UNIVERSAL TO BUILD EUROPE’S LARGEST THEME PARK IN BEDFORD AMID UK-US TRADE TENSIONS

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on April 09, 2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

Amid ongoing trade tensions between the UK and US, the British government has announced a major breakthrough: Universal will build Europe’s largest theme park in Bedford. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the multi-billion-pound deal, which will transform the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site into Universal Studios United Kingdom. Scheduled to open in 2031, the £50 billion (€58 billion) park will span 3km² and generate 28,000 jobs, with a majority filled by local workers.

The resort, just an hour from London by train, is expected to attract up to 8.5 million visitors annually and will feature a 500-room hotel. While ride details remain under wraps, Universal’s past attractions include franchises like Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Nintendo. The UK government also hopes to spotlight British icons like Paddington and James Bond. Infrastructure upgrades—including new train stations and motorway access—are also planned, signaling a landmark cultural and economic development for the region.