Universal Great Britain - Construction Updates

[masekwm]

Apparently thanks to a certain poster over in the PAW thread, Universal have gone cold on Universal UK. So i figure to show how 'cold' Universal are, I'll post the latest update from @ProjectUniversal .


The Dumpers have multiplied, we had 1 a few days back, now there's 3 of them.

Over £100m, planning approved and construction started, yep they’ve cooled

 

[LieutLaww]

Guys, its not happening clearly

 

[EllieB]

Of course they've gone cold - it's January. Everything is cold right now. They just need a big parka coat and some woolly hats and they'll be fine.

 

[xtpower]

Of course they've gone cold - it's January. Everything is cold right now. They just need a big parka coat and some woolly hats and they'll be fine.

At least it's not Orlando cold right now .

 

[EllieB]

At least it's not Orlando cold right now .

No, with their weather I can't believe anyone would want to build a park there. Surely no one would visit!

 

[xtpower]

Here we have the latest video from @ProjectUniversal . It looks like we've officially broken ground now, but I'm sure Universal would like to do an actual ground-breaking ceremony for it to be 'official'.



With more thanks to @ProjectUniversal we have a post showing the full-on archaeological works going on.

 

[xtpower]

@masekwm just posted a couple of maps on facebook that shows the areas and scale of the archaeological excavation required. I wouldn't worry about the 12 months, I expect the Lake Zone is the reason it'll take 12 months. They'll want the Core Zone expedited.



Thanks to @ProjectUniversal we have another 3 dumpers and a 40 tonner on site now.

 

[xtpower]

Big thanks to @masekwm with today's update. The large compound on the western side of the Core Zone now has 3 diggers, 6 dumpers and a dozer. The area being scraped is also huge.

 

[pbin]

Just attended an MP surgery (essentially a one-on-one meeting) where I discussed both Universal and East West Rail. I asked:
- What the government’s plans are for M1 Junction 13
- What the plans are for East West Rail (EWR) in terms of local connectivity (enhanced bus services, active travel)

He responded by saying that M1 Junction 13 will have to be upgraded but didn’t detail any plans so, even if the government and Universal are discussing it, there are currently no commitments. For EWR, he pointed towards councils gaining greater controls over buses (though I’m not entirely sure if it’s enough).

I’ll continue pushing for more information from local politicians. Funnily enough, he said that I should go into politics and even offered me a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

I have also written a series on EWR that relates to Universal, but an article detailing the transport infrastructure (and its constraints that need to be addressed) is coming later this month.

Mods: I understand that the link is to a personal site though I have chosen to include it as it’s a deep dive into infrastructure that will support the Universal development. If it’s inappropriate, please delete it.

 

[DOOMBOT]

Just attended an MP surgery (essentially a one-on-one meeting) where I discussed both Universal and East West Rail. I asked:
- What the government’s plans are for M1 Junction 13
- What the plans are for East West Rail (EWR) in terms of local connectivity (enhanced bus services, active travel)

He responded by saying that M1 Junction 13 will have to be upgraded but didn’t detail any plans so, even if the government and Universal are discussing it, there are currently no commitments. For EWR, he pointed towards councils gaining greater controls over buses (though I’m not entirely sure if it’s enough).

I’ll continue pushing for more information from local politicians. Funnily enough, he said that I should go into politics and even offered me a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

I have also written a series on EWR that relates to Universal, but an article detailing the transport infrastructure (and its constraints that need to be addressed) is coming later this month.

Well, just to be safe. Here's a link to the series regarding EWR they mentioned.

 

[yepthatguy]

Just attended an MP surgery (essentially a one-on-one meeting) where I discussed both Universal and East West Rail. I asked:
- What the government’s plans are for M1 Junction 13
- What the plans are for East West Rail (EWR) in terms of local connectivity (enhanced bus services, active travel)

He responded by saying that M1 Junction 13 will have to be upgraded but didn’t detail any plans so, even if the government and Universal are discussing it, there are currently no commitments. For EWR, he pointed towards councils gaining greater controls over buses (though I’m not entirely sure if it’s enough).

I’ll continue pushing for more information from local politicians. Funnily enough, he said that I should go into politics and even offered me a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

I have also written a series on EWR that relates to Universal, but an article detailing the transport infrastructure (and its constraints that need to be addressed) is coming later this month.

Mods: I understand that the link is to a personal site though I have chosen to include it as it’s a deep dive into infrastructure that will support the Universal development. If it’s inappropriate, please delete it.

You should go on the tour of the Houses of Parliament, it’s great.

There’s a cracking MP Riverside Bar and Terrace too.

The Mayor and council don’t seem to be getting any info from EWR according to local news sites, from what I’ve seen.

 

[pbin]

You should go on the tour of the Houses of Parliament, it’s great.

There’s a cracking MP Riverside Bar and Terrace too.

The Mayor and council don’t seem to be getting any info from EWR according to local news sites, from what I’ve seen.

I have a family member that works at the council and they’ve confirmed that they’ve taken over a floor in the building but don’t know much else. According to them, the staff wanted all new equipment (computers, desks, etc.) kitted out in the space a week before moving in… which they did because it’s Comcast asking but I don’t think they would do the same for anyone else. I will definitely update if I hear more.

The MP told me that he continues to have regular discussions with the Universal people (I don’t know their names so that’s the best stand in I could think of). The tour does sound like fun, and, admittedly, part of me does want to get into politics… though I don’t want to sell my soul.

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In terms of road infrastructure, this video (from Jan 31st) shows the progress on the new dual carriageway between the A1 and A428 (the opposite end of the A421 from the M1). It seems like they’re starting to lower the ground for the A1 underpass. It’s on track to open in ~1 year and will be a very welcome addition to the road network.