Universal Studios has announced the construction of its first theme park in Europe, located in Bedfordshire, England. This project, developed in collaboration with the British government and local authorities, will occupy a site of approximately 197 hectares near the town of Bedford.
The park is expected to open in 2031 and receive about 8.5 million visitors in its first year of operation.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, highlighted that the project will generate approximately 28,000 jobs, of which 20,000 will be related to the construction phase and 8,000 will be permanent positions once the park is operational. Starmer emphasized that this initiative is not just about numbers, but about providing real opportunities for the British population, strengthening the national economy and guaranteeing its competitiveness.
The British government has committed to significant investments in transportation infrastructure in the area to facilitate visitor access to the new park.
Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, Universal’s parent company, expressed his enthusiasm for this project, noting that it represents an important step in Universal’s global expansion and complements its growing U.S. park business.
Universal currently operates five entertainment complexes worldwide: Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the United States, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Universal Beijing Resort in China and Universal Studios Singapore. The addition of this new park in the United Kingdom is part of the company’s strategy to introduce Universal’s brand and experiences to new audiences around the world.
This ambitious project not only seeks to offer a world-class entertainment experience, but also to drive economic growth and job creation in the region, consolidating the United Kingdom as a key destination in the global entertainment industry.
