Universal Studios is set to open its first European theme park in Bedford after a multi-billion-pound investment deal was secured between Universal, the UK Government and the local council.
Under the plans, the huge new theme park will be built on a 192-hectare site at the former Kempston Hardwick Brickwork just outside Bedford.
Although the project is still awaiting planning permission from the Ministry of Housing, and a full proposal still needs to be submitted to the UK Government, construction work is expected to start next year.
The sprawling resort is expected to create 20,000 jobs during its construction and an additional 8,000 roles once it opens in 2031.
Universal hopes it will generate £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055, with as many as 8.5 million people visiting the site in its opening year.
The sprawling resort will feature a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a retail complex, as well as dozens of attractions.
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.”
Plans to build a Universal theme park in the UK first emerged back in 2023.
It comes after neighbouring Luton Airport was given the go-ahead for a new passenger terminal and taxiways last week.
