Around 28,000 jobs will be created in the UK by the construction of the first Universal theme park to be built in Europe.
The park will be run by Universal Destinations and Experiences and built on the former site of a brickworks near Bedford. It will open in 2030.
The announcement will “firmly place Bedford on the international stage, as it will be home to one the largest entertainment parks in Europe”.
The company stated that 20,000 new jobs would be created in the construction phase. Another 8,000 will be created when it opens, across hospitality and creative sectors.
Around 80% of employees are expected to be local.
Along with rides and attractions, the park will feature a 500-room luxury hotel and retail complex.
Mike Cavanagh said that Universal, the parent company of Comcast Corporation, would be working with Bedford Borough Council to complete the project.
This week, Luton Airport, which is nearby, announced that it would increase its passenger capacity to 32 million per year. The expansion will create 11,000 new jobs.
Starmer said: “This is the Plan for Change in Action, combining local growth and national growth, while creating 28,000 new job opportunities across sectors like construction, AI and tourism.
It’s not about the numbers, it’s about creating real opportunities for our people. Together, we’re building a better future for the UK by getting people to work and ensuring that our economy is strong and competitive.
Universal operates five theme parks in Los Angeles and Orlando, Osaka, Singapore, Beijing, and Singapore. The company said a plan for Bedford will be presented to the government within the next few months with the aim of starting construction in 2019.
The project was described by Chancellor Rachel Reeves as “a vote of confidence” in Britain’s ability to conduct business at a time when the world is changing. Universal’s investment in the UK will create thousands of new jobs and bring in billions for the economy. This means more money in the pockets of the people.
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