Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced a multi-billion-pound investment in a new theme park and entertainment resort in Bedford, UK. The deal, which includes the government and Bedford Borough Council, marks a significant milestone for the company as it prepares to expand its global presence.
A planning proposal for the resort will be submitted to the government, with construction slated to begin in 2026, contingent on receiving necessary approvals. The park is expected to open its doors in 2031 as the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe.
Spanning a 476-acre site, the development will feature immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, diverse attractions, and hospitality options. Alongside the theme park, the resort will include a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex. It is set to become the largest visitor attraction in the UK, drawing an estimated 8.5 million visitors annually in its first year of operation.
The project is projected to create around 20,000 jobs during the construction phase and an additional 8,000 jobs in the hospitality and creative sectors once operational. In addition to the job creation, the government has committed to investing in surrounding infrastructure to ensure the site is well-connected and accessible.
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, expects the park to generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055. The expansion will complement Universal’s growing portfolio of theme parks and resorts, further solidifying its international footprint.
Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, expressed his excitement, stating, “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, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe.”
The project remains subject to final planning approval from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
