Bedford Universal theme park to generate '£50 billion of economic benefits'
Universal Destinations & Experiences have bought 500 acres in Bedford for the site
Last updated 26th Jun 2024
A new theme park, which is planned to be the largest in Europe, is planning to be open 365 days a year.
The Universal resort in Bedford is expecting to have more than 20 million visitors per year, with new details revealed for the first UK theme park by Universal.
Where will it be?
The location of the new theme park will be based near Bedford, in Bedfordshire.
Universal has bought 500 acres of land for the site, just south of Bedford between Kempston, Woottoon, Stewartby and Wixams.
It's expected to have a construction time of around six years, creating thousands of jobs in the process, built on an old brickworks.
Economic benefit
New details reveal the theme parks potential to bring in nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK, with the park boasting a 500-room hotel and dining area.
Universal's economic impact analysis has been posted, suggesting a total of 20,000 jobs will be created, with 5,000 workers on-site.
The figure of employment opportunities is expected to rise from an initial 8,000, supporting local communities and those keen for a role within the theme park.
The Universal park is suggesting "at least 1.5 further jobs may be supported, in our supply chain and across all areas of the economy, resulting in a net additional 20,000 jobs supported by the project".
Apprenticeships are also looking to be supported by the project.
"A world-class theme park"
Page Thompson, President, New Ventures of Universal Destinations & Experiences said:
“A world-class theme park and resort from Universal has the potential to generate billions in economic benefit for the UK, by creating thousands of high-quality jobs and attracting millions of new visitors to the country.”
92% support from public
Pubic consultations and engagement sessions were held by Universal Destinations and Experiences, whilst evaluating the information and support from members of the public, as well as local businesses and residents.
In an update in May, Universal stated that whilst assessing the feedback, they found strong support for the economic impact that the project will bring, as well as 92% of over 6,000 responses to a survey being supportive.
Near 1,500 people attended the company's public events.