Bedford’s biggest moment in years just got its name. Universal has confirmed that its new theme park and resort will be called Universal United Kingdom Resort. It’s the first Universal theme park and resort in the UK, and the first anywhere in Europe. Best of all, it’s being built right here on our doorstep.
The name was revealed on Wednesday 3rd June. Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the Bedford site to mark the moment. She met Universal’s Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury, along with senior executives and many of the local people Universal has already taken on.
What’s coming to Bedford
The resort will be home to a world-class theme park with several themed lands. There’ll be a 500-room hotel too, plus shops, restaurants and entertainment. Universal is aiming to open the doors in 2031.
This is one of the largest investments the UK tourism sector has ever seen. It’s expected to bring nearly £50 billion of benefit to the wider economy over time. For Bedford, that means jobs, visitors and a real lift for the whole area.
Jobs for local people
The numbers are big. The build alone is set to create close to 20,000 jobs. Once the resort opens, it’ll support around 8,000 permanent roles. Universal has said it wants most of those jobs to go to people from Bedfordshire and the surrounding area.
It’s already started. More than 100 UK team members are on board, and Universal says it’s had over 33,000 expressions of interest in working there. If you’ve ever fancied a job at a theme park, this one’s a lot closer to home than you’d think.
A summer treat first
You won’t have to wait until 2031 to see Universal in town. Universal Destinations & Experiences is a headline sponsor of this year’s Bedford River Festival, alongside Gallagher Developments. The festival returns on 18th and 19th July, right in the heart of Bedford by the Great Ouse.
It’s one of the largest free community events in the country, and it’s always a brilliant weekend for families. Universal says it wants to “embed [itself] in the local community”, and getting behind the River Festival is a lovely way to begin.
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, summed up the mood. He said the River Festival is a big part of what makes our county town special, and “soon Universal will be too”.
Stay in the loop
There’s lots more to come, and we’ll keep you posted as the resort takes shape. For official updates, you can visit universalukproject.co.uk or sign up to the construction mailing list on the Community Updates page.
Exciting times for Bedford.
