ALMOST 20,000 construction jobs are to be created through the build of a Universal theme park in Bedford.
The news comes after plans for the build were agreed between Universal, the UK Government, and Bedford Borough Council.
Due to be completed in 2031, the theme park will be built on a 476-acre site and will be ‘one of the largest and most advanced’ theme parks in Europe – featuring several themed lands with Universal’s ‘distinct brand of immersive’ storytelling, rides, attractions, and entertainment. The wider resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
Universal said that it expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year – becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said, “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe. We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”
