Universal will build its first European theme park in Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced, unveiling a deal which could create thousands of jobs and attract millions of tourists.
“Today we closed the deal on a multibillion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe,” Starmer said, referring to the English market town north of London.
No precise figures were given for the accord, which was struck with US communications giant Comcast, which owns Universal, after years of discussions with UK leaders.
There are currently five Universal theme parks around the globe. The first was opened in 1964 in Hollywood, California, based around the original film studios, followed later by a park in Orlando, Florida. Three others are in Asia: in Beijing, China; Osaka, Japan; and Singapore.
Rides and shows could be based around film characters including Shrek, the Minions, Jurassic Park dinosaurs and Harry Potter.
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