Creating a Universal UK resort and theme park in Bedfordshire will “supercharge the economy” in a neighbouring county, an expert says.
West Northamptonshire Council has backed efforts to ensure the area benefits from the £50bn and 28,000 jobs the resort is set to generate for the UK economy.
Richard Clinton, chair of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), said the development, due to open in 2031, is a huge opportunity for employment and tourism.
He added: “The numbers are quite eye watering and it will have this ripple effect.”
Clinton added there are already “fantastic assets” in the county and events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix bring tourism into surrounding Northamptonshire towns.
Mark Arnull, leader of the council, said: “[The project] has the potential to create thousands of jobs, attract visitors from across the globe and provide lasting benefits for our local economy.”