Europe’s first Universal park in Bedford to add £50bn to economy

A deal for the construction of a multi-billion pound Universal theme park and resort in Bedford has been finalised, the government has announced.

Set to open in 2031, the 476-acre development will mark Universal’s first theme park and resort in Europe. It is expected to generate a £50 billion boost to the UK economy by 2055 and attract approximately 8 million visitors in its opening year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the park will create nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction phase, with an additional 8,000 jobs in the hospitality and creative sectors once it opens.

“It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about creating real opportunities for people across our country,” adding that Universal’s investment will make Bedford “home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage”.

Under the proposed plans, the government says the resort will include “immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment”, as well as a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.

The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with construction to start in 2026 if approved.

Nearby residents have been sent a letter by Universal, stating the announcement and timeline, with construction expected to begin in 2026 if planning permission is approved pic.twitter.com/41vN3Af2Ie

— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) April 8, 2025

Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation – the owner of Universal – praised the government’s role in securing the deal, saying the company appreciated the “leadership and support” of Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

“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,” he added.

The project will also deliver a boost to the regional economy, with around 80 per cent of the workforce expected to come from Bedfordshire and surrounding areas. Infrastructure upgrades are also planned, including a new A421 slip road and an expansion of Wixams station to improve transport links. The theme park resort will be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks.

Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith welcomed the investment, calling it “a major opportunity to boost economic growth and attract private sector investment”.

He added: “That’s why the Conservative government worked closely with Universal Studios to secure the land and help bring forward plans for the new park.

“We’re pleased that, despite Labour’s economic mismanagement, Universal Studios has committed to investing in Bedfordshire. But Labour’s punishing jobs tax – which will cost every working household £3,500 – and their job-destroying Employment Rights Bill risk putting this transformative project in jeopardy.”

Universal, known for producing films like Minions and Wicked, currently operates theme parks in Orlando and Los Angeles in the US, as well as in Japan, Singapore and China.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that at a time of “global change”, the company’s investment “is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business”.