Deal Signed to Bring Europe’s First Universal Theme Park to Former Bedfordshire Brickworks – ryan

A deal has been signed to bring a universal studios theme park to the uk – along with an estimated £ 50bn economic boost and around 28,000 jobs.

The resort would be the first in Europe under the brand behind blockbusters such as wicked, Harry Potter, Shrek and the minions movie franchise – and joins six others around the world.

Due to be built on a 476-accre disused brickworks in Bedfordshire, Universal is promising to deliver “a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring … thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment, all utilizing sophisticated and Advanced Technology”.

Initial Plans also feature a 500-cream hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the land at Kempston Hardwick, to the South of Bedford.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announced He had closed the deal on the new multi-billion-pound resort which he said would help secure “real opportunities for people in our country”.

The project is estimated to be worth £ 50bn to the uk economy and would be a total of 28,000 jobs – 20,000 as part of the construction and a further 8,000 in the hospitality and creative industries once it opens.

Mr. Starmer said: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pat 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’s 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.”

The proposals remain subject to planning approval but, if given the go-ahead, the theme park would open in 2031.

Ahead of signing the deal, Universal Destinations and Experiences Carried Out Feasibility Studies and Hero Public Consultation Events to Determine If Bedfordshire was the right location for the park.

The Kempston Brickworks Site was chosen at Universal for its “size and flat topography that is important for a large-scale theme park resort” as well as its strong transport left, including Rail Services to London and Luton Airport.

The project will run alongside the recently confirmed expansion of the airport – which was approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Would see its capacity nearly doubled to 32 million passengers a year.

The government said it was committed to further major investment in the Bedfordshire area to improve infrastructure around the theme park site and ease accessibility to the site.

The East West Rail (EWR) project already plans to deliver additional transport improvements locally, specifically improvements to the existing railway between Bletchley and Bedford.

Adding that approximately 80% of employees will come from Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton Said: “This is a landmark moment for bedford borough. Universal’s decision to proceed with its theme park and resort in the uk brings exciting. Doorstep – Thousands of Jobs, New Training and Career Paths, and a Huge Boost for Local Businesses.

“Bedford is the perfect place for this investment-well-connected, full of talent, and ready to grow. We’re proud to be chosen as the home of universal in the uk.”

Universal has five entertainment and resort complexes around the world – Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the USA, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Universal Beijing Resort in China and Universal Studios Singapore.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Destinations and Experiences, SARS: “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 experience to new audiences around the globe.

“We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bring it to life in the years ahead.”

Universals’ Parent Company Comcast Corporation already has a strong uk presence with NBC Universal International and Sky’s Headquarters based here.

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