​Europe’s first Universal theme park set to open in the UK

The theme park will form part of a new multi-billion-pound entertainment resort in Bedford offering cutting-edge rides and attractions and putting the county on the “global stage”

A jaw-dropping Universal theme park and resort is coming to Bedford — and it’s set to become the largest visitor attraction in the UK.

The global entertainment giant has confirmed plans for a multi-billion investment to build Europe’s first Universal-branded destination, expected to open in 2031.

The 476-acre site will bring a tidal wave of change to the region, generating nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055 and creating 28,000 jobs across construction, hospitality and the creative industries.

The mega-resort will include themed lands packed with rides, shows and immersive attractions using cutting-edge technology — alongside a 500-room hotel and a bustling retail, dining and entertainment district.

Universal says it expects 8.5 million visitors in the first year alone, instantly catapulting the Bedford park to the top of the UK’s tourism charts.

The project is being developed in partnership with the UK Government, Bedford Borough Council and Universal Destinations & Experiences — a Comcast company with theme parks in the US and Asia.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hailed the deal, which he says will put Bedford on the “global stage”.

He 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.”

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.”

He added: “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.”

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.”

Plans are still subject to final planning permission, but support at the highest levels of government is clear. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has described it as “a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business.”

She continued: “This investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK,” she said. “Putting more money in people’s pockets.”

As part of the deal, the government will invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades around the site, located on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near the Wixams development.

The park will be within easy reach of London, thanks to rapid train services and nearby Luton Airport — whose expansion was approved just days before the Universal announcement.

The government says the Bedford resort will “support the delivery of our growth mission – creating higher living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets”.

Universal’s track record includes world-renowned destinations like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan.

The company is also working with local colleges and universities to train future staff through apprenticeships and internships, aiming to fill around 80% of park jobs with people from the surrounding area.

“This is not just about numbers,” Starmer said. “It’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country.”

The Universal UK Project is also a key part of the government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy and “Plan for Change” — focused on unlocking growth in high-potential sectors like tourism, technology and the creative industries.

If approved, the new resort will reshape the Oxford-Cambridge corridor and bring long-term benefits to Bedford and beyond.

Details of the planning application, infrastructure investment, and public consultation process will be announced in the coming months.

Photo: Universal