Universal UK Resort could bring major jobs and tourism boost to West Northamptonshire
West Northamptonshire could benefit from thousands of new jobs, increased tourism and investment generated by the planned Universal UK Resort, council leaders have said following a regional summit.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) leader Councillor Mark Arnull and chief executive Martin Henry joined local authority leaders, MPs, government ministers and other regional stakeholders at a roundtable in Bedford on August 19.
Hosted by tourism minister Stephanie Peacock MP, the meeting brought together representatives from eight local authorities and Universal Destinations & Experiences to discuss how the wider region could maximise the benefits of the major development.
The proposed Universal UK Resort, planned for Bedfordshire, is expected to create around 28,000 jobs and generate an estimated £50 billion for the UK economy. It is currently expected to open in 2031.
WNC said Northamptonshire's proximity to the development meant the county was well placed to benefit from increased employment, tourism, skills development, supply chain opportunities and inward investment.
Councillor Arnull described the plans as an "incredibly exciting opportunity" for West Northamptonshire and the wider region.
He said: "The scale of investment and ambition behind the Universal UK Resort has the potential to create thousands of jobs, attract visitors from across the globe and provide lasting benefits for our local economy.
"We are keen to work closely with our regional partners and Universal to ensure West Northamptonshire is well positioned to share in these opportunities, whether through employment, skills development, supply chain opportunities for local businesses or increased visitor numbers to our area."
Richard Clinton, chair of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, said the resort would "supercharge the local economy" and further promote the UK as a visitor destination.
He said partners would work ahead of the planned 2031 opening to ensure the necessary infrastructure was in place so Northamptonshire could make the most of the development.
WNC said it would continue working with regional partners as the proposals progressed to ensure businesses and communities across West Northamptonshire were prepared to benefit from the economic and tourism opportunities created by the resort.