Universal Studios revealed a multi-billion-pound list of major economic and social benefits in the exciting theme park announcement – this UK site will join just five other Universal locations across the globe
Incredible plans for the UK’s first ever Universal Studios theme park revealed the amazing benefits the exciting site will bring to the country. The “transformative” entertainment complex, which is expected to become the nation’s most popular tourist attraction, will be built in Bedford and help revamp the local area.
Jobs, money, and global fame are just a handful of major benefits this mega tourist magnet has promised to grace both Bedfordshire and the country with. The huge park is set to open in 2031 but the British economy could get a much needed boost well before the hotly-anticipated launch.
Universal revealed the exciting news about its sixth global theme park – which will stand alongside locations in Orlando, Hollywood, Beijing, Japan, and Singapore – today. The 476-acre resort complex will include several incredible features like a 500-room onsite hotel, a “live” volcano, a rollercoaster on water, and shops.
Thousands of jobs
Up to 20,000 jobs are projected to be created just during the huge construction process and Universal revealed there would be 5,000 people directly at the Bedford site at its peak. The local area is set to benefit even more after the exciting theme park is up and running, with promises of 8,000 new jobs due to be generated within sectors like construction and hospitality.
Locals are set for even more good news as around 80% of these new positions will be given to people in Bedfordshire and other surrounding counties.
Billions in investments
Universal has promised to pump billions of pounds into the incredible entertainment project. Creators have even claimed the park will generate a whopping £50billion for the UK economy.
Rachel Reeves praised the eye-watering investment and said it would have direct benefits for people’s finances. The chancellor said: “At a time of global change, this investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business… Universal’s investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets.”
Transforming the local area
Universal revealed the theme park would also benefit the infrastructure in the surrounding area. Major upgrades have been promised including an expansion of Wixams station and new slip roads on the A421.
The global entertainment firm also revealed it would “play an active role in our communities” and it already included residents through public engagement surveys and events to gauge interest.
Global attention
This site will not only be Universal’s first theme park in the UK but it will be the corporation’s first in Europe. The entertainment group said this huge deal “firmly puts the UK on the global investment stage” and delivers on the government’s Plan for Change.
The Prime Minister closed on the astonishing deal but the huge project does not yet have planning permission. Despite this, bosses revealed they expect construction will start in 2026.
The Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, Mark Woodbury, 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.”