Puy du Fou history theme park gains Spanish backing for Oxfordshire site

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 16:33 · Archive

A £600 million historical theme park proposed near Bicester in Oxfordshire has received support from Spain's Minister of Education.

Puy du Fou, the operator of award-winning historical theme parks in France and Spain, has submitted an outline planning application for a site near Bicester in Oxfordshire. The proposed park would be the company's first in the United Kingdom and is estimated to cost £600 million.

The proposal has attracted international support. Spain's Minister of Education Milagros Tolón, a senior member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party who previously served as Mayor of Toledo from 2015 to 2023, has written to the leader of Cherwell District Council backing the application. The site is proposed on land north of Bucknell, near junction 10 of the M40.

Puy du Fou anticipates substantial economic benefits once the park is fully developed. The company projects it will directly employ around 2,000 people and support a further 6,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants, suppliers and other local businesses. It forecasts an annual economic boost of £500 million to the local and regional economy. Tolón said that as Mayor of Toledo, she witnessed the park's positive contribution to the city's economy and tourism, and that as Minister she also values its educational contribution in sparking young people's interest in history and heritage.

How it is being reported

• Proposed £600m historic Oxfordshire theme park gains international backingA historical theme park proposal in Oxfordshire, which is projected to cost £600 million, has received international backing.Oxfordshire Guardian · 22 Oct, 16:00
• Proposed £600m historic Oxfordshire theme park gains international backingA historical theme park proposal in Oxfordshire, which is projected to cost £600 million, has received international backing.Oxford Mail · 22 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Puy du Fou · Oxfordshire · Bicester · Milagros Tolón · Cherwell District Council · Spain · France · Toledo

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