Bedford Universal Studios plans approved
The company's first European theme park is set to create up to 28,000 jobs from the six-year construction phase to its opening
Last updated 9th Apr 2025
A multi-billion-pound investment has been secured for the construction of a Universal theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, following an agreement between Universal, the UK government, and Bedford Borough Council.
The development is expected to generate an estimated £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055 and create approximately 28,000 jobs across construction, hospitality, and creative industries.
The theme park is due to open in 2031.
According to the government, the project supports its “Plan for Change,” which focuses on driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities across various sectors, including technology, tourism, and hospitality.
The theme park will be Universal’s first branded resort destination in Europe and is planned to occupy a 476-acre site in Bedford. Proposed features include themed lands, immersive storytelling experiences, advanced technology-based attractions, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
During construction, the project is expected to create nearly 20,000 jobs. Once operational, a further 8,000 jobs will be generated, with approximately 80% of employees anticipated to come from the local area.
Universal has also committed to collaborating with local colleges and universities to develop hospitality training programmes, including apprenticeships and internships.
The government has pledged to invest in local infrastructure to support the delivery of the resort and ensure accessibility. This announcement comes shortly after approval was granted for the expansion of Luton Airport.
Universal expects the new resort to attract around 8.5 million visitors in its first year, making it the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
The proposals are still subject to a planning decision by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
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.”
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, 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.”
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."
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said:
“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.
We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
"From Wicked to Minions, Universal is behind some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years.
This landmark investment is fantastic news for our economy, for UK tourism and for the British public, who will be able to enjoy the biggest and best theme park in Europe on their doorstep.
As well as providing brilliant days out, it will open up exciting new job opportunities for young people in Bedfordshire and beyond, ranging from construction to the creative industries.”
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“This is a transformative investment for the UK economy and the people of Bedford that will not only support local skilled jobs but raise living standards in the community, delivering on our Plan for Change.
We’re serious about boosting investment, which is why we’ve championed the UK’s world-leading creative industries as a growth sector in our upcoming Industrial Strategy. Universal Studios has reaffirmed what we already know: the UK under this government is the investment destination of choice.”