Another nail has been driven into the coffin of the £2.5 billion London Resort plans after news of a rival Universal Studios theme park emerged today.

Universal Destinations and Experiences – which already runs parks in Orlando, Hollywood, Singapore, Beijing and Japan – says it has identified a 500-acre site at a former brickwork as a possible location as it eyes continued global expansion.

But the land is in Bedford – meaning hopes of Kent capitalising on the jobs and economic benefits of a major theme park could be about to slip through our fingers.

It is understood the site was one of those identified originally by the team behind the London Resort – which opted instead for the Swanscombe Peninsula, between Gravesend and Dartford – but was ultimately rejected.

The London Resort – first touted in 2012 – appears dormant currently, although officials close to the project insist it is still planning to push ahead with its plans.

Featuring a heady mix of rollercoaster rides, water parks, cinemas, restaurants, live entertainment venues and thousands of hotel rooms, it was set to rival Disneyland Paris and be at least three times bigger than any other UK theme park.

A bid for a Development Consent Order was withdrawn in March 2022. Despite promises it would be resubmitted, it appears there has yet to be any further progress.

The Bedford scheme, according to a spokesman for London Resort , would “not be helpful” as it seeks to get its plan finally off the drawing board and into reality.

According to reports, the park – which is at the earliest planning stages – is going under the working title of Universal Studios Great Britain.

Universal’s parent company is Comcast – the biggest multimedia conglomerate in the US with a track record of successfully delivering major global theme parks.

A Universal spokesman said: “We recently acquired land in Bedford and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort.

“It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed.”

Just 45 miles outside of London, the site being mentioned is also close to Luton Airport.

The Swanscombe Peninsula site was chosen also for its proximity by road and river to London but has struggled to overcome challenges over the natural environment on the peninsula which would be under threat.

Just last week, Dartford council voted to write to Michael Gove, minister for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities, demanding he strip the London Resort of its Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) status.

If achieved, it would mean the local council – rather than secretary of state – would regain planning control over the land.

Leader Jeremy Kite said: “It’s fair to say that the patience of many members is now exhausted and there is very little new information emerging from the backers, which is a disappointing state of affairs.

“First and foremost this is part of our borough, not an investment plaything and local people have a right to be involved.”

Dartford council said it did not want to comment on the Bedford proposals.

A spokesman for London Resort would not be drawn further on the rival proposals.