A multibillion-pound Universal theme park in Bedfordshire is projected to create 20,000 jobs in construction and bring in 8 million visitors a year
The development, working with Bedford Borough Council, 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 feature rides and attractions from Universal franchises such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and the Minions.
Universal are still considering purchasing additional land to increase the plot to about 700-acres. It will work with Bedford Borough Council on the project and has already secured support from surrounding councils in Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, north Northamptonshire and west Northamptonshire.
The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Upon approval, construction is due to start in 2026 and the park to open in 2031.
Bolstering Bedford’s economy and infrastructure
Located on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks just outside of market town Bedford, the project would create an estimated 20,000 jobs in construction and a further 8,000 hospitality roles once the park is open. Universal Destinations and Experience said 80% of those employed would be from Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
The company also said it would make upgrades to the Wixams railway station, build a new station on the East West Rail line to facilitate transport to the resort and add dedicated slip roads to the A421.
Universal previously described Bedford as “an ideal location with convenient, fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport”. London Luton Airport recently secured planning consent for an expansion that would nearly double passenger capacity from 18m to 32m.
The UK government strongly supports the Universal theme park deal as part of its Plan for Change
The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, although it seems unlikely that the plans will be squashed. The government has already committed to a “major investment” in infrastructure around the site to support the delivery of the project and ensure it is well connected and easily accessible.
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.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “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.”
Universal has parks in Asia and America but none in Europe
The UK theme park will be Universal’s first European location since the company sold its stake in Spanish water resort Port Aventura in 2004.
Current parks include resorts in Florida and California in the United States, Osaka in Japan, Beijing in China and in Singapore.
The second phase of construction is projected to start this year in Beijing, with resorts in Las Vegas and Texas also planned.
Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation (which owns Universal), 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 to Europe. 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.”
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