Universal names £6 billion theme park resort coming to UK

With plans having been talked about for a few years now, we’ve still got to wait roughly five years until Universal’s big UK theme park is set to open.

But things are certainly ticking over, with the government pledging £1.3 billion yesterday (3 June).

Plus, the site in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, has officially been named as updates come in on Comcast NBCUniversal’s major project.

It’s looking to be one of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector with thousands to be employed and the company investing over £5 billion during the expected five years of construction. It will then invest an additional £1 billion in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation.

And the name of theme park worth billions that millions of us are set to flock to? Universal United Kingdom Resort.

The government has pledged over £1 billion in funding. (PA)

I mean, given the other examples of Universal theme parks around the world, we could probably have guessed it was going to be something along these lines.

Said to open in 2031, it’s set to feature a ‘world-class theme park and resort’ and is being developed by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment.

Universal reckons the UK site will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the economy by 2055 with its ‘immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and hospitality’.

And the government’s mega investment will unlock regional transport and infrastructure benefits that will maximise the benefits of the development and enable wider growth across the region.

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in Universal advancing this landmark project with enabling works now in progress and construction soon to begin on the site.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited the site yesterday where she said the ‘landmark investment’ would ‘unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth’ and create thousands of jobs.

It's set to open in 2031. (Universal)

She added: “Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit — improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world.

"We have the right economic plan — working with global investors and local leaders so we can deliver jobs, opportunity and long‑term prosperity for Britain."

The closest Thameslink stop to the resort is currently Wixams but there is also a planned East West Rail station at Stewartby that’s expected open in the early 2030s.

And the Department for Transport is also going ahead with plans to upgrade the strategic road network.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said:

"Today marks a significant milestone on our journey to bring Universal United Kingdom Resort, featuring immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK. This new theme park and resort will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond and allow us to share our distinct experiences with guests from around the world."