Europe’s First Universal Theme Park to Be Built in the UK, Announces PM

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Universal will construct Europe’s first theme park in the UK, near Bedford. The deal, valued in the multibillion-pound range with Comcast, aims to create 28,000 jobs, boost the UK economy by £50 billion by 2055, and attract around 8.5 million visitors annually. The project also focuses on integrating local educational institutions in training for hospitality roles.

The United Kingdom will soon host Europe’s first Universal theme park, as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This landmark agreement with Comcast, which owns Universal, is projected to create thousands of jobs and attract millions of tourists. Starmer emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “It’s not just the first one in the United Kingdom… it’s the first one across Europe, and that is really incredible.”

The theme park will be located near Bedford, north of London, benefiting the creative industries and contributing significantly to the UK economy. Starmer revealed that the multibillion-pound investment follows extensive discussions with UK leaders and is aimed at enhancing Britain’s global creative presence.

Visitors can anticipate attractions featuring recognizable characters such as Shrek, the Minions, the Jurassic Park dinosaurs, and Harry Potter, among others. This project is set to generate approximately 28,000 jobs, including 20,000 by the time construction starts in 2026, and could boost the economy by £50 billion ($64 billion) by 2055.

The local community will benefit as 80% of the employment opportunities are expected to be filled by residents from the area. It is estimated that 8.5 million visitors will flock to the park in its first year of operation, anticipated in 2031, making it the largest attraction in the UK. Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom.”

The 200-hectare site of a former brickworks, acquired by Comcast, will see upgrades in local transport, including road and train services and a new 500-room hotel alongside the park. Additionally, Universal plans to collaborate with local educational institutions on training programs for future hospitality industry workers. The next steps will include submitting a planning permission request to the UK government, having already conducted public consultations with 92% of survey respondents expressing their support for the initiative.

In summary, the announcement of Europe’s first Universal theme park in Britain marks a significant cultural and economic milestone. The anticipated influx of visitors and job creation underlines the potential benefits for local communities and the broader UK economy. As preparations advance, the project promises to elevate the UK’s tourism landscape, attracting millions and redefining entertainment in the region. Key representatives from both the UK government and Comcast have expressed optimism about the development, solidifying its importance.

Original Source: kuwaittimes.com