Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBC Universal, has confirmed it will build and operate the company’s first-ever theme park and resort in Europe – located in Bedford, UK.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, commented: “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.

“At Universal Destinations & Experiences, we offer guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences, featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment.,” said a Universal press statement.

As part of the Plan for Change, the government will commit 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. It comes just days after the government signed-off the expansion of Luton Airport.

The attraction, still subject to planning permission, will be constructed on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford and will create an estimated 28,000 jobs before opening in 2031. The proposed plans include an entertainment resort complex with a “world-class” theme park boasting several themed lands featuring Universal brands, rides, attractions and entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. The entire park area covers 476 acres of land, which was bought by Universal Destinations & Experiences over two years ago. Construction is expected to start in 2026.

Rumours suggest there will be rides and attractions based on Paddington Bear, James Bond and The Lord of the Rings – but, perhaps surprisingly, not Harry Potter.

At opening, the theme park would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80 per cent of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes, with many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities.

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.”

Universal Studios already operates theme parks in China, Japan, Singapore, the USA. It’s Orlando site is set to expand on May 22nd with the opening of the new Epic Universe park, featuring themed lands based on Super Mario, How to Train Your Dragon, Fantastic Beasts and Universal Monsters.

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Tags: keir starmer, UK, Universal, universal studios