One of the people behind plans to build the UK’s first Universal Studios theme park said it could “unlock enormous economic potential” and boost growth.

The US-based company bought a 476-acre (193 hectares) site in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford, last year.

John McReynolds, a Universal senior vice president, visited the town to talk to business owners.

Libby Lionetti, who runs La Piazza cafe on St Paul’s Square, said: “We are so lucky sleepy Bedford is involved with such a massive project. It means businesses here will thrive.”

Mr Lionetti’s father moved from Italy to work for the London Brick Company, on the site where the park could be built.

He told Mr McReynolds: “If my dad was here now, he’d help you build it”.

The Universal executive said support from the council and the community had been “nothing short of incredible”.

Bedford Borough Council, who arranged the tour, said its purpose was to highlight “key local businesses and how Universal’s proposed investment will help drive the developments that are central to the town’s economic growth and revitalisation”.

Tony Le-Britton, who also spoke to Mr McReynolds and runs plant shop Not Another Jungle, said: “If it’s done in the right way, with the town taken into consideration, then it could be hugely beneficial for us.

“Large brands are always looking for the best spaces, so once it’s announced, it will be interesting to see if they start to move in.”

Conservative elected mayor Tom Wootton said: “A project of this scale has the potential to be transformative for Bedford Borough and deliver significant benefits for the UK economy.”