A multi-billion-pound investment has been agreed between Universal Destinations & Experiences with the government and the Bedford Borough Council.
A planning proposal will be submitted to government with a projected construction start date in 2026, subject to the relevant planning approvals.
Set to open in 2031, the theme park will form part of a new planned entertainment resort, due to include immersive storytelling, rides, attractions and hospitality. It is set to be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex.
The theme park is expected to bring nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
The government has promised a major investment in infrastructure around the site to support the delivery of the project and ensure that it is well connected and accessible.
Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50bn for the UK economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year, becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
Proposed plans from Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring immersive storytelling, rides, attractions and entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
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, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe.”
The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
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