Key Takeaways
- Universal’s new theme park in Bedford aims to create 20,000 jobs and $87 billion in value.
- The park will feature popular franchises like Harry Potter, Super Mario, and Jurassic Park.
- Infrastructure upgrades are needed to support the anticipated influx of visitors.
Global entertainment giant Universal Studios is moving ahead with plans to construct a massive new theme park south of Bedford, England, that could reshape the region’s economy and tourism landscape.
The Financial Times met with Page Thompson, head of Universal’s new ventures arm, who outlined the company’s vision for what would be Europe’s largest theme park spread across an initial 500-acre site.
Project Overview
The proposed development in Bedford would repurpose former brickworks and farmland into a massive construction project that, once operational, is expected to generate close to $87 billion CAD (£49.2bn) in economic value over two decades.
Universal has already acquired nearly 500 acres for the park, with an option to expand to 565 acres in total. The site was chosen for its immense size, flatness and strategic location between London and the Midlands. The provided information states the construction investment will amount to “several billion dollars” but does not specify an exact figure.
Blockbuster Attractions
If approved, the new theme park intends to build on Universal’s hit franchises and ride technologies, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Mario lands, and How to Train Your Dragon experiences, as well as attractions based on Jurassic Park, Fast & Furious, and Kung Fu Panda.
In a new twist, the park would also introduce horror-themed areas and seasonal Halloween events. A complimentary “CityWalk” dining and entertainment district is also planned.
Job Creation and Community Support
One of the key selling points is the projected creation of 20,000 new jobs in the region, including 8,000 directly employed by the park itself. This would provide a tremendous boost to local employment.
“This is the highest percentage of positive responses we’ve ever seen for any potential project,” stated Thompson, referring to community surveys showing over 90% approval in Bedford.
Local MPs, government officials, and the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport have expressed their support, recognizing the park’s potential to drive sustainable tourism and economic development.
Infrastructure Partnerships
However, bringing the project to reality will require overcoming infrastructure hurdles. Universal is collaborating with the Department for Transport on enhancements to railways, roads, and incentives to facilitate the anticipated influx of visitors, one-third of whom are expected from overseas via nearby Luton Airport, reports the Financial Times.
“The infrastructure is not really ready for millions of visitors. We need to get some roads built, and the rail lines to handle more people,” Thompson acknowledged to the Financial Times.
Looking Ahead
With planning discussions underway and a final decision expected by year’s end, Thompson expressed Universal’s patient outlook: “We think 100 years into the future.”
If greenlighted, construction is projected to take six years – positioning the UK to become a new global heavyweight in theme park entertainment while unlocking transformative economic potential for Bedfordshire and beyond.
