Upgraded road and rail links, 28,000 jobs and an enormous boost to the UK economy are all on the table today (Wednesday), as the government and Comcast NBCUniversal commit to building the Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford Borough.
The name and logo were unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nanday at a reception at 11 Downing Street today, attended by Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corporation, and Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Read: All our stories about Universal Studios UK
The Chancellor visited the Kempston Hardwick site this morning, where she met with Mr Woodbury and other senior executives from Universal Destinations & Experiences, as well as many of Universal’s new hires already based in Bedford.
Construction of the resort will begin shortly, with the park set to become the UK’s most popular tourist attraction, boosting the economy by nearly £50 billion.
The project is the brand’s first major destination in the UK and Europe, and the world-class theme park and resort will be developed by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment.
Since it was first announced in December 2023, anticipation has been building around the plans for the resort, which will employ thousands and entertain millions.
Read: Breaking news: Universal Studios confirm they are planning a theme park in Bedford Borough
Economic benefit
The parent company’s £5bn investment will bring nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 jobs when the resort opens in 2031.
In a statement, Comcast NBCUniversal said: “With immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and hospitality, [we] expect the site to generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the economy by 2055.”
As part of its total £1.3 billion investment, the government will provide a grant of £400 million through the exceptional Regional Growth Fund, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will provide a grant of £438 million to invest in new community infrastructure to maximise the benefits of the development and support growth across the region.
These grants will only be paid once Universal has completed the community infrastructure (in the case of the DCMS grant) and officially opened the theme park and resort.
Infrastructure improvements
The government’s investment unlocks much-needed regional transport and infrastructure improvements that will enable wider growth across the region.
The Department for Transport is going ahead with plans for a £474m upgrade to the strategic road and rail network on the A421 and at Wixams station, which, it says, will provide wider resilience and improved connectivity within the region.
Read: New water plant, substation and EV hub planned for Universal Studios UK
Employment
As well as attracting millions of UK visitors, it’s anticipated that more than a million overseas thrill-seekers will visit the park, benefitting the UK economy to the tune of just under £50bn.
Over 100 people in the UK have been employed so far to work on the project, with Universal receiving expressions of employment interest from over 33,000 individuals.
Read: BedX launches to help Bedfordshire businesses tap into Universal and Luton Airport growth
Approximately 80% of employees at the theme park and resort are expected to come from Bedfordshire and the surrounding regions.
Separately, Universal and the government are also cooperating to maximise benefits to local colleges and universities.
Read: What education opportunities could Universal Studios bring to Bedford?
Universal has committed to world-class training opportunities for the next generation of its workforce, including through a range of apprenticeships and internships.
This aligns with the government’s ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and lay the foundations for Bedford to become an innovation hub.
Read: Mayor tight-lipped as Bedfordshire takes centre stage in government’s Ox-Cam growth corridor plans
In a statement, the DCMS said: “The government is committed to making the UK the best place in the world for investors.
“Universal choosing Bedford for its first European park is a testament to the strength of the UK’s visitor offering and creative industries, a demonstration that the UK is open for business and the modern Industrial Strategy in action.
“The package announced today is likely to be one of the most significant investments made in the United Kingdom during this parliament.”
“Unparralleled investment”
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said: “This unparalleled investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and puts rocket boosters under our entertainment industry.
“When it comes to creating world-class experiences, the UK is second to none.
“We’re proud to be backing British industry, investing in local talent and partnering with powerhouses like Universal to create jobs, growth and opportunities across the UK.”
After her site visit this morning, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves was optimistic about the opportunities for the region and the UK.
“This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors,” she said.
“Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit, improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world.
“We have the right economic plan — working with global investors and local leaders so we can deliver jobs, opportunity and long‑term prosperity for Britain.”
“Significant milestone”
Following their meeting at Downing Street, the Comcast and Universal representatives were ebulliant regarding the opportunities for the UK creative industries and the economy.
“This historic partnership is a special moment for our company as we bring our first Universal theme park and resort to Europe,” said Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corporation.
“We have a long and proud history in the United Kingdom through Sky and NBCUniversal and look forward to creating a spectacular destination that supports the UK creative industries and brings joy to millions for generations to come.”
Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, commented: “Today marks a significant milestone on our journey to bring Universal United Kingdom Resort, featuring immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK.
“This new theme park and resort will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond and allow us to share our distinct experiences with guests from around the world.”
