The Prime Minister, chancellor, and president of Comcast have spoken of the transformative opportunity Universal Studios UK will bring to Bedford Borough, during a visit to Kimberley College – the same venue where the project’s first public consultation took place in 2023.
The speeches at a celebratory event marking the official announcement highlighted the project’s expected £50bn economic benefit, 28,000 new jobs, and deep local partnerships in skills and infrastructure development.
Comcast president Michael J. Cavanagh said Universal’s decision to choose Bedford was shaped by the welcome shown by the local community, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer adding that the park would “put Bedford on the map for millions.”
Read: Universal Studios UK gets green light for £50bn Bedford theme park opening 2031
Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the deal as “a real vote of confidence in the national and local economy,” pledging accompanying investment in rail and road infrastructure to maximise benefits for residents.
Universal Studios UK: Key facts at a glance
- First Universal Studios theme park and resort in Europe
- Located at Kempston Hardwick, just outside Bedford
- Scheduled to open in 2031, subject to planning approval
- An estimated £50 billion boost to the UK economy by 2055
- 28,000 jobs created (20,000 construction, 8,000 permanent roles)
- 80% of long-term jobs expected to go to local people
- Infrastructure improvements planned, including at Bedford Station and Wixams
- Strong links are promised with local colleges and universities for training and apprenticeships
“We couldn’t be more excited”
Opening the event, Michael J. Cavanagh said Bedford had left a lasting impression on Universal’s leadership during their long search for a European location.
“It’s been the warmth and welcoming of the people of Bedford that have made us feel this is the right place for our company,” he said.
Highlighting Universal’s high standards, he described the park as “a business and commercial endeavour” that would bring “unbelievable numbers of jobs” and long-term local economic benefits.
“We pride ourselves on the execution: the storytelling, the immersive experiences, the rides and the people who bring the park to life.
“And that’s why it’s so appropriate we’re here at a college – because we really see ourselves being integrated into the community to try to generate opportunities to grow talent locally and build careers in our parks business.”
After years of exploring sites across Europe, he added that Bedford had proven to be “the ideal location” for Universal’s European debut.
Read: “We chose Bedford”: Universal Studios exec on why the theme park is coming here
“A brighter future for the UK”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the theme park’s announcement was a milestone moment for the government’s Plan for Change.
“Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe,” he said. “It will put Bedford on the map for millions of film lovers, job seekers, families and future talent.”
He acknowledged the contribution of students in the audience, saying: “These are going to be your jobs in the years to come – from construction and design to operations and hospitality.”
Starmer said the project would support the UK’s world-class creative industries and be a key pillar in the government’s upcoming industrial strategy.
“People told me government would be a rollercoaster – I don’t think this is quite what they meant. But it’s a great ride to be on,” he joked.
“This is a vote of confidence”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves thanked the Universal team for choosing Britain and Bedfordshire, saying the decision demonstrated confidence in the country’s economic potential.
“Universal could have chosen anywhere in Europe,” she said. “The fact they’ve chosen Bedfordshire is a real vote of confidence in our economy.”
She said the government would ensure the project supports “jobs and prosperity for local people,” with commitments already made to improve transport links including Bedford Station, Wixams Station, and the A421.
But she also acknowledged the excitement the resort would bring beyond the economics.
“I’m not going to make any apologies for focusing on the numbers as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but to be able also to take a moment to acknowledge the thrill and the excitement this theme park will bring for the millions of families that will experience it is also wonderful.”
From consultation to confirmation
The event was held at Kimberley College, which also hosted Universal’s first public consultation in April 2023 – a symbolic return to the journey’s beginning.
Since then, the project has enjoyed strong cross-party support, with more than 90% of respondents to the public consultation backing the resort.
Read: Universal says 92% of people gave positive feedback to UK theme park plans
As construction preparations begin and planning approvals progress, Universal has reaffirmed its commitment to working with local educators and stakeholders to shape training, career and business opportunities ahead of the 2031 opening.
