The entertainment resort will be home to some of the most advanced theme park technology in the world, with rides, attractions, and shows never-before-seen in the UK
The early stages of recruitment have begun for Universal’s first theme park in Europe.
The UK is poised to become home to one of the world’s most advanced theme parks once Universal Studios in Bedford opens its doors. When the plans were unveiled, the firm behind the theme park said it would inject a staggering £50 billion into the economy and create tens of thousands of jobs.
It has been estimated that 28,000 jobs could be created by 2031, if the proposed attraction at a site which includes the former Kempston Hardwick brickwork is given planning permission.
On the website of Universal Destinations and Experiences, a form has been uploaded which allows people to register interest in “future job opportunities”. “We’re committed to advertising these jobs to local people and will engage with the community at the appropriate time,” it says.
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The firm has said 80% of the theme park’s employees would be from Bedford, central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The 476-acre entertainment resort complex will feature cutting-edge immersive attractions, exhilarating rides and rollercoasters, and even a 500-room hotel for guests to unwind after a day of excitement. The Bedford site will mark Universal’s first venture into Europe and its sixth globally, joining esteemed locations in Orlando, Hollywood, Beijing, Japan, and Singapore.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his delight at the news when it was announced earlier this year, stating: “What a momentous day. What an important day. 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 entertainment behemoth boasts massive franchises such as Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Nintendo and Minions in its US parks, all of which are set to feature in the new resort when it opens its doors six years from now. In the meantime, nearly 20,000 jobs will be generated during the construction phase, with an additional 8,000 roles across the hospitality and creative sectors upon opening.
An artist’s impression of the potential park layout features a vast lake at the heart, surrounded by various ‘lands’. The illustration depicts three large outdoor rollercoasters, as well as buildings to accommodate dark rides, children’s attractions and two outdoor theatres.
Universal has pledged to invest billions of pounds into this extraordinary entertainment venture. The creators have even suggested that the park could contribute a staggering £50 billion to the UK economy. Universal also disclosed that the theme park would enhance the infrastructure in the surrounding area, with significant upgrades promised, including an expansion of Wixams station and new slip roads on the A421.
Mark Woodbury, the Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and 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.”