Keir Starmer said it is a ‘really good day’ for Britain as he headed to Bedford to announce the massive new Universal Studios UK theme park, which is set to open in 2031
Keir Starmer has branded the announcement of a Universal Studios theme park a “momentous day” – saying it’s one of the few announcements his kids are interested in.
The Prime Minister gave a glowing welcome to the project, which the Government says will create around 28,000 jobs, on a visit to Bedford this morning. The massive park will be the first Universal Studios in Europe when it opens in 2031, and is expected to draw millions of visitors each year – raking in £50billion for the UK economy.
Addressing students at a college close to the site, he joked: “People said to me that government will be a rollercoaster, and I can testify to that, I don’t think this is quite what they meant.”
Mr Starmer said 80% of the jobs created would go to people living nearby as he vowed work would start “very very quickly”. The Prime Minister said: “What a momentous day. What an important day.
“And it’s not just the first one in the United Kingdom – that would be pretty good. It’s the first one across Europe. And that is really incredible., and it’s going to put Bedford on the map for millions of people, film lovers, people coming here for fun, people building their careers here, it will create thousands of jobs for the local community.”
The PM announced this morning that an agreement has been reached with Universal and Befordshire Council for the 476-acre entertainment resort complex, complete with a 500-room hotel.
He quipped: “As you can imagine, when I took over as Prime Minister, people warn you that they are tough days that you’re going to face, you know, responsibility for the armed forces for fixing the NHS, sorting out the economy.
“So, you could imagine that when someone comes and says, would you like to launch and open a theme park? That’s a completely different day.”
He added that the announcement had gone down well in his own household. Mr Starmer said: “I have to say, I’ve got two children, aged 16, my boy, and 14, a girl. They don’t take that much interest in the announcements making every day I have to admit, but this one has really caught their eye.”
Hailing the landmark deal, the PM said: “This is our plan for change in action. Bringing investment, bringing opportunity, growth, jobs, and, of course, joy, to Britain.”
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.
The highly anticipated attraction is set to be the first of its kind on British soil, with a host of immersive experiences – from thrilling roller coasters to iconic movie-themed areas. Fans can expect to walk through landscapes inspired by Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and other Universal blockbusters, all crammed into one action-packed destination.
Mr Starmer was joined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who said Universal’s decision was “a real sign of confidence” in the local and national economy.
She said: “Universal could have chosen anywhere in Europe to make this investment. The fact that they have chosen Britain, the fact that they have chosen Bedfordshire, is a real sign of confidence in the local economy and in the national economy.”
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.