Bedford Council has confirmed that work on Universal’s first UK theme park has officially begun.
Located in Bedfordshire, just 45 minutes outside of London, Universal United Kingdom Resort is scheduled to open in 2031.
Developed by Universal Destinations & Experiences, the resort will feature a theme park with several immersive lands, a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
The new Universal United Kingdom Resort is expected to open in 2031, developed by Universal Destinations & Experiences
According to Bedford Council, on-site work is officially underway, with the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, confirming the news.
Wootton said: "Our vision has been straightforward: This world-class resort offers an unprecedented opportunity for our town, our borough, our people and our businesses.
"We’ve rolled out the red carpet for Universal, we’ve worked closely with them – so closely that they’ve opened offices in Borough Hall, with their staff working in the heart of Bedford! Now we’re starting to reap the benefits."
The attraction will be one of the biggest of its kind in the world, putting the Borough alongside Universal destinations such as Orlando, Beijing, and Osaka.
Universal United Kingdom Resort is expected to contribute nearly £50bn to the UK economy by 2055
The project is expected to contribute nearly £50bn to the UK economy by 2055, including an estimated £14bn in additional tax revenue during construction and its first 20 years of operation.
Wootton added: "This investment will have a lasting legacy in the Borough for generations to come. It’s not just about making it an unmissable destination for visitors from the UK and across the world; it’s about creating apprenticeships, upskilling our existing workforce, and taking the range of opportunities for young people to a whole new level.
"Our region is already a hub for tech industries, and this multi-billion-pound investment will further create new Bedford-based jobs in creative industries, engineering, construction and hospitality. And Universal has a strong track record of working with local partners, the Council and wider stakeholders.
Resort to feature theme park, hotel and entertainment complex
"The eyes of the world are now on Bedford Borough, and they’re seeing that it really is the centre of the universe."
This follows last week's announcement that Universal's UK theme park will be called Universal United Kingdom Resort, following a landmark agreement between the UK government and Comcast NBCUniversal.
The project will be supported by £1.3bn in government funding for local infrastructure and transport improvements, enhancing access for both residents and visitors.
Images courtesy of Universal
