Universal Studios will open its first mega UK theme park in 2031 – after ministers gave the multi million pound project the green light.
The announced they have secured the site to build their first Universal themed park in Europe after the UK government said yes to plans.
The resort will be built in Bedfordshire and will take six years to build and finish. The agreement between Universal, the Government and the local council was finalised yesterday (Tuesday) and is expected to rake in £50 billion for the UK economy.
As well as the new theme park, the 476 acre site will boast a retail and entertainment complex as well as a new hotel and expects to attract 8.5 million visitors within the first year.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the plans, saying the attraction will create around 28,000 jobs – 20,000 in the construction period and 8,000 working on the site when it opens to visitors in 2031.
He said: “It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country.
“Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”
New railway and transport links are to be built around the new park after UK ministers made promises to make sure the investment will be easily accessible for visitors.
The project ties in with other work around the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, including support for the expansion of Luton Airport with Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the investment is “a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business”.
Mike Cavanagh, the president of Universal’s parent company 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.
“[This] complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe.”
Universal has five entertainment and resort complexes around the world – Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the USA, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Universal Beijing Resort in China and Universal Studios Singapore.
Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe.”
Nearly 20,000 jobs will be created during the six-year construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
Starmer added: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.
“This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.
An artist’s rendering of what the park could look like, published today for the first time, includes a huge lake at the centre, with several ‘lands’ around the outside.
Although details of attractions have yet to be confirmed, the rendering shows three large outdoor rollercoasters, as well as showbuildings to house dark rides, children’s rides and two outdoor theatres. MSN