An Ulster Unionist MLA has said that the Universal Studios theme park set to be built in England should have been secured for the former Maze Prison site.
Robbie Butler MLA made the suggestion on social media on Wednesday, April 9, following news that the theme park is set to be built in Bedford, England.
It is hoped that the theme park will open by 2031, with the concept plans gaining a lot of interest online.
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The Lagan Valley MLA said: "This is brilliant news for England but was something that I believe could and should have been secured to capitalise on the amazing space we have at Maze Long Kesh in Lagan Valley. A game changing investment with serious long term employment and investment opportunity."
The English theme park is projected to bring 8.5 million visitors in the first year.
PM Keir Starmer spoke on the plans: "Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.
"This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism."
The Prime Minister added: "What a momentous day, what an important day. It’s not just the first one in the United Kingdom, that would be pretty good, it’s the first one across Europe, and that is really incredible.
"It’s going to put Bedford on the map for millions of people, film lovers, people coming here for fun, people building their careers here. It will create thousands of jobs for the local community.
"It will boost our world-class creative industries, and we are world-class. We punch well above our weight and, of course, that is a key one of our industrial strategy pillars.
"So, this will drive growth here and across the country, higher tourism, improved transport links and billions of investment generating an estimated £35 billion over the coming years. That’s a huge amount of money right here in Bedford."
Universal Destinations and Experience said 80% of those employed in the new jobs would be from Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.
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English (United States) ·