The UK’s new Labour government is to meet with representatives from NBCUniversal to discuss plans for a Universal theme park in Bedfordshire. Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, confirmed the news in a letter to Mohammad Yasin, the MP for Bedford.
She wrote: “The proposed investment by Universal would be a significant boost to both tourism and creative industries and the company’s choice of the UK for its first European park is both a testament to the strength of these sectors and a demonstration that the UK is open for business.”
Nandy said “a world-class, large-scale theme park has the potential to transform the area, drive growth and create thousands of jobs”. She added: “This government intends to make it a priority to engage with businesses who are interested in making significant investments in the UK, our communities and our workforce to ensure they have the support and confidence to bring economic and societal benefit to the UK. “My officials are working closely with NBCUniversal to assess the local and national impacts and facilitate the deliverability of this project.”
Plans for a theme park in the UK were confirmed by Universal in December 2023 after the company purchased a 476-acre parcel of land south of Bedford.
Nandy said the meeting would include Sir Chris Bryant, the minister for creative industries, arts and tourism.
Yasin shared the letter from Nandy on X and said it was “positive to see such a proactive approach from the government to engaging with businesses investing in our country”
He wrote: “It’s promising that department officials have been continuing their discussions with Universal and that ministers are taking a personal interest in this project.”
Universal recently undertook a period of public engagement for its planned attraction, which was endorsed by the leaders of six local authorities in a letter to the new prime minister in July.
The new park could generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy during construction and the first 20 years of operations.
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