Bond and Paddington set to star at Universal park

A new Universal park is set to be built in Bedford, and it promises to be an exciting destination for fans of popular movies and characters. According to a source who spoke to the BBC, one of the main attractions will be a James Bond stunt show. This is thrilling news for those who love the iconic spy films. Alongside Bond, beloved characters like Paddington Bear and elements from the Lord of the Rings will also be featured in the park. However, it is important to note that rides related to Harry Potter are not expected to be included in this particular park. Universal has stated that it is still too early to determine all the attractions that will be available. Construction is anticipated to begin next year, provided that planning permission is granted. The park is not expected to open its doors until 2031, which means there is still quite a wait ahead for eager fans. Despite the long timeline, the source is optimistic that the plans are moving forward, although some aspects may change as development progresses. The park aims to offer unique attractions that cannot be found in other Universal parks. For instance, rides inspired by Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Minions are among the exciting options being considered. The source emphasized that contracts have already been signed, making it unlikely for the main concepts to change significantly. However, minor adjustments may occur, such as altering the color of a building or other small details. Concept art has been shared, showcasing impressive designs, including structures reminiscent of Jurassic Park. A circular arena is planned for the stunt show, which will be similar to The Bourne Stuntacular show currently in Florida. The source noted that many of the rides will be indoors, which aligns with the trend seen in the new park opening in Florida called Epic Universe. This means that visitors will be able to enjoy the attractions regardless of the weather conditions. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed her enthusiasm for the park, stating that it will provide an opportunity to showcase great British creations to the world, including characters like James Bond and Paddington Bear. However, it is worth mentioning that a Harry Potter-themed area will not be part of the park due to its proximity to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden. The park will be constructed on a vast 476-acre site that was previously a brickworks, and it will also feature a hotel and shops for visitors. The source indicated that Universal anticipates around 8. 5 million visitors each year, which means significant improvements to transport links will be necessary to accommodate the influx of guests. The mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton, expressed pride in the park being built in their town, highlighting it as a fantastic opportunity for growth and development. The park will be conveniently located with easy access from London and Luton Airport, making it an attractive destination for visitors. Plans are in place for a new train station near the park, and Universal is also looking to upgrade the nearby Wixams station to handle the expected number of visitors. Additionally, the East West Rail line is currently under construction to connect Oxford and Cambridge, and it will include a new station close to the park. Universal is also planning to make improvements to the roads leading to the park to accommodate the increased traffic. This is an exciting time for Bedford, and the community is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new Universal park, which promises to be a fantastic addition to the area.