These large projects are very rarely (I’d say almost never) the economic boon for local communities that the companies (and government) claim they are. If the park gets built, that’ll be super for theme park fans. But I’m extremely skeptical that it’ll mean great things for the people and businesses in Bedfordshire.
I’m obviously not a UK taxpayer, but I’d want Labour to fight Comcast tooth and nail over this if I was.
I think there’ll be a mix of pros and cons tbh.
For example those that currently own homes will benefit, those that are born in the area and may want to buy in the area when they’re older won’t benefit because they’ll be priced out.
That could be said for any tourist area. Heavy tourist areas don’t foster communities they often destroy them unless you have the financial means to stay put.
I’m manifesting that this goes ahead, I think it will do and I hope it does because the long term benefits are substantial.
I am however slightly worried that we have a current administration may be penny wise, pound foolish.
For those outside of the UK Labours first financial budget is due at the end of October. The messaging so far from the press and labour themselves has been very negative, they’re scrapping things such as the winter payments to pension for example.
They have also cut the local train station that was supposed to open in my area. I’m not saying one way or the other whether I agree with these decisions, that’s debatable.
I am however worried about this project and its viability from a PR perspective when these decisions are being made. The general public will obviously be asking (even though it makes long term financial sense) why payments are being given to a huge corporation like Comcast.
Also, Comcast have a had a very good tax relationship with the tories, they’ve received hundreds of millions in rebates like every other media company that wanted to film here. No one knows whether these rebates will still be in place at the end of October, for all we know they may improve.
But Comcast like any multinational I assume would have taken their financial decision based upon the current government, their relationship with that government (that were in charge for 14 years) and the financial incentives they were receiving.
I’m slightly worried, that’s it. People may moan about this conversation being political and I’m not pinning my flag to any mast. But Disney and Reedy Creek was inherently political, these things are.
The messaging from our current administration is mixed, people are angry, upset and whatever else. Whether that has an impact upon this project remains to be seen.
They can do PR walks with all the councillors they want but it’s the bean counters in London that ultimately make the decision, not a councillor in Bedford.
Plenty of projects have had cross party support and have failed so I’m personally trying to temper my expectations because nothing is 100% guaranteed, especially now.