First Universal Theme Park Set To Open In UK
A new Universal theme park is set to open in Bedfordshire, UK, by 2031. It will be the first Universal-branded theme park in Europe and is expected to be the UK’s most popular visitor attraction. The project is estimated to bring £50 billion into the British economy and create 28,000 jobs—20,000 during construction and 8,000 in hospitality and creative industries once it opens.
Alongside the theme park, plans include a 500-room hotel, retail, and entertainment complex on the site of a former brickworks. Speaking at the announcement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a “momentous” day.
The prime minister who spoke in Bedfordshire said the investment would “drive growth” in the British economy while creating “thousands of jobs for the local community”.
“We will make sure those jobs go to the people who absolutely need them, because that’s part of our plan to get Britain working,” he said.
“This will drive growth here and across the country.”
Universal expects the 476-acre site to draw 8.5 million visitors in its first year and generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055. The plan still requires formal approval from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Universal has also committed to working with local colleges to train students for hospitality jobs.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the deal as “huge” and praised the government’s steady approach amid global market challenges. About 80% of theme park employees are expected to come from local areas, supporting the “Oxford-Cambridge corridor,” which was recently revived by the chancellor.
The government has pledged major infrastructure investments to ensure accessibility, following the approval of an expansion at nearby Luton Airport. Comcast President Mike Cavanagh 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.”
Universal’s existing theme parks are in Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing, and Singapore. Famous Universal films include Wicked, Minions, Oppenheimer, Bridget Jones, Fast and the Furious, and Jurassic World.
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