The Prime Minister confirms the new universal theme park of the United Kingdom in Bedford

A new universal theme park will be built in the United Kingdom, the government has confirmed.

It will be built on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick Brickworks near Bedford and should generate 28,000 jobs before the opening in 2031.

Universal estimated that the 476 acres complex could attract 8.5 million visitors during its first year and generate 50 billion sterling pounds for the British economy by 2055.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that the Muti-Million of books by the company “would see Bedford who houses one of the largest entertainment parks in Europe, putting the county on the world stage” firmly.

Universal destinations and experience have said that 80% of people employed in new jobs will come from the Bedfordshire and the surrounding area.

Universal, which produced films such as Minions and Wicked, currently has themed parks in Orlando and Los Angeles in the United States, as well as Osaka, Japan, Sentosa, Singapore and Beijing, China.

The park will be the first universal brand destination in Europe.

The Secretary of State for Culture, the Media and Sports Lisa Nandy said: “This historic investment is a fantastic news for our economy, for British tourism and for the British public, who will be able to take advantage of the largest and best theme park in Europe at their door.”

A complete planning proposal will be subject to the British government, construction should start in 2026.

The Prime Minister added: “It is our change of action plan, combining local and national growth with the creation of around 28,000 new jobs in sectors such as construction, artificial intelligence and tourism.

“It is not only a question of figures; it is a question of obtaining real opportunities for the people of our country. Together, we build a better future for the United Kingdom, that people work and assured that our economy remains strong and competitive.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “At a time of world change, this investment is a vote of trust in Britain as a place to do business.

“Universal’s investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs in the United Kingdom, putting more money in people’s pockets.”

According to Universal Destinations & Experiences plans, the British site includes a theme park, a hotel with 500 rooms and a retail complex.

These proposals remain subject to a planning decision of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and the Local Government.

Universal has already bought 476 acres for the project, but could buy more land to increase the plot to around 700 acres, which would allow it to connect the site to transport routes.

Residents living in the surrounding villages have responded positively to the plans, however Some are infrastructure concerned will not be enough To support the amount of expected visitors.

Universal said they interviewed more than 6,000 people and local organizations and 92% of those who supported the project.

Universal said it would make improvements to the Wixams station And build a new station on the East West West rail line near the station.

He will also add new sliding roads dedicated to the A42, which flooded in October after strong precipitation.

The government said it would commit to investing in infrastructure that supports the project and makes it more accessible.

Thursday Secretary of State for transport Heidi Alexander approved expansion plans at London Luton airport.

Universal had previously had Describe the Bedford site Like “an ideal location with practical and fast rail links to London and London London airport”.

Mike Cavanagh, the president of Comcast Corporation, who owns Universal, said that he was delighted to extend the Parks brand in Europe.

He said: “We appreciate the leadership and support of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the Minister of Investment Poppy Gustafsson, the Secretary of Culture Lisa Nandy and their teams, while we are working together to create and offer a new fantastic historical destination.”

The company said it would work with the Bedford Borough Council on the project.

Local authority was one of the Six tips for supporting the plans Last year, alongside Central Bedfordshire, Luton Borough, Milton Keynes City, Northampothire and advice from West Northampothire.