Announcement of Europe’s First Universal Theme Park Near Bedford, UK

Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans for Europe’s first Universal theme park in the UK, near Bedford, with the potential to create 28,000 jobs and attract millions of tourists. The multibillion-pound investment by Comcast aims for a £50 billion economic boost by 2055, featuring popular movie characters and ample local employment opportunities. Construction is projected to start in 2026, enhancing regional transport and tourism infrastructure.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a groundbreaking deal with Universal Studios to build Europe’s first Universal theme park in Britain, located near Bedford. This initiative aims to generate thousands of new jobs and attract millions of visitors, enhancing the UK’s creative industries. Starmer expressed enthusiasm, declaring, “What a momentous day… It’s not just the first one in the United Kingdom, that would be pretty good, it’s the first one across Europe, and that is really incredible.”

The multibillion-pound investment involves Comcast, Universal’s parent company, and is expected to significantly contribute to the economy, with projections indicating a £50 billion ($64 billion) uplift by 2055. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, creating approximately 28,000 jobs, 20,000 of which will arise during the build phase. Local community engagement is prioritized, with about 80 percent of positions aimed at local residents.

Visitors will likely enjoy attractions based on popular characters such as Shrek, Minions, Jurassic Park dinosaurs, and Harry Potter. The park is set to draw an estimated 8.5 million visitors in its inaugural year, positioning it as the UK’s largest tourist attraction. Mike Cavanagh, Comcast president, stated, “We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom.”

The chosen site is a former brickworks totaling 200 hectares (490 acres), located within an hour’s train ride from London. Universal plans to enhance local transport links and develop a 500-room hotel, along with diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. They have initiated a feasibility study and have previously conducted public consultations, receiving overwhelming support from local residents.

While specific ride details have yet to be disclosed, there is speculation about attractions themed around beloved franchises like Paddington Bear. The theme park is expected to rival Disneyland Paris, which attracted 10.4 million visitors in 2023. Culture Minister Lisa Nandy commended the project, stating how it serves as “fantastic news for our economy, for UK tourism and for the British public.” This announcement follows the government’s recent approval of Luton Airport’s expansion to facilitate increased travel across Europe.

In summary, the announcement of Europe’s first Universal theme park in Britain represents a significant investment poised to stimulate local employment and tourism. With plans for a large-scale attraction featuring popular entertainment franchises, the project promises to invigorate the UK economy substantially. The proactive engagement with the local community further underscores the commitment to maximizing the benefits for surrounding residents and businesses.

Original Source: kuwaittimes.com