The name and logo of the UK's Universal theme park have been unveiled, alongside the announcement of a £7.3 billion investment in the project by the American entertainment giant and the British government.
The theme park will be known as Universal United Kingdom Resort. Enabling works are already underway at the Bedfordshire site, with construction expected to begin shortly. This marks the company's first theme park and resort in Europe.
Universal anticipates that the resort will generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefits for the UK economy by 2055. The park is projected to attract millions of visitors annually, including over one million additional overseas tourists, making it the UK's most popular tourist attraction.
Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest more than £5 billion in the entertainment complex during the expected five-year construction period, along with an additional £1 billion in capital investment over its first decade of operation.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) described this as one of the largest-ever investments in the UK tourism sector, bringing nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 jobs when the resort opens in 2031.
The government is supporting the project with a £1.3 billion investment in regional and local infrastructure to ensure the park's success, including improved transport links for residents and visitors.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited the site on Wednesday, meeting the first workers employed on the project after being greeted by Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences. Wearing a hi-vis jacket and hard hat, Reeves told workers: "Thank you for choosing the UK. I know you could have chosen locations in other parts of Europe. We're really thrilled you're going to be here, and we're determined to work with you to make it the massive success I know it's going to be."
Woodbury said the resort would bring "immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions, and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK." He added that the company was "ready to break ground and make this the most spectacular theme park in all of Europe, if not the world."
Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative, expressed delight at the Chancellor's visit to mark the start of enabling works. When asked why Bedfordshire was chosen, she said: "We chose Bedfordshire because it is an exciting place. There's an amazing amount of creative talent in the UK we can tap into, and this place is a perfect location to build the greatest theme park in all of Europe."
Following the site visit, Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy hosted Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corporation, and Woodbury at 11 Downing Street to unveil the resort's name and logo. Roberts said the company looked forward to "creating a spectacular destination that supports the UK creative industries and brings joy to millions for generations to come."
The Chancellor stated: "This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative, and technology sectors. Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means local people will benefit, improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world."
As part of the £1.3 billion government investment, a £400 million grant will be provided through the Exceptional Regional Growth Fund, and DCMS will provide a £438 million grant for new community infrastructure. These grants will be paid once Universal completes the infrastructure and officially opens the park. The Department for Transport will also upgrade the A421 and Wixams train station at an expected cost of £474 million.
DCMS noted that Universal choosing Bedford for its first European park is "a testament to the strength of the UK's visitor offering and creative industries." Universal has also committed to world-class training opportunities, including apprenticeships and internships.
Culture Secretary Nandy said: "This unparalleled investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and puts rocket boosters under our entertainment industry. When it comes to creating world-class experiences, the UK is second to none. We're proud to be backing British industry, investing in local talent, and partnering with powerhouses like Universal to create jobs, growth, and opportunities across the UK."
Over 100 people in the UK are already employed on the project, and Universal has received expressions of interest from some 33,000 individuals. Around 80% of employees at the resort are expected to come from Bedfordshire and surrounding regions.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said the investment had "potential to provide a welcome boost to our tourism industry at a time when there are concerns that the policy landscape is making the UK a less attractive destination for overseas visitors." She added that the government must work with Universal to ensure long-lasting benefits for tourism and creative industries.
Universal theme parks in the US feature rides and attractions from its blockbuster franchises, including Minions, ET, Jurassic Park, Kung Fu Panda, Fast & Furious, and Shrek. Universal currently operates five entertainment complexes worldwide: Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the US, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Universal Beijing Resort in China, and Universal Studios Singapore.
