The prime minister declared that a new Universal theme park will "put Bedford on the map". Universal Destinations & Experiences will build their first UK resort south of the town, on the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick.

The Government has struck a deal to bring Europe’s first Universal theme park to Bedfordshire, which includes infrastructure upgrades and a fast-tracked planning process. The 476-acre resort, hailed a “fabulous opportunity” by one local councillor,

The government has given the go-ahead for a theme park spanning approximately 476 acres to be built in Bedfordshire. The go-ahead given by Keir Starmer marks a significant step forward in the plans, which would see people living in the Cambridgeshire town of St Neots just a 25-minute drive from the first Universal-branded theme park in Europe.

Universal estimated the 476-acre complex could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the multibillion-pound investment by the company would "see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe,

Universal has chosen the homeland of Harry Potter to build its first theme park and resort in Europe, the entertainment company and U.K. officials announced Wednesday. The studio and theme park operator that has drawn millions to its Potter-themed wizarding worlds and other attractions said it would begin construction next year just beyond the outskirts of London.

Comcast NBCUniversal has unveiled plans to build its first-ever theme park and resort in the United Kingdom. The project, set to open in 2031, will be located just south of Bedford, England, on a 476-acre parcel of land purchased by Comcast in 2023.