Universal’s first UK theme park will be "the most spectacular theme park in all of Europe" and now it has a name.
The company unveiled plans for the new resort in Bedfordshire, and thrillseekers can expect it to be called Universal United Kingdom Resort.
Enabling works are already underway and construction is set to begin soon.
Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said the resort would bring “immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK”.
New Universal theme park in UK named and due to open in 2031
Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative, said: "We chose Bedfordshire because it is an exciting place.
"There’s an amazing amount of creative talent in the UK that we can tap into and this place is a perfect location to build the greatest theme park in all of Europe, so we’re very excited about doing that."
Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest more than £5 billion in the entertainment resort complex during the expected five years of construction, as well as an additional £1 billion in capital investment over its first 10 years of operation.
The UK government is also backing the scheme with £1.3 billion to support transport and community infrastructure, aiming to improve connectivity and support surrounding areas.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site on Wednesday morning, and welcomed the investment.
Speaking to Mr Woodbury and Universal workers on her first visit to the site, Ms Reeves, who donned a hi-vis jacket and hard hat, said: "Thank you for choosing the UK.
"I know that you could have chosen locations in other parts of Europe.
"We’re really thrilled you’re going to be here and we’re determined to work with you to make it the massive success that I know it’s going to be."
She added: "This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.
"Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit – improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world."
What will the UK Universal theme park look like?
An artist has drawn up the plans, giving Universal fans an insight into what the new theme park is expected to look like.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport described the project as "one of the largest-ever investments in the UK tourism sector".
It is expected to create nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 roles when the resort opens in 2031.
Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corporation, said the company looked forward to “creating a spectacular destination that supports the UK creative industries and brings joy to millions for generations to come”.
Transport upgrades will include improvements to the A421 and Wixams railway station, with works estimated to cost £474 million.
Further government support includes a £400 million Exceptional Regional Growth Fund grant and £438 million from DCMS for community infrastructure.
These grants will be paid only once Universal has completed the community infrastructure (in the case of the DCMS grant) and officially opened the theme park and resort.
The resort is projected to bring in millions of visitors each year, including more than a million additional international tourists.
It is set to become the UK’s most popular tourist attraction.
Where are Universal's theme parks around the world?
Universal’s US theme parks feature rides and attractions based on blockbuster franchises such as Jurassic Park, ET, Minions, and Fast & Furious.
Universal currently operates five entertainment resorts around the world:
- Universal Orlando Resort - US
- Universal Studios Hollywood - US
- Universal Studios Japan - Osaka
- Universal Beijing Resort - China
- Universal Studios Singapore
Lisa Nandy, culture secretary, said: "This unparalleled investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and puts rocket boosters under our entertainment industry.
"When it comes to creating world-class experiences, the UK is second to none.
"We’re proud to be backing British industry, investing in local talent and partnering with powerhouses like Universal to create jobs, growth and opportunities across the UK."
More than 100 people in the UK have already been employed on the project, and Universal has received 33,000 expressions of interest in future employment.
Around 80% of staff are expected to come from Bedfordshire and the surrounding regions.
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