The government has committed to build Europe’s first Universal theme park in the UK, says BBC .
The attraction is set to open in 2031 on the site of a former brickworks near Bedford, with an estimated 28,000 jobs created before then.
Universal anticipated that the 476-acre facility might draw 8.5 million people in its first year.
Sir Keir Starmer stated that the company’s multibillion-pound investment will “see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage”.
Universal, which has produced films such as Minions and Wicked, operates theme parks in Orlando and Los Angeles in the United States, as well as Osaka, Japan, Sentosa, Singapore, and Beijing, China.
The former Kempston Hardwick brickworks will become “one of the continent’s largest and most advanced” amusement parks once completed, according to the production company.
Universal had previously donated its name to the PortAventura resort in Spain, but the UK attraction is expected to be the first in Europe planned and built from scratch.
According to Universal Destinations and Experience, 80% of people engaged in the new employment will come from Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
A detailed planning proposal will be filed to the UK government, with building scheduled to begin in 2026.
According to the Theme Index Report, Universal’s Orlando property in Florida attracted 9.75 million people in 2023, while its Hollywood resort drew 9.66 million.
In 2016, NBCUniversal signed a seven-year contract with Warner Bros., giving it television rights to the Harry Potter films and the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
The prime minister stated that the theme park would produce jobs in construction, artificial intelligence, and tourism.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government has agreed with Universal to use British steel “wherever possible” on the project.
Universal Destinations & Experiences’ plans for the UK property include a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a retail complex.
Universal has already purchased 476 acres for the project, but could purchase additional land to expand the plot to approximately 700 acres, which would boost transportation ties.
Residents in adjacent villages have reacted enthusiastically to the proposals, however some are concerned that the infrastructure will not be adequate to serve the expected number of visitors.
Universal stated it surveyed over 6,000 area residents and organizations, and 92% of them supported the initiative.
Universal announced it would upgrade the Wixams train station and construct a new station on the East West Rail line near the resort.
It would also have dedicated slip roads on the A421, which flooded in October due to heavy rainfall.
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, authorized expansion proposals for adjacent London Luton Airport on Thursday.
Universal previously touted the Bedford facility as “an ideal location with convenient, fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport”.
Nandy also stated that the government’s commitment to improving local transportation infrastructure helped seal the deal with Universal.