Universal has made it official, confirming its entry into Europe’s theme park market with a massive new development planned for Bedford, UK. The entertainment giant is to begin work on a 476-acre resort complex around 60 miles north of London, its first branded theme park in the continent. The project is to begin construction in 2026, pending planning permission.
Scheduled to open its doors to tourists in 2031, the resort will be among the biggest and most technologically sophisticated on the continent. Government forecasts expect the project to inject almost £50 billion ($64 billion) into the British economy by 2055 and attract a staggering 8.5 million visitors in its first year alone.
Initial development plans include a giant theme park with a number of immersive lands designed around Universal’s blend of storytelling and movie-based experiences. The attractions will be fueled by cutting-edge technology in addition to high-thrill rides and interactive fun. Universal’s first theme park in the UK has more to offer, a 500-room hotel and a dining, shopping, and entertainment complex are included in the proposed plan.
There had been speculation on the project since December of 2023, when Comcast NBCUniversal acquired the Bedford site. Speculation continued in the following months and this week’s announcement put the rumors to rest, declaring that Universal’s UK expansion plan was indeed on its way.
Universal has theme parks in the U.S., Japan, Singapore, and China, the UK project, pending approval of the plans, will be the company’s sixth global park—and its most ambitious yet foray into Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the development as a transformative moment for the region. “We’ve sealed a multi-billion-pound deal that places Bedford at the center of one of Europe’s most exciting entertainment ventures,” he said. “This is what our Plan for Change looks like—delivering local and national growth while generating around 28,000 jobs across tourism, AI, and construction.”
Universal’s UK Theme Park to Generate Thousands of Jobs
The size of the economic impact will be significant. On its own during the construction stage, the project will create close to 20,000 jobs, with another 8,000 when the park goes into production. These will span across sectors such as hospitality, creative services, and infrastructure development.
The UK government and Bedford Borough Council have also pledged to support Universal’s plan to build Europe’s largest theme park with infrastructure developments in the areas around the site to facilitate easy accessibility and connectivity. The decision comes in the wake of Luton Airport’s expansion approval, further proving the government’s development-infused growth agenda.
Mike Cavanagh, Comcast Corporation president, addressed the company’s enthusiasm to work with local authorities in this pioneering initiative. “We are keen to work collaboratively with Bedford Borough Council to turn this vision into a reality,” he stated.
Universal Studios Theme park in Bedford UK: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Developer: Universal Studios
Location: Bedford, England (60 miles north of London)
Site Size: 476 acres
Expected Opening: 2031
Construction Start: 2026 (pending planning approval)
Economic Impact
Projected Economic Contribution: £50 billion ($64 billion) by 2055
First-Year Attendance: 8.5 million visitors expected
Universal Theme Park in the UK: Job Creation
20,000 construction phase jobs
8,000 operational jobs
28,000 total jobs across tourism, AI, and construction
Development Features
Expansive theme park with multiple immersive lands
Cutting-edge technology combined with high-thrill rides
500-room hotel
Shopping, dining, and entertainment complex
Universal Plans for a Theme Park in the UK: Project History
Site secured by Comcast NBCUniversal in December 2023
Official announcement in 2025
Supported by UK government and Bedford Borough Council
Infrastructure upgrades planned for the surrounding area
Strategic Significance
First Universal-branded theme park in Europe
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