Opening date revealed for massive Universal Theme park in the UK

The UK is set to welcome its first Universal theme park, with the Government sealing a deal that’s expected to bring in tens of billions of pounds into the economy. The Bedfordshire resort, set to open in 2031, has been agreed upon by Universal, the Government, and local authorities.

Touted as one of Europe’s largest and most cutting-edge theme parks, it’s hoped the park will draw in 8.5 million guests in its first year. By 2055, Universal predicts the 476-acre site near Bedford will have contributed nearly £50 billion to the economy, complete with a 500-room hotel, retail, and entertainment spaces alongside the park itself.

The Prime Minister has hailed the project for its job creation potential, estimating about 28,000 roles – 20,000 in construction and 8,000 on-site once it opens. “It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country,” he said, adding, “Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”

An artist’s impression of what the park could look like

To ensure the success of this ambitious plan, the Government is committing to significant infrastructure and transport improvements around the park. This initiative comes amid other developments in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, including the expansion of Luton Airport.

The plans to revamp a former brickworks into a new attraction are pending approval from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hailed the project as “a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business”.

The Prime Minister hosted Mike Cavanagh, president of Universal’s parent company Comcast Corporation, at Downing Street to celebrate the news. He was presented with a digital rendering of the proposed park, showcasing rides, themed zones, and a water show.

Universal’s theme parks in the USA feature attractions based on its portfolio of major hits and film series, including Minions, ET, Jurassic Park, Kung Fu Panda, Fast and Furious, and Shrek. The Universal brand also encompasses the Jason Bourne movies, Jaws, Wicked, and Back To The Future.

Mike 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.”

Plans for the park were presented to the Prime Minister

Universal boasts five entertainment and resort complexes globally – Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the USA, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Universal Beijing Resort in China and Universal Studios Singapore.

Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations and Experiences, expressed: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe.”

Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith revealed that the previous Conservative administration “worked closely with Universal Studios to secure the land and help bring forward plans for the new park”.

He added: “We’re pleased that, despite Labour ‘s economic mismanagement, Universal Studios has committed to investing in Bedfordshire.”

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