The Financial Times reported on Sunday that Universal is in discussions with British politicians over tax and other infrastructure incentives to secure a multibillion-pound resort in Bedford.
According to those close to the project, Comcast’s decision on whether to move further, which is anticipated by the end of the year, would partly hinge on discussions on incentives with government authorities.
If the negotiations fail, Comcast may look into other locations in Europe or outside, the Financial Times stated, without providing information about the precise amount of incentives being requested.
UK Universal project is supported by the public
Universal confirmed plans for a theme park in the UK in December 2023 after the company purchased a 476-acre parcel of land south of Bedford. The new park could generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy during construction and the first 20 years of operations. Construction would also create a total of 20,000 jobs, and the resort could create 8,000 new jobs once up and running.
See also: Universal comes to the UK: what could influence the IP we see at the new park?
The project has been endorsed by the leaders of six local authorities. In a letter sent to Sir Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, the region’s leadership emphasised the Universal project’s potential. Universal also undertook a period of public engagement for its proposed park, which could open 365 days a year. 92 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed supported the plans.
Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, confirmed the government’s plans to meet with representatives from NBCUniversal in a letter to Mohammad Yasin, the MP for Bedford.
She wrote: “The proposed investment by Universal would be a significant boost to both tourism and creative industries, and the company’s choice of the UK for its first European park is both a testament to the strength of these sectors and a demonstration that the UK is open for business.”
Nandy said, “A world-class, large-scale theme park has the potential to transform the area, drive growth, and create thousands of jobs.”
