Great Britain will become the home of the first Universal theme park in the UK and Europe, with Comcast NBCUniversal agreeing a multi-million pound investment with the UK Government.
Subject to planning approval, the complex (pictured) will sit across 476 acres and include several themed lands featuring Universal characters and entertainment franchises.
The park will offer a range of rides, attractions and entertainment, plus a 500-room hotel and nearby dining complex.
The new park will be located in Bedford, built on land acquired by Comcast in 2023 and located around a 90-minute drive north of London, with the park tipped to become one of the largest and most advanced in Europe.
Comcast Corporation President Mike Cavanagh said the new park was a special milestone for the company as it continues to accelerate the growth of its theme park business.
“The unparalleled storytelling and technological innovation that the incredible team at Universal Destinations & Experiences brings to life is a perfect complement to the British creative arts and tourism industries,” Cavanagh said.
Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and CEO, Mark Woodbury, said bringing the Universal brand to the UK was another exciting step forward in generating future growth.
“Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates,” Woodbury said.
Slated to open in 2031, the park is estimated to bring a £50 billion (A$105 billion) economic boost to the UK and will be located close to major transport links, including a 35-minute train ride to the centre of London.
Universal says it is expecting up to 8.5 million visitors to the new park in its first year, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying a planning proposal is expected soon, with construction tipped to begin next year.
“Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage,” Prime Minister Starmer said.
“This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.
