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28,000 jobs: Universal Studios to open first European theme park

Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of NBCUniversal, has officially announced plans to construct its first European theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, England.
Universal Studios is set to open its first European theme park in Bedfordshire, UK, by 2031. Spanning 476 acres, the resort will feature immersive attractions based on popular franchises like Jurassic World, Minions, and potentially James Bond and Paddington Bear. The development includes a 500-room hotel and a retail and dining complex. Expected to attract up to 8.5 million visitors in its first year, the park aims to contribute nearly £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055 and create approximately 28,000 jobs. Infrastructure improvements, including new train stations at Wixams and Kempston Hardwick, are planned to accommodate increased traffic. While the project has garnered significant support, some local residents have expressed concerns about potential disruptions to their quiet lifestyle. ​Credit: Universal Studios
Universal Studios is set to open its first European theme park in Bedfordshire, UK, by 2031. Spanning 476 acres, the resort will feature immersive attractions based on popular franchises like Jurassic World, Minions, and potentially James Bond and Paddington Bear. The development includes a 500-room hotel and a retail and dining complex. Expected to attract up to 8.5 million visitors in its first year, the park aims to contribute nearly £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055 and create approximately 28,000 jobs. Infrastructure improvements, including new train stations at Wixams and Kempston Hardwick, are planned to accommodate increased traffic. While the project has garnered significant support, some local residents have expressed concerns about potential disruptions to their quiet lifestyle. ​Credit: Universal Studios

The development, set to open in 2031, will be located on a 476-acre site in Kempston Hardwick, approximately 60 miles north of London. This marks Universal's inaugural venture into the UK and European theme park market. This is according to Universal Studio - universalukproject.co.uk


A major economic boost

The project is anticipated to generate significant economic benefits for the UK. Estimates suggest that the theme park could contribute nearly £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055. Additionally, the development is expected to create approximately 28,000 jobs, including 20,000 during the construction phase and 8,000 permanent positions upon opening. The park aims to attract up to 8.5 million visitors in its first year of operation.


Strong support

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed strong support for the upcoming Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, emphasizing its significance for the UK economy and job creation. He stated, «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.» ​


Highlighting the broader impact, Starmer added, "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." ​

Addressing the project's role in economic development, he noted, «This will drive growth here and across the country.» ​


In a lighter moment, Starmer remarked, «People said to me the government will be a rollercoaster. I don't think this is quite what they meant.»

These statements underscore the government's enthusiasm for the Universal Studios project and its anticipated benefits for the UK.

Blake Stephenson, MP for Mid Bedfordshire, expressed strong support:

This is a transformative project with the potential to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits to the region and the country as a whole.

Tourism Minister Chris Bryant acknowledged the project's potential:

The project is a game-changer for the UK tourism industry if realised.” ​

Attractions and features

While specific details about the park's attractions have not been fully disclosed, Universal has indicated that the resort will feature several themed lands inspired by its popular franchises. Spanning 476 acres, the resort will feature immersive attractions based on popular franchises like Jurassic World, Minions, and potentially James Bond and Paddington Bear. The development includes a 500-room hotel and a retail and dining complex.


Infrastructure and accessibility

To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, plans are underway to enhance local infrastructure. This includes the development of new train stations and improvements to existing transportation links, ensuring convenient access to the park from various parts of the UK'.

The infrastructure improvements, including new train stations at Wixams and Kempston Hardwick, are planned to accommodate increased traffic. While the project has garnered significant support, some local residents have expressed concerns about potential disruptions to their quiet lifestyle.


Community engagement and support

Universal has engaged with local communities and stakeholders throughout the planning process. Public consultations have been conducted to gather feedback and ensure that the development aligns with regional interests and expectations.


Key facts about the park

  • Location: Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, England

  • Opening year: 2031 (subject to planning approvals)

  • Site area: 476 acres

  • Expected visitors: Up to 8.5 million in the first year

  • Economic impact: Estimated £50 billion contribution to the UK economy by 2055

  • Job creation: Approximately 28,000 jobs (20,000 construction; 8,000 permanent)

  • Features: Themed lands based on Universal franchises, 500-room hotel, retail and dining complex


This ambitious project signifies a substantial investment in the UK's entertainment and tourism sectors, positioning Bedfordshire as a prominent destination for visitors from across Europe and beyond.

Bedfordshire, a historic county in eastern England, blends rolling countryside, market towns like Bedford and Luton, and centuries of layered history. Known for its medieval churches and Victorian estates, it was once the heart of England’s brickmaking industry—its clay fueled the growth of London. Few know that Bedfordshire is also home to the UK’s largest grass airfield at Old Warden and that Italian was the second-most spoken language in Bedford in the 1950s, thanks to post-war migration. Now, the county is set for global attention with the arrival of Europe’s first Universal Studios theme park. Photo: M J Richardson, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0
Bedfordshire, a historic county in eastern England, blends rolling countryside, market towns like Bedford and Luton, and centuries of layered history. Known for its medieval churches and Victorian estates, it was once the heart of England’s brickmaking industry—its clay fueled the growth of London. Few know that Bedfordshire is also home to the UK’s largest grass airfield at Old Warden and that Italian was the second-most spoken language in Bedford in the 1950s, thanks to post-war migration. Now, the county is set for global attention with the arrival of Europe’s first Universal Studios theme park. Photo: M J Richardson, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

Location and overview - Bedfordshire

  • Country: Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom

  • Region: East of England

  • County Town (Administrative Centre): Bedford

  • Coordinates: Roughly 50 miles (80 km) north of London

  • Borders: Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, and Buckinghamshire


Founding and history

  • Historic roots: Bedfordshire has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of Neolithic settlements.

  • Anglo-Saxon Era: The town of Bedford was founded by Saxons in the 8th century and grew as a market and administrative center.

  • Name origin: The name Bedfordshire derives from Bedford, meaning «Beda’s Ford»—a crossing point of the River Great Ouse.

  • Shire status: Officially became a shire (county) in the 10th century.

  • Historic economy: Known for farming, brickmaking, and lace production during the Industrial Revolution.


How to get there

  • By train

    Thameslink and East Midlands Railway run direct trains from London St Pancras International to Bedford, taking around 35–50 minutes.

    Kempston Hardwick (site of the Universal park) is on the Marston Vale Line.

  • By road

    Easily accessible via the M1 motorway and A1 route.

    Approx. 1.5-hour drive from central London.

  • By air

    Nearest airport: London Luton Airport, about 20 miles  (32.19 kilometers) away.


Other attractions in Bedfordshire

  • Woburn Abbey and Safari Park – A stately home with landscaped gardens and a large wildlife park.

  • Whipsnade Zoo – One of the UK’s largest zoos, operated by the Zoological Society of London.

  • Dunstable Downs – Scenic chalk hills offering hiking, gliding, and panoramic views.

  • Shuttleworth Collection – A unique aviation museum with vintage aircraft and vehicles.

  • Wrest Park – English Heritage site with a French-style country house and gardens.


  • Bedfordshire is known for its brick industry, with the Stewartby Brickworks once being the largest brickworks in the world. The upcoming Universal theme park will be built on part of that former site.

    Universal Studios Orlando is one of five major Universal parks worldwide, alongside Hollywood, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing. Each offers unique attractions—from Hollywood’s studio tours to Japan’s Nintendo World and Beijing’s Kung Fu Panda Land—making them global hubs for movie-themed adventure. Photo by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash
    Universal Studios Orlando is one of five major Universal parks worldwide, alongside Hollywood, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing. Each offers unique attractions—from Hollywood’s studio tours to Japan’s Nintendo World and Beijing’s Kung Fu Panda Land—making them global hubs for movie-themed adventure. Photo by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

Facts about Universal Studios

Universal Studios, officially known as Universal City Studios LLC, is a prominent American film production and distribution company. It operates as the flagship studio of Universal Studios, the film studio division of NBCUniversal, which is a subsidiary of Comcast.


Headquarters and Locations: The company's headquarters are situated at 10 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA.


Universal Studios maintains production facilities in Universal City and Orlando, Florida, with corporate offices located in New York City.


Founding and History: Universal Studios was founded on April 30, 1912, by a group of pioneers including Carl Laemmle, Pat Powers, David Horsley, William Swanson, Mark Dintenfass, Charles Baumann, Robert H. Cochrane, Adam Kessel, and Jules Brulatour. This establishment makes it the oldest surviving film studio in the United States and the fifth oldest globally, following Gaumont, Pathé, Titanus, and Nordisk Film.


Employee Base: As of 2024, Universal Studios employs approximately 10,001 individuals.

Financial Overview: In 2022, Universal Studios reported revenues of approximately $11.622 billion.

Operations and Divisions: Universal Studios encompasses several divisions and subsidiaries, including:

  • Universal Pictures: Handles the production and distribution of motion pictures.

  • Universal Animation Studios: Focuses on animated film production.

  • Focus Features: Specializes in the distribution of independent and foreign films.

  • Illumination: Known for producing animated features like the «Despicable Me» series.

  • DreamWorks Animation: Produces animated films and television programs.

Theme Parks: The company operates theme parks under Universal Destinations & Experiences, formerly known as Universal Parks & Resorts. This division manages parks in locations such as Hollywood, Orlando, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing. In 2023, the division was rebranded to reflect a broader focus on various entertainment experiences.


  • Universal Studios Hollywood (USA): The original park, built on a working movie studio lot in Los Angeles. Known for behind-the-scenes tours and attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Studio Tour.

  • Universal Orlando Resort (USA): Comprising two theme parks—Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure—plus Volcano Bay water park. It features immersive worlds like Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, and Diagon Alley.

  • Universal Studios Japan (Osaka): Famous for Nintendo World, Minion Park, and seasonal anime crossovers. It's one of the most visited theme parks in Asia.

  • Universal Studios Singapore: A compact but dynamic park on Sentosa Island with themed zones like Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City, and Madagascar.

  • Universal Beijing Resort (China): Opened in 2021, it's the newest and largest, featuring Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, Transformers Metrobase, and a Beijing-exclusive WaterWorld show.

Notable film franchises: Universal Studios boasts several commercially successful film franchises, including:

  • Fast & Furious

  • Jurassic Park

  • Despicable Me

  • Jaws

  • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Both «Jaws» and «E.T.» achieved the status of highest-grossing films during their initial releases.


Parent company: Universal Studios operates under NBCUniversal, which is a division of Comcast Corporation. Comcast completed the acquisition of NBCUniversal in 2013, integrating Universal Studios into its extensive portfolio of media and entertainment assets.


Universal Studios continues to be a significant entity in the global entertainment industry, with a rich history and a diverse range of operations spanning film production, distribution, and theme park entertainment.


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