Universal has revealed plans to open its first European theme park in Bedford, England, by 2031. The announcement was made on April 9 by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who hailed the project as a major economic boost. This new entertainment hub, which could become one of the largest in Europe, is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs and attract millions of tourists.
Billions Invested in the UK
“We’ve secured a multibillion-pound investment today,” said Keir Starmer in an official statement. The American media giant Comcast, which owns Universal Studios, has committed to developing the park on a 200-hectare site in Bedford, roughly 80 kilometers north of London.
The development is set to create approximately 28,000 jobs across various sectors, including construction, artificial intelligence, and tourism. The land, formerly a brickyard, was purchased in 2023. It is strategically located with strong public transportation access—only about an hour from London’s St Pancras station and close to Luton Airport, which is scheduled for expansion.
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An Immersive Experience Featuring Blockbuster Franchises
The new park is expected to offer immersive attractions based on Universal’s most successful franchises, including Minions, Jurassic World, Fast & Furious, and Harry Potter. Though specific attractions haven’t yet been confirmed, there is speculation that British cultural icons like Paddington Bear could also feature.
Downing Street projected that the theme park will bring in around £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055, with over 8.5 million visitors anticipated in its first year alone.
One of Europe’s Largest Parks
Scheduled to open in 2031, the Bedford site is set to compete with Disneyland Paris, which welcomed 10.4 million visitors in 2023. The complex will include immersive storytelling zones, rides, and a 500-room hotel, making it one of Europe’s largest leisure parks.
Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, expressed excitement: “We are thrilled to take this significant step toward creating an incredible theme park in the heart of the UK, expanding our growing park operations from the U.S. to Europe.”
Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
According to Downing Street, around 20,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, and 8,000 more will be available in hospitality and the creative industries once the park is operational. About 80% of the jobs will be filled by local residents.
The UK government emphasized the importance of providing real opportunities for the population, with commitments to work alongside regional training centers and universities to prepare the local workforce, especially for roles in hospitality and tourism.
Final Approval Still Needed
Despite the high-level support and optimism surrounding the project, the theme park still requires planning approval from local authorities before construction can begin.
As the UK prepares for the arrival of Universal Studios Europe, excitement continues to build over what promises to be one of the most ambitious leisure developments on the continent.
This article is originally published on: lemonde
