City’s readiness for Universal theme park raises concerns

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, external 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, external – 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.”