The UK may soon have its own version of Hollywood, as Universal Studios is reportedly planning to build a theme park in the country, as part of a larger entertainment complex called London Resort.
The project, which has been in the works for over a decade, aims to create a world-class destination that will rival Disneyland Paris and boost the UK’s tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.
The London Resort will span 535 acres on the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent, and will feature six themed lands, including one dedicated to Universal’s franchises such as Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and Fast and Furious. The park will also offer attractions based on BBC, ITV, and Paramount properties, as well as original concepts.
The project is expected to cost £3.5 billion and create 17,000 jobs. It will also have a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection, as well as educational and cultural partnerships. The London Resort hopes to open its doors in 2025, subject to planning approval and COVID-19 restrictions.
The deal between Universal and London Resort is not yet finalized, but sources say it is close to being signed. Universal already operates theme parks in the US, Japan, Singapore, and China, and is developing another one in South Korea. The UK park would be its first in Europe, and would give it a competitive edge over its rival Disney, which owns Disneyland Paris.
The London Resort’s CEO, PY Gerbeau, said in a statement that the project is “a unique opportunity to bring some of the world’s most popular and iconic entertainment brands to the UK”. He added that the park will “combine the best of Hollywood with the best of British culture”.
The project has faced several challenges and delays over the years, including land acquisition, environmental concerns, and legal disputes. It also had to revise its plans after Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, which had a licensing agreement with London Resort. However, the project has received support from the UK government, which granted it a “nationally significant” status, allowing it to bypass local authorities and speed up the planning process.
The London Resort is expected to attract up to 15 million visitors a year, and generate £50 billion of economic activity over 25 years. It will also showcase the UK’s creative and technological talents, and offer a diverse and inclusive experience for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
The project is a bold and ambitious vision for the UK’s entertainment industry, and a potential game-changer for the country’s post-pandemic recovery. As Gerbeau said, “We are creating a theme park like no other”.
