UPDATE: |Drone footage shows the huge site set to become UK’s first Universal theme park and resort News

The aerial drone footage shows just how big the park will be

Drone footage released of the site where the UK’s first Universal theme park and resort is set to be built shows just how big the project will be.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister signed a multi-billion pound deal with Universal to build a huge theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, bringing thousands of jobs to the area.

The investment will see around 28,000 jobs created in the hospitality, construction and creative sectors, with about 80% of employees at the theme park expected to come from local areas.

Sir Keir Starmer has said the move will provide a boost of up to £50bn to the economy by 2055, firmly putting the UK on the global investment stage and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

The development, working with Bedford Borough Council, will span 476 acres and include a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.

Universal have also agreed to support economic growth in the area by committing to working with local colleges and universities to train the next generation of its hospitality workforce.

There are currently five Universal Studios theme parks in the world: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Beijing Resort.

The park in Bedford will become the only Universal-branded theme park in Europe when it is projected to open its gates to the public in 2031.

With 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year, the resort will become the largest visitor attraction in the UK.

Done footage of the site on which the park is expected to be built shows just gives an impression of just how large the scale of the project is.

Speaking to the press shortly after signing the deal, the Prime Minister said: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.

“This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.

“It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country,” he added.

“Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”