Universal set their sites on land on the edge of Cambridgeshire, at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site in Bedfordshire, to build a multi-billion theme park.

In July, the company published its plans for the Universal Studios park and the public had two months to submit their thoughts on them.

The consultation into the plans has now closed.

Take a look at what we know so far about the proposals for the theme park, which is expected to be built by 2031.

A free ‘entry plaza’

An area of the park will be free entry for anyone who wishes to go.

This area is set to be known as the “Entry Plaza”, and will echo a similar model across Universal’s other parks.

The Entry Plaza will have restaurants, shops, cinemas, and more, and will not require a ticket for Universal Studios.

Extra public transport, but no Eurostar

There will be extra public transport that serves Universal Studios.

East West Rail, the project to connect Oxford to Cambridge, will have to factor Universal Studios into its existing plans.

Wixhams Railway Station is being developed as well, which, as a result of the Universal Studios plans, is already being expanded to fit four platforms to accommodate the travel to and from the park.

There were rumours that a Eurostar train could run to the park to bring in tourists from across Europe, however, this was squashed in the plans.

Later opening hours

A notable plan put forward by Universal Studios is to keep the park open during the winter months.

Most theme parks in the UK, like Alton Towers, shut during the winter season and re-open in the new year.

However, Universal want to stay open for the entire year, as late as 11pm every day.

The company have said they want to keep the park open even later for several events throughout the year.

One of these will be “Halloween Horror Nights”, a popular event at the Florida theme park, which will see the Bedford park open late for 60 nights a year.

James Bond, Paddington, and more…

One of the main questions people want an answer to is which franchises, owned by Universal, will have their own rides and areas at the Bedford park.

It has been rumoured that there will be a ride at the park dedicated to the British Secret Service agent, James Bond.

Another suggestion is that Paddington Bear will have his own part of the park too.

All of the rumours point towards many of the park’s attractions having a British-theme to them – like James Bond and Paddington – and many have wondered whether J. R. R. Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings will get its own area too.

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