset cruises or head down to the nearby town of Cattolica for the day. Landlocked country you probably don't know Off the beach, Rimini has many historical sites, from its Roman origins to Renaissance architecture and local markets. Key landmarks include the Arch of Augustus, Tiberius Bridge and the 13th-century Castel Sismondo in the heart of the old town. The city centre is lively but relaxed, filled with ice cream shops, vintage stores and traditional restaurants serving piadina flatbreads, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. Just a short train ride away is Riccione – a lively town famous for beach parties, DJ nights and rooftop bars. Here, you'll find lively aperitivo spots, late-night dancing and plenty of open-air events during the summer months. DELICIOUS CUISINE Along the beach, you will find cafes, The venues by the beach often provide local cuisine and products representing the city and country, meaning plenty of delicious pasta to try. The Old Town of Rimini has many picturesque streets to explore, with gorgeous plants on the streets, local shops, food-tasting classes and museums telling the tales of the Old Town. It is well known for its wine-tasting and fresh pasta classes, with tourists travelling worldwide to try delicious Many restaurants and pubs can be found on the streets, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €2, while a meal out at a mid-range restaurant will cost €14. Many nightlife events are held in the Old Town, expressing the culture of the local pubs and famous clubs with classy architectural styles that make you feel like you've stepped back into the Roman Empire era. 5 Breathtaking views of the crystal-blue sea Credit: Getty Images 5 The city is packed with historical sites Credit: Getty Images
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Top European holiday spot urged to charge £86 a DAY to ‘stem obscene rivers of tourists'
AN iconic European city is considering implementing a tourist charge to combat overcrowding. The popular destination welcomes around 30 million tourists each year and has already taken measures to "stem obscene rivers of tourists". 2 An increase in the entry fee for day-trippers visting Venice has been proposed (stock image) Credit: AP A Setrak Tokatzian, who is the president of St Mark's Square resident's association, said the charge would help to combat what he called 'obscene' overtourism in the historic Italian city. As of right now, seven out of 10 visitors to only stay in Venice for a day, and often do not spend money in local shops. The city became the first metropolitan area globally to charge day-trippers an admission fee, which was introduced on 25 April 2024. Read More On Travel Holidaymakers with hotel or Airbnb reservations within the city are exempt but other tourists have to pay €5 (£4.20) to visit. Significant increase The proposed €100 (£86) fee would be 20 times more expensive, aiming to deter tourists who do not contribute to the local economy. Tokatzian described Venice as being is in a 'state of calamity' in an interview with local newspaper 'This tourism is obscene, there's a complete explosion of overtourism like never before, with a type of people wandering around without entering shops or even knowing where they are," he said. Most read in News Travel Tokatzian, who owns a jewellery shop in the city, called for the charge in order to stem the 'rivers of people' arriving in Venice . 'They move from one place to another, often guided by tour operators, boarding gondolas, hopping into taxis, rushing here and there, but no one buys anything," he explained. The tiny coastal village named the Venice of England is home to the country's best B&B He added that tourists who 'don't know what culture is' often bypass storefronts to spend money on 'illegal vendors' selling grain for pigeons and roses. A Daytrippers visiting during peak hours, 8:30AM to 4PM, have to pay the daily fee. Meanwhile, overnight tourists with hotel reservations are exempt from the charge. Which? reveals the destinations that have highest and lowest amount of tourist Ten highest: Zakynthos (149,886.95) Istarska Zupanija (Istria in Croatia) (133,466.93) Fuerteventura (118,720.31) Lanzarote (117,785.17) Dodecanese Islands - Kalymnos, Karpathos – Iroiki Nisos Kasos, Kos, Rodos (113,790.45) Tiroler Oberland, Austria (112,716.37) Pinzgau-Pongau, Austria (Salzburg Alps) (109,009.7) Cyclade Island group- Andros, Thira, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Tinos (104,152.63) Kerkyra, Corfu (100,079.59) Außerfern, Austria (97,299.12) Ten of the lowest: Benevento (398.17) Rybnicki, Poland (351.1) Targovishte, Bulgaria (332.15) Arr. Soignies, Belgium (284.11) Podunavska oblast, Serbia (277.83) Severoistočen, North Macedonia (177.84) Olt, South West Romania (148.3) Călăraşi, South East Romania (123.97) Dytikos Tomeas Athinon, region near Athens (64.13) Teleorman, Romania (21.54) Tourists per square km (highest) Paris (418,280.1) Central Athens (88,534.92) Copenhagen (63,943.88) Tourists per square km (Lowest) Svalbard, Norway (2.4) Teleorman, Romania (1.21) Jan Mayen, Norwegian volcanic island (0) Most overnight stays (highest) Mallorca (51,193,029) Paris (43,919.010) Rome (41,135,744) Overnight stays (Lowest) Zasavska, Slovenia (22,990) Teleorman, Romania (6,983) Jan Mayen (uninhabited Norwegian island) (0) Exemptions are also granted to residents, Venetian-born visitors, students, and workers. Opposition to fees The proposal faces opposition as critics argue that such a high rate would not teach visitors 'respect'. The former president of the St Mark's Square association Claudio Vernier shared his thoughts on 'To believe that an entry fee of €100 can solve this sick system is a pure illusion," he said. 'Asking 100 euros to enter does not educate the visitor. Doesn't teach them respect, doesn't make them more aware." He pointed out that charging such a high entry rate may work against the city. 'Those who spend a similar amount will expect a perfect, luxurious, frictionless 'theme park' experience — an expectation that cannot be met in a lively, historic, fragile city," he said. More on Venice And a recent discovery surrounding Plus, information on 2 The charge will see day-trippers pay a fee of €100 (£86) instead of the current €5 (£4.20) (stock image) Credit: Alamy
