Universal Studios said it will build its first European theme park in Bedfordshire, England, and will preview the vast resort on Wednesday, where iconic American brands such as “Jurassic Park” can be combined with British characters such as Paddington Bear, Dr. Haw and Harry Potter.
The program is set to open in 2031, and UK officials have said the theme park, which has not yet been named, will become the UK's largest single tourist attraction. An executive at Universal's parent company Comcast said the 476-acre complex will include themed land, rides, 500 hotels, shops and meals.
British Prime Minister Kiel's Stage welcomed the announcement as a boost to his country's slowing economy and as an example of the government's attempt to overcome a deficit that has long become costly and difficult to complete complex projects in the UK.
“Today, we closed a multi-billion pound investment based in Bedford, one of Europe's largest entertainment parks,” Starmer said in a statement, adding that the project will create around 28,000 jobs.
The theme park, which said by 2055, would generate nearly $64 billion (£5 billion) of revenue for the region, is a rare bright spot in a moment when the UK economy is barely growing.
But it will be a few years before the doors are open to the public as the company changes what is bare land about 35 minutes north of London by train. That delay creates the kind of uncertainty that sometimes doomed the previous theme park efforts.
In the late 1980s, London was considered as a site for the Euro Disneyland theme park, which was eventually built outside of Paris, and was ultimately rejected. In 1994, Disney proposed “Disney America” near Manassas National Battlefield Park near Washington, DC, but retreated amid a fierce public backlash from nearby residents and members of Congress.
And in 2012, the theme park called the London Resort, was never built after years of delays due to environmental concerns and permits.
Starmer and his government members highlighted the benefits of the new theme park for local people on Wednesday.
British cultural secretary Lisa Nandi called it a “groundbreaking investment,” and told the BBC, “it's not only bringing great American creations to the UK, but also introducing the world to British creations.”
“These are like James Bond, Paddington Bear, these are like Harry Potter,” she said. “There are so many things I'm proud of.”
The success of the project depends on attracting millions of visitors. Studios and government officials were ambiguous about what the theme park would look like.
The artist's park renderings on the company's website showed some roller coasters, shopping and other areas around the large lagoon. However, authorities refused to be more specific about the possibility that film and television characters may be part of the development.
“It's still too early in the process to learn about the potential attractions and experiences that are popular,” the company said in a statement. “If we ensure approval of the required plan, we will check the exact details later.”
Other theme parks at Universal include vehicles featuring characters from the studio's own films and TV library. Jurassic Park rides are available in parks in Singapore, Japan, China and the US. Some of these parks also feature vehicles featuring characters from “Shrek,” “ET The Extra-Trestrial,” “Jaws,” and “Back to the Future.”
However, theme parks near London can also feature characters that are close to British imagination. Universal uses it on rides in its parks with characters from other companies, including characters from Nintendo, Harry Potter and Sesame Street. Other UK brands can do the same, such as Paddington Bear and Dr. Who.
