The incredible new Universal Studios UK theme park looks set to include Europe’s tallest rides which will reach up to 377ft. Poised to become the UK’s most popular visitor attraction, the Universal-branded theme park is on track to open in 2031.
The massive new attraction for what is also set to be the largest theme park in Europe will span a 476-acre area in Bedfordshire. Universal has formally started the planning process for the incredible new park. In the planning documents the firm said it could build structures in the park reaching up to 377ft (115m), which includes rides. If this rings true the rides will be some 141ft taller than the current tallest ride in the UK, which is the £18m Hyperia at Thorpe Park, measuring at 236ft.
It would also be 10ft taller than the tallest ride in Europe which is the Red Force, a 367ft (112m) rollercoaster at PortAventura World in Spain.
The firm says they are proposing structures to reach this mammoth height to “compete with other attractions in Europe” as well as making best “use of land”.
“The reason for proposing structures up to this maximum height is to allow the proposed theme park to compete with other attractions in Europe,” the documents said.
It continued: “Although the Universal Orlando Resort does not currently have attractions up to this height, taller attractions are more common in Europe, where rides need to be taller to create the experience, as space is more constrained.
“Building attractions that are higher, rather than over greater areas, also makes the best use of land which is in line with planning policy.”
Universal has sought planning permission through a special development order (SDO) which would allow the government to approve the project directly and bypass standard local planning procedures.
The plans also explain that most structures at the park will range between 20m and 30m, with some taller structures creating a skyline with “visual interest”.
Predicted to bring in £50 billion to the UK the first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe will create about 28,000 jobs – nearly 20,000 during the construction phase, and 8,000 more in hospitality and the creative industries when it opens.
Estimated to attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year the park will also include a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex is planned alongside the theme park, which will be built on a former brickworks.