The UK government’s negotiations with Universal Destinations & Experiences for a UK theme park are “going well”, says tourism minister Chris Bryant.
Plans for a theme park in the UK were confirmed by Universal in December 2023 after the company purchased a 476-acre parcel of land south of Bedford.
Discussing the proposed park in the House of Commons on Thursday (16 January), local MP Blake Stephenson said (via Bedford Today): “Plans for a Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire are a huge opportunity to drive economic growth and private sector investment.”
He went on to ask what progress is being made, and when the government expects discussions with Universal to conclude.
Bryant said he “cannot enter into the precise details of the negotiations, but they are going well, and I am hopeful that this will be absolutely transformational for the British tourism industry if we manage to pull it off”.
During a parliamentary debate in November, Bryant said the UK theme park could result in a “dramatic change” to tourism in the region and beyond.
As previously reported, the planned park could generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy during construction and the first 20 years of operations, according to an economic impact analysis commissioned by Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Economic benefits of Bedford area park
Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said last summer: “A world-class theme park and resort from Universal has the potential to generate billions in economic benefit for the UK, by creating thousands of high-quality jobs and attracting millions of new visitors to the country.”
In more news, Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, is opening on 22 May 2025 in Orlando, Florida. The new destination will offer more than 50 attractions and experiences across its five themed lands.
Images courtesy of Universal
