Europe’s first Universal theme park planned for Bedford

Subject to gaining planning consent, Universal Destinations & Experiences will build its first European theme park at a former brickworks site in Kempston, near Bedford.

The park, which will form part of a much larger resort complex, will feature numerous rides, entertainment zones, a 500-bed hotel, retail units and dining areas.

The development is expected to generate nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period, and a further 8,000 new roles across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.

The Government has promised a major investment in infrastructure around the site to support the delivery of the project and ensure that it is well connected.

Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50bn for the UK economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year, making it the largest visitor attraction in the UK.

Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, said: “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.”