New Universal theme park to open in UK, with ‘billions‘ promised for economy
Huge news for movie fans this morning...
By Nick Reilly
A deal for a new Universal theme park in the UK has been confirmed, with the government claiming it will bring “billions” to the economy and generate thousands of jobs.
The new theme park and resort in Bedford is expected to become the UK’s most popular visitor attraction when it opens in 2031 as the first Universal attraction in Europe.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says it will bring £50bn into the British economy and will create about 28,000 jobs – nearly 20,000 of those emerging – and a further 8,000 in resort hospitality and creative logistics when it opens.
It will open on the site of a former brickworks, with plans for a sprawling 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex alongside the theme park. It is yet to receive the planning green light from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, but it’s expected that the development – which is largely unopposed – will get the go-ahead before planned construction begins in 2026.
There’s five Universal theme parks already: Orlando in Florida, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing, and Singapore. Bedford will become the sixth when it opens.
Individual lands and theming are yet to be announced, but Universal owns intellectual properties such as the Harry Potter franchise, Wicked, Fast and the Furious, and Jurassic World.
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, said: “We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe.
“We appreciate the leadership and support of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and their teams, as we work together to create and deliver a fantastic new landmark destination.”