More than 8,000 jobs and a £50 billion boost to the UK economy have been promised after Universal announced plans for a giant theme park at Bedford.
The multi-billion-pound investment to create one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe was announced after agreement was reached between Universal, the Government and the Bedford Borough Council.
Subject to gaining planning consent, work is expected to start in 2026 with completion in 2031. Almost 20,000 jobs will be created in the construction period alone.
Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year – becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
It will be the first Universal-branded theme park in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort.
Initial resort plans from Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
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.”
The theme park resort will be built at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks which Universal acquired in December 2023.
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.
“We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”
The leaders and chief executives of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton Borough, Milton Keynes City, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire councils, collectively endorsed the plan in a letter the Prime Minister.
Laura Church, chief executive of Bedford Borough Council, said: “We know the importance of this Universal project getting the green light.
“The potential theme park and resort serve as a major draw for tourists, attracting millions of annual visitors, with many projected to come from Europe and overseas.
“It will also help bolster the UK’s profile as a leader in the creative industries, a must-see visitor destination and business investment hub, resulting in growth for the region.”
Jade Uko, director and head of East for UKPF partner DevComms, said: “Riding the roller coaster of local politics and public opinion is never easy when planning a large-scale tourist attraction but there was almost unanimous support from locals for Universal, particularly the elected leaders.
“Bedford borough will be looking to build upon the attraction in terms of investment and infrastructure, which promises to put the town on the map as a tourist destination.
“The news of the approval this Spring was one of the worst kept secrets locally, but many of industry insiders will now be wondering what is next for Bedford Borough’s Local Plan, loop the loop and back to the start?”
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