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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Universal studios on my doorstep

204 replies

Queenofkittens · 09/04/2025 09:33

So universal studios have been given the green light to go ahead and plan a park in Bedford. I actually live in Wixams, the newer village and have done for the past 5 years. Universal studios will be right on my doorstep and I'm not sure how I feel about it. One part of me is excited to have something so close that will be great for the kids and so on and the other part of me is dreading it. The traffic for starters. Also, I'm aware that house prices (including mine) are set to increase meaning we will have definitely made some money on it but we weren't planning on staying forever as we ideally need a larger house so our boys don't have to share a room. However, I understand we won't be able to afford a bigger house in wixams but will I even be able to buy a house in Bedford at all? Are the prices going to be so ridiculous that I won't be able to live here (which I have for the last 31 years!). Does anyone think I'm being silly (AIBU) or would you genuinely be worried? (YANBU)

OP posts:
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Amberlynnswashcloth · 09/04/2025 10:58

JojoM1981 · 09/04/2025 10:49

This will be open all year round. I don't think the novelty will wear off for locals. We have Alton towers on our doorstep and go most weeks.

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But tourists visit mostly in the summer months. Its these people who the attraction is aimed at because they spend on travel, food, accommodation souvenirs etc. Most locals won't go more than a few times as is the case for most of us who live near major tourist attractions. The price will likely be prohibitive for many.

Crazyworldmum · 09/04/2025 11:14

Plan on moving elsewhere in 6 years time keep that house to rent as a holiday home , you will have a retirement gold mine .

Pigsears · 09/04/2025 11:19

Be good if it was near a main train line. Less cars.

EcoChica1980 · 09/04/2025 11:32

No one likes a NIMBY

HuffleMyPuffle · 09/04/2025 11:51

Amberlynnswashcloth · 09/04/2025 10:58

But tourists visit mostly in the summer months. Its these people who the attraction is aimed at because they spend on travel, food, accommodation souvenirs etc. Most locals won't go more than a few times as is the case for most of us who live near major tourist attractions. The price will likely be prohibitive for many.

Edited
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From what I understand, Disney is actually mainly locals who get discount passes and go ad and when, sometimes just going for a couple hours after work/school etc.
I see no reason this wouldn't be the same

If I lived closer to Alton Towers or Thorpe Park then I'd have an annual pass to go whenever I could

KestrelKites · 09/04/2025 12:39

I know this isn't the intention of your post, but I didn't know about this. Just sent a link to my adult kids and we are so excited for it, Universal Studios are fantastic, Harry Potter Studio Tour was absolutely amazing, I'm jealous that I don't live nearer to be honest.

ANDisayWhatsGoingon · 09/04/2025 12:41

wizzywig · 09/04/2025 09:55

I'm so bloody excited! The job opportunities that will be available, more money in the area. Finally Bedfordshire will be on the map for good reasons.

Is it Luton? I just think of the 90s Airport show, used to love that!😂

I'm jealous, please move it to my doorstep!

ANDisayWhatsGoingon · 09/04/2025 12:45

'The Universal theme park would be the first built in Europe - with plans for the attraction to open in Bedfordshire in 2031'

A loong time yet!

yugflalska · 09/04/2025 12:48

I’m super excited as we are about an hour away and I love universal, and I think it’ll be great for the economy, but I’m very sympathetic to the locals the traffic will be a nightmare I’m sure.

Vanillaradio · 09/04/2025 12:49

Ds has been jumping up and down with excitement about this before school this morning! I think it's a great thing and will boost the local and national economy. Your house value is likely to go up- hold on to it for a bit! There will be investment in roads and public transport in the area- but I suspect there will be disruption to traffic nevertheless which will be the downside for locals.
It is extremely likely/almost certain to happen- all the feasibility , wildlife studies etc have been done over the past 12 months and planning permission will be almost certain to happen given the govt support for the plan and it is backed by a massive company unlikely to go bankrupt. Completely different situation from the theme park which never happened.
This is not like other theme parks in the UK- they will be opening pretty much every day of the year and will be open long days- tourism will be an all year round thing like other Universal Studio sites.

countrygirl99 · 09/04/2025 12:50

It will be nice to have something better than Milton Keynes has for a change.

AnnPerkins · 09/04/2025 12:54

I live close by and know Wixams well. It has already changed a lot in the last 15 years. In 2010 you couldn't give your house away. With the construction, permanent and seasonal jobs provided by Universal and the new railway station I agree house prices are going to go up.

I think it's going to be really good for the area. Even the Center Parcs has been great for local employment. After the closure of Vauxhalls in Luton it's great to have some good jobs news.

I read in the Universal consultation that they intend to invest in education and training too.

CautiousLurker01 · 09/04/2025 12:55

IsItSnowing · 09/04/2025 10:03

But this has already been done for the Universal studios development. We've had public consultations and all that stuff over the last year. It still needs government approval for planning but they've made it clear they want this so it really looks as though it is now going ahead.

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Indeed, plus Universal studios has masses more money and corporate infrastructure to make this happen compared to the company involved with the Kent project. Universal own the rights to all the films/IP that the rides will capitalise on, the Kent place had to negotiate and pay for rights from paramount for just ‘some of the rides’. So, on balance, I think this project will likely come about.

HuffleMyPuffle · 09/04/2025 13:07

The failed big theme park before was never as developed as these plans
The government are actively supporting this and offering help which will be of benefit to the locals

ChessorBuckaroo · 09/04/2025 13:21

Sounds very exciting.

London and its outskirts is a hotbed for film production (James Bond, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Superman (Chris Reeve series), Harry Potter are just some of the film series produced there) so it's only fitting a park like this is located there.

Daisymae23 · 09/04/2025 13:42

I grew up living less than 10 mins from a theme park and we were given free passes as an apology for the traffic. I hear they don’t do it anymore but they may offer a local discount. There was a bit of traffic but as theme park traffic is usually in school holidays it evens out

Piggywaspushed · 09/04/2025 15:18

I live even closer than you. I am not thrilled. I note Universal plans include an exit off the A421. The giant warehouses didn't get that a few years back because of 'safety'. I think the jobs will all be gig economy and low paid . Most of my village is very ambivalent.

JudgeJ · 09/04/2025 15:24

JojoM1981 · 09/04/2025 10:49

This will be open all year round. I don't think the novelty will wear off for locals. We have Alton towers on our doorstep and go most weeks.

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Do residents of the local villages still get free/reduced tickets for Alton Towers as I'm sure friends of ours did many years ago?

Chersfrozenface · 09/04/2025 15:27

That's the A421 that was flooded and closed for 3 weeks last year, isn't it?

Original poster
Queenofkittens · 09/04/2025 15:27

Chersfrozenface · 09/04/2025 15:27

That's the A421 that was flooded and closed for 3 weeks last year, isn't it?

Yup

OP posts:
Melbourne55 · 09/04/2025 15:28

I’m bloody jealous!! Universal is amazing, great fun and beats Disney by miles. Stop complaining and enjoy what’s to come

Original poster
Queenofkittens · 09/04/2025 15:28

Piggywaspushed · 09/04/2025 15:18

I live even closer than you. I am not thrilled. I note Universal plans include an exit off the A421. The giant warehouses didn't get that a few years back because of 'safety'. I think the jobs will all be gig economy and low paid . Most of my village is very ambivalent.

Blimey even closer? I'm just worried... I mean is it gonna be impossible to get to work and back?

OP posts:
Piggywaspushed · 09/04/2025 15:34

Hope not! I don't think it will do anything to revive Bedford itself.

Piggywaspushed · 09/04/2025 15:35

Chersfrozenface · 09/04/2025 15:27

That's the A421 that was flooded and closed for 3 weeks last year, isn't it?

Yup! Also known for traffic jams and accidents.

CountryQueen · 09/04/2025 15:40

Hoppymclimpy · 09/04/2025 09:46

I'm in Kempston so it's very close to us too. Honestly? I'm in a happier position as this is mine and DD's 'forever home'...can't cope with ever moving again! DD is excited that it's going to boost the likelihood of seasonal work, she's currently 14 so planning ahead! I'm grateful that something is coming to the area. We've lost so many of the big employers over the decades, the area needed something.
Yes, traffic will increase but I'm just looking on the positive, and maybe eyeing my spare room as a potential source of occasional income!

She’ll be way past seasonal work by the time it actually opens!

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