Universal has confirmed plans to build a new multi-billion-pound theme park on a former brickworks site in Bedford.
The development will be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex, which will include a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
The theme park, which is set to be one of the largest in Europe, will create nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs generated across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50bn for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year, which would make it the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “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.
“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.”
Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, added: “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.”
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.”
In December last year, Universal Studios confirmed it had purchased 480 acres of land at the former Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, near Bedford, which had previously been earmarked for a large residential development, and was exploring the feasibility of building a theme park and resort on the site.
The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
