The UK will see the opening of a Universal Studios Theme Park in Bedford. Several themed areas with rides, cutting-edge activities, and entertainment will be part of it. A 500-room hotel as well as a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex will be present.
During construction, it may create almost 20,000 jobs, and when it opens in Bedford in 2031, it will create an additional 8,000 jobs. Universal anticipates 8.5 million visitors in its first year, making it the UK’s most popular tourist destination.
As part of an agreement between the local council, the UK government, and Universal, it has been announced. On top of the old Kempston Hardwick brickworks, the theme park resort will be constructed.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Singapore are the five theme parks and resorts under the Universal brand that are located throughout the world. These top-tier resorts provide live and virtual entertainment, unique products and culinary experiences, outstanding hotel and resort alternatives, and exhilarating, immersive attractions. It will be the first in the UK or Europe.
President of Comcast Corporation Mike Cavanagh 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 into Europe.”.
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO 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”.
Mike Cavanagh also stated: “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.”
Planning approval is still needed for the proposals. The business has been meeting with hundreds of locals to discuss the ideas as part of its engagement efforts in the area. Transportation issues and the effects of building on the location population were brought up at that time.
The business stated that Bedford Borough Council will collaborate with them on the project. In addition to Central Bedfordshire, Luton Borough, Milton Keynes City, North Northamptonshire, and West Northamptonshire councils, the local authority was one of six councils that endorsed the plans last year.