The announcement that Universal Studios is to build Europe’s first Universal Theme Park on the 476 acre former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site has been celebrated by business leaders, politicians and locals alike with Universal’s own consultation having received a record 6,000 responses, with 92% of people showing support.

This massive project is expected to bring a £50bn boost to Britain’s economy and create 20,000 jobs in construction, with a further 8,000 operational roles once it is up and running, forecast for 2031. Once open it is projected to bring 8.5 million visitors a year with around 30% to arrive via Luton Airport. Coincidentally, shortly before this announcement the transport secretary approved plans for a major expansion of Luton airport – overruling planning inspectors who had recommended blocking the scheme on environmental grounds – which will see annual passenger numbers almost double to 32 million by 2043.

The expansion of the airport, major roadworks including a complete overhaul of the Black Cat Roundabout and the new East West Railway are all factors that have contributed to improve the connectivity of the area, precisely why Universal chose the site as it is estimated that more than 70% of the UK’s population will then be within three hours’ travel time.

On a cautionary note, this enormous project does not yet have planning permission so it will be a test of the government’s promise to speed up major construction projects by reducing the scope for legal challenges.