The UK government has met with regional leaders to discuss how they can work together to maximise the benefits of the proposed Universal United Kingdom Resort.
Located in Bedfordshire, Universal United Kingdom Resort is scheduled to open in 2031 and will include a theme park with several immersive lands, a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.
The project is expected to create 28,000 jobs between construction and employment, and generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055.
Tourism minister Stephanie Peacock has held the first roundtable meeting for the project in Bedford, bringing together government, eight local authorities and Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Universal’s UK theme park has been named Universal United Kingdom Resort and is due to open in 2031 Universal
“For the people of Bedford, the Universal United Kingdom Resort is more than just the thrill of a new theme park on their doorstep – it’s about the jobs, investment and opportunities it’ll create,” said Peacock.
“That is why the government is committed to supporting local communities to drive forward their priorities as the development progresses towards its opening in 2031.”
At the roundtable, attendees discussed the opportunities the new resort will provide, highlighting the importance of working together in a coordinated way to take advantage of them.
This includes driving local regeneration and boosting the local economy by attracting tourists across the region, and involving local businesses in supplying the park and resort.
Jobs, investment and economic growth
To deliver these opportunities, partners are forming working groups to cover the creative industries, culture and heritage, and the visitor economy, while a socio-economic taskforce will prepare the local workforce with training and more.
“From apprenticeships and career pathways for young people, to new opportunities for local businesses and tradespeople, we want communities across Bedford and the wider region to feel the benefits of this investment,” Peacock added.
“This is about putting power and opportunity into local communities, driving growth and bringing pride to every postcode.”
Universal’s UK project will be supported by £1.3bn in government funding for local infrastructure and transport improvements.
