New Universal theme park confirmed for UK

A new Universal theme park will be built in the UK, the government has confirmed.

It will be constructed on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford and is expected to generate 28,000 jobs before it opens in 2031.

Universal estimated the 476-acre complex could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year and generate £50bn for the UK economy by 2055.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the muti-billion-pound investment by the company would "see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage".

Universal Destinations and Experience said 80% of those employed in the new jobs will be from Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

Universal, which produced films such as Minions and Wicked, currently has theme parks in Orlando and Los Angeles in the US, as well as Osaka, Japan, Sentosa, Singapore, and Beijing, China.

The park will be the first Universal-branded destination in Europe.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said: "This landmark investment is fantastic news for our economy, for UK tourism and for the British public, who will be able to enjoy the biggest and best theme park in Europe on their doorstep."

A full planning proposal will be submitted to the UK government with construction expected to start in 2026.

The prime minister added: "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, artificial intelligence 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."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: "At a time of global change, this investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business.

"Universal's investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK, putting more money in people's pockets."

According to plans from Universal Destinations & Experiences the UK site would include a theme park, a 500-room hotel and a retail complex.

These proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Universal has already bought 476 acres for the project, but could buy more land to increase the plot to about 700 acres, which would enable it to link the site with transport routes.

Residents living in surrounding villages have responded positively to the plans, though some are concerned infrastructure will not be enough to support the amount of expected visitors.

Universal said it surveyed more than 6,000 local people and organisations and 92% of those supported the project.

Universal said it would make upgrades to the Wixams railway station and build a new station on the East West Rail line near the resort.

It will also add new dedicated slip roads to the A42, which flooded in October after heavy rainfall.

The government has said it will commit to investing in infrastructure that supports the project and makes it more accessible.

On Thursday Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander approved expansion plans at London Luton Airport.

Universal had previously described the Bedford site as "an ideal location with convenient, fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport".

Mike Cavanagh, the president of Comcast Corporation, which owns Universal, said he was excited to expand the parks brand into Europe.

He said: "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."

The company said it will work with Bedford Borough Council on the project.

The local authority was one of six councils to support the plans last year, alongside Central Bedfordshire, Luton Borough, Milton Keynes City, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire councils.

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