East West Rail to work hand-in-hand with Universal theme park, should plans go ahead
The rail company is prepared to amend routes to deliver for an expected growth in demand if the theme park planning application goes through
Officials behind the new rail line linking Oxford to Cambridge would be prepared to work hand-in-hand with the UK's first Universal Studios.
East West Rail (EWR) say it is actively engaging with stakeholders and planning ahead to accommodate potential future developments, including a proposed theme park in Bedfordshire.
While the theme park remains unconfirmed, it is already viewed as a significant opportunity for the region, according to Will Gallagher, Chief Strategy & Development Officer at East West Rail.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, he said: "Universal Studios is a really big opportunity for this region and a good thing for the UK, I’m sure.
"We need to make sure East West Rail factors that into our plans."
The proposed Universal Studios development, located near Stewartby, is projected to inject £49 billion into the UK economy over 20 years and create thousands of jobs, both during its construction and subsequent operations.
The project envisions year-round operations, hotels, a retail and entertainment zone, and possibly its own dedicated train station.
These plans align with EWR’s mission to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth along its route, which links key hubs such as Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and Oxford.
Mr Gallagher clarified that while EWR’s current proposals do not include the Universal Studios project, the organisation has been engaging in "good, positive, constructive discussions" with Universal, as well as with government officials and local authorities.
"We understand what the needs would be for Universal as and when that comes forward and we are ready to take that into account," Mr Gallagher said.
Although EWR chose not to incorporate the park into its consultation at this stage, Mr Gallagher affirmed that plans have been designed with future adaptability in mind.
He said: "We didn’t think it would be right to consult on that at this stage with it not being a confirmed scheme, but we do know what the needs are likely to be and we would reflect that in the next round of consultation, were it to come forward.
"Universal would be a huge visitor attraction on the East West Rail route and would contribute significantly to the number of people who wanted to travel on East West Rail."
The major infrastructure initiative is set to connect Oxford and Cambridge, delivering rail services to towns in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, with the promise of a sustainable rail link.
The next phase of public consultations is expected to get underway in the new year.