Universal Studios has confirmed that it will build a new theme park in Bedfordshire.
The 476-acre complex, on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickwords, is scheduled to open in 2031, and is expected to attract around 8.5 million visitors in its first year.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, announced today that the muti-billion-pound investment from Universal would ‘see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage’.
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBC Universal, will build and operate the company’s first-ever theme park and resort in the United Kingdom.
The intention to proceed with the project follows more than a year of feasibility, due diligence, and close engagement with local and national stakeholders, as well as members of the local surrounding communities.
Universal Destinations & Experiences offer guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences, featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment.
The proposed plans include an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. It will be the first Universal-branded theme park in the UK and Europe.
This development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy. It will be a major contributor to the creative arts and tourism industries, generating nearly £50n of economic benefit for the UK and creating thousands of new, high-quality jobs. At opening, the theme park would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes, with many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities.
In a statement, the company said: “We recognise the tremendous excitement our theme parks and destinations bring; however, it is too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. More details about the project will be revealed over time and are subject to the necessary planning consent approvals.”
In December 2023, Universal confirmed the purchase of a parcel of land just south of Bedford and spent over a year exploring the potential to deliver a new theme park and resort experience at this site. This included a period of public engagement from Friday April 5 to Friday May 3, 2024 to share the proposal with local communities.
During that public engagement, the company met with almost 1,500 people and engaged with nearly 100 local organisations to hear ideas and feedback. It received over 6,000 responses to an engagement survey, with 92% of people surveyed expressing their support.
