City's readiness for Universal raises concerns

Concerns have been raised over whether a city near Universal's proposed new theme park can cope with an estimated 8.5 million visitors a year when it opens in 2031.

Central Milton Keynes is just 20 minutes by car from where the resort will be built at Kempston Hardwick.

Conservative councillor Johnny Luk said: "We could have four times more visitors on our doorstep than Alton Towers and so far we have a readiness plan that is about one sentence long."

Council leader Liberal Democrat Jane Carr insisted the authority was developing a readiness plan, and added: "We're working with businesses, education providers and transport partners to prepare for the opportunities and visitors that lie ahead."

Universal United Kingdom Resort is expected to have more visitors than any other UK tourist attraction and could create around 28,000 jobs across its construction and operation.

Local Labour MP Emily Darlington said that every seven minutes a shuttle bus will leave from Milton Keynes Central to take passengers to the resort when it opens.

But Luk, who represents Danesborough, which is the closest council ward to the theme park, said: "It is hard to imagine how massive having the number one UK tourist destination on our doorstep will be, with tens of thousands of new opportunities for residents alongside the broader catalytic investment impact that could regenerate and supercharge parts of our city.

"To achieve this, we need Milton Keynes residents and businesses to be at the front of the queue for the opportunities coming from Universal. Having formerly worked for UK Trade and Investment [a government department], I know this is not a given."

His party, which has 12 councillors, has had a motion passed - with minor amendments - that calls on the Liberal Democrat-Labour progressive alliance that runs the authority to ensure the city is first in line to benefit from the thousands of jobs, millions of visitors and business opportunities from the new Universal resort.

Luk added: "In the short term, we have pushed the council to spell out more extensive business consultation. In the longer term, we have shown there is political unity within the council to make Universal work for Milton Keynes."

The Conservatives want the authority to have a dedicated programme to help companies compete for opportunities associated with building and operating the resort and to ensure the impact on roads, rail services and infrastructure is properly planned for, including the implications for Milton Keynes Central, Bletchley, East West Rail and local transport.

Liberal Democrat council leader Jane Carr said the works were "well underway to ensure Milton Keynes is 100% ready to benefit when Universal opens in 2031".

She added: "We want local people to access the jobs and training it creates, businesses to compete for contracts and visitors to stay, spend and return to our city.

"We have planned sessions for councillors and businesses to talk about tourism, transport, jobs and skills, so they can join the conversation."

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