A multi-billion-pound investment to create near Bedford was announced today [9 April 2025] by the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who visited the area to welcome the plans.
Expected to open in 2031, the theme park and resort will bring an estimated £50 billion boost to the economy and create around 28,000 jobs. The new development will unlock a wave of ongoing opportunities, helping to further energise the Oxford-Cambridge corridor by driving growth, revitalising infrastructure, and creating more jobs for the region.
Professor Karen Holford DBE FREng, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ welcomed the news: "We’re very excited about this significant development, just a few miles from Cranfield University. Universal Studios will unlock investment, infrastructure, jobs and growth opportunities locally and across the UK.
“As a University globally recognised for our innovative ideas, sustainable development, advanced engineering expertise and technical collaborations, we look forward to engaging constructively with the project team and local partners as work gets underway.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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.
“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. It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”
The government will commit to major investments in infrastructure around the theme park, to support the project and ensure it is well connected. The project has received agreement in principle from the Government to move forward, pending planning approval.
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.”
For more information .
