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The UK government has given the go ahead for Universal’s planned theme park resort in Bedfordshire
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 09 Apr 2025
Construction on the UK resort is expected to start in 2026 pending planning permission Credit: Universal
The UK government has greenlit plans for Universal’s first European theme park resort in Bedford, after reaching a landmark deal with entertainment giant Comcast.
The UK government has granted an agreement in principle for Universal’s parent company to move forward with the project, pending planning approval.
As part of the agreement, Universal has committed to improving local infrastructure, including local road and rail networks, to ensure the resort is well connected and easily accessible.
The news comes following reports yesterday (April 8) that UK officials were close to reaching an agreement with Universal for the development.
Plans for Universal’s UK development were first announced in 2023 CREDIT: UNIVERSAL
The resort will be the first European attraction that Universal has designed and built from the ground up, with the company having previously licensed its name to the PortAventura resort in Spain, and represents a multi-billion-pound investment for the company.
Once complete, the Bedford resort is expected to attract an estimated 8.5 million visitors in its first year. While an economic impact analysis report, commissioned by Universal Destinations & Experiences, projects that the park could generate almost £50bn (US$64bn, €58bn) for the UK economy during its construction and first 20 years of operation.
According to Universal, the proposed park will be “one of the largest and most advanced” theme parks in Europe.
UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the project would “see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the country on the global stage.”
Comcast president Mike Cavanagh pictured with UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer CREDIT: PA MEDIA
Expected to open in 2031, the resort will be located on the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick, just south of Bedford, and will span 476 acres. Its facilities will include a theme park, a retail and entertainment complex and 500-room hotel.
A full planning proposal will be submitted to the UK government in due course, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast culture secretary Lisa Nandy described the deal as “fantastic news for the UK economy.”
“This is not just about bringing great American creations to Britain, this is also about showcasing great British creations to the world. These are things like James Bond, Paddington Bear, these are things like Harry Potter. We’ve got so much to be proud of.”
The park will located on the site of a former brick works in Kempston Hardwick CREDIT: UNIVERSAL
Bedford mayor Tom Wootton, meanwhile, emphasised the development’s significance to the local community, with the development expected to create 28,000 jobs before its opening, 80% of which will be staffed by people from Bedford and its surrounding areas.
“This is a landmark moment for Bedford. Universal’s decision to proceed with its theme park and resort in the UK brings exciting opportunities to our doorstep – thousands of jobs, new training and career paths, and a huge boost for local businesses,” he said.
“Bedford is the perfect place for this investment – well-connected, full of talent and ready to grow. We’re proud to be chosen as the home of Universal in the UK. I’m delighted that our residents and communities will benefit in the years and decades ahead.”
Laura Church, chief executive of Bedford Borough Council, added: “Bedford is poised to become a must-visit destination and a prime hub for business investment, driving growth for our community.”
Starmer said: “Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”
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