The resort, set to be among the most advanced in Europe, is expected to pump £50 billion into the economy and bring as many as 28,000 jobs during construction and operation
Keir Starmer has struck a deal to bring a multi-billion pound Universal Studios theme park to Britain – creating thousands of jobs.
The resort, set to be among the most advanced in Europe, is expected to pump £50 billion into the economy and bring as many as 28,000 jobs during construction and operation.
The entertainment giant – which includes huge franchises including Harry Potter, Nintendo and Minions in its US parks – promised immersive attractions, rides and thrilling rollercoasters in the new resort when it opens in 2031.
The Mirror revealed in February that negotiations for the resort – to open near Bedford – were in the final stages.
And today the Prime Minister announced an agreement has been reached with Universal and Befordshire Council for the 476-acre entertainment resort complex, complete with a 500-room hotel.
Nearly 20,000 jobs will be created during the six-year construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
READ MORE: 10 key points as Keir Starmer faces tense grilling over Trump, welfare and Gaza
Mr 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.
“It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”
An artist’s rendering of what the park could look like, published today for the first time, includes a huge lake at the centre, with several ‘lands’ around the outside.
Although details of attractions have yet to be confirmed, the rendering shows three large outdoor rollercoasters, as well as showbuildings to house dark rides, children’s rides and two outdoor theatres. Do you think Bedford is the right location for Universal Studios UK? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Epic Universe, the firm’s third park in Orlando, Florida, opens later this month – and is estimated to have cost $7.7bn to build. It includes attractions based on the Harry Potter films, as well as How To Train Your Dragon, a Super Nintendo World and Universal’s classic monster movies – Dracula, the Wolf Man and The Invisible Man.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “From Wicked to Minions, Universal is behind some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years.
“This landmark investment is fantastic news for our economy, for UK tourism and for the British public, who will be able to enjoy the biggest and best theme park in Europe on their doorstep. As well as providing brilliant days out, it will open up exciting new job opportunities for young people in Bedfordshire and beyond, ranging from construction to the creative industries.”
Universal bought the land for the UK park – the former site of Kempston Hardwick brickworks – back in December 2023. Development proposals include a new railway station close to the resort – with 40% of visitors expected to travel there by train.
Bedford residents say they are excited by the plans. “I used to live in Manchester,” Maria Perez, a warehouse worker in the area said.
“I came here for work and Bedford is really boring. If you’re a family or you’re a young person in the area, there’s nothing to do. I think the theme park will be really great. It will be good for the economy, for the town and for the people. People will invest more.
“Prices will go up for rent, which is not good, but it’s a good thing for the town and will be for the people in the area.”
Tanvi Mahesh, a 14-year-old who spoke alongside her mother, said: “In Bedford, I really have nothing to do. There’s not much. I just end up staying at home.”
Universal show area where new UK theme park will be built
The teenager moved last year from Saudi Arabia where “there was a lot more to do”. She added she would work a Saturday job “no questions asked” at the theme park if offered.
The Government hopes the plans will bring a £50 billion boost for the economy by 2055, creating 28,000 jobs. Nicola Harlow, 60, has lived in Bedford all her life.
The retiree said: “So many of our young men don’t have jobs. “I have a 17-year-old son. I hope this might bring some benefits for him, for his future.”
Her mother Janet, 82, said: “In my day there were clubs and bars where we waltzed. Now there’s not.
“Our kids now, they don’t have anything like that to do. They need somewhere to go and some sort of entertainment.”
Jagdeep Singh, a 36-year-old business change analyst from Kempton, said: “I think it’s going to bring a lot of people to our town, it’s going to drive our businesses and bring jobs for people. We have been talking about renting out property in the area.”
But he added that the sheer numbers of visitors could have a negative impact.
Mr Singh said: “I worried a bit about traffic on the bypass, what’s going to happen to our hospitals if there’s any accidents.”
The theme park, which is set to open in 2031, will be the first Universal-branded resort in Europe. Margaret Wilson, 85, said: “I wouldn’t go, but I have two grandsons, 19 and 16. They might go.
“At the moment, everything is cost-effective. It will be four years until anything is built. Who knows what will happen in four years?”
The Elstoy resident said: “Before Covid, Bedford was a market town. It’s not where it used to be. “This won’t bring it back to the same place as before, but it will be good for the area.”
