Universal’s first European theme park to open in Bedford in £50bn increase for economic system | EUROtoday

Europe’s first Universal theme park is to open in Bedford in 2031 below a deal that may herald an estimated £50bn to the UK economic system.

Visitors are more likely to see rides based mostly on the studio’s most well-known movie franchises together with Minions, Jaws and Jurassic Park.

The attraction is about to create practically 20,000 jobs throughout the development interval, with an additional 8,000 jobs accessible throughout the hospitality and inventive industries.

Announcing the plans, Sir Keir Starmer sought to strike an optimistic be aware and speak up home strengths amid ongoing market turmoil following Donald Trump’s world commerce tariffs.

“It’s going to put Bedford on the map for millions of people film lovers – people coming here for fun, people building their careers here,” he mentioned throughout a go to to the city. “You know, people said to me, government will be a roller-coaster, and I can testify to that.

“I don’t think this is quite what they meant. But look, this is our plan for change in action, bringing investment, bringing opportunity, growth, jobs, and, of course, joy to Britain.”

The multi-billion-pound funding has been agreed between Universal, the federal government and the native council, and types a part of Labour’s Plan for Change, which goals to create development and job alternatives throughout the UK.

Across the 496-acre complicated, company can even be capable to get pleasure from leisure venues, a 500-room lodge and a retail and eating space.

As a part of a plan to create financial development, Universal, a serious American movie manufacturing and distribution firm, has dedicated to working with native faculties and universities to supply job alternatives.

With the positioning being the primary Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe, they count on the positioning to generate practically £50bn for the economic system by 2055, with 8.5 million guests anticipated in its first 12 months – turning into the biggest customer attraction within the UK.

Mark Woodbury, chair and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, mentioned: “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.

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