Europe’s First Universe Save Studio Near London
- LONDON (AP) — Universal Studios, owned by Comcast, plans to build its first European theme park and resort near London, according to officials.
- The new Universal theme park is slated to open in 2031 on a 480-acre site in Bedford, approximately 50 miles north of London.
- The Prime Minister's Office estimates the project will create 20,000 jobs during construction and 8,000 permanent positions once the park opens.
Worldwide Studios to Open First European Theme Park Near London
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LONDON (AP) — Universal Studios, owned by Comcast, plans to build its first European theme park and resort near London, according to officials. The declaration came Wednesday from the British Prime Minister’s Office.
The new Universal theme park is slated to open in 2031 on a 480-acre site in Bedford, approximately 50 miles north of London. The project represents a significant investment in the UK entertainment sector.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The Prime Minister’s Office estimates the project will create 20,000 jobs during construction and 8,000 permanent positions once the park opens. The advancement is projected to inject £50 billion (approximately $62.5 billion USD) into the UK economy.
Park Features and Attractions
Plans for the park include a theme park, a 500-room hotel, restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment complexes. Projections estimate 8.5 million visitors annually.
Universal Studios theme parks are known for attractions based on popular movies such as jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Shrek. Currently, Universal operates five parks in California, Florida, Singapore, Japan, and China. A new park is scheduled to open in Florida next month.
Comcast’s Expansion Strategy
mike Cavanagh,CEO of Comcast,stated,”We are excited to bring a universal theme park and resort to the UK. This expansion strengthens our global position by extending our theme park business from the United States into Europe.”
Comcast acquired the bedford site, formerly a brick factory, in 2023 and has been in discussions with the British government regarding the project. Comcast also owns Sky, a major European pay-TV service provider.
Government Support
The UK government has actively sought investment to stimulate economic growth.Recent approvals include the expansion of London Luton Airport, located about 20 miles from Bedford.
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Kim Ji-yeon contributed to this report.
Contact: cherora@yna.co.kr
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Universal Studios Coming to europe: Your Top Questions Answered
What’s the Big News? Universal Studios is Coming to europe!
Q: What’s happening?
A: Universal Studios, owned by Comcast, is building its first European theme park and resort near London, according to an announcement from the British Prime Minister’s Office.
Q: Where will this new Universal Studios be located?
A: The new park will be located in Bedford, approximately 50 miles north of London, on a 480-acre site.
Key Details: Location, Timeline, and Scope
Q: When is the park expected to open?
A: The planned opening date is 2031.
Q: What will be included in the Universal studios Europe complex?
A: Plans include a theme park, a 500-room hotel, restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment complexes.
The Economic Impact: Jobs and Investment
Q: What kind of impact will this have on the UK economy?
A: The project is expected to inject £50 billion (approximately $62.5 billion USD) into the UK economy.The British government is actively seeking investments.
Q: How manny jobs will this project create?
A: The project is estimated to create 20,000 jobs during construction and 8,000 permanent positions once the park opens.
About Universal Studios: What to Expect
Q: What kind of attractions can visitors anticipate?
A: Universal Studios parks are known for attractions based on popular movies like Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Shrek.
Q: Where are the existing Universal Studios parks located?
A: Universal currently operates five parks: in California, Florida, Singapore, Japan, and China. A new park is scheduled to open in Florida next month.
The Business Behind the Theme Park
Q: Who owns Universal Studios?
A: Universal Studios is owned by Comcast.
Q: Why is Comcast expanding into Europe?
A: Mike Cavanagh, CEO of Comcast, stated that the expansion strengthens its global position by extending its theme park business from the United states into Europe.
Q: When did Comcast acquire this site?
A: Comcast acquired the Bedford site, formerly a brick factory, in 2023.
Government Support and Future Growth
Q: Is the UK government supporting this project?
A: Yes, the UK government has been actively seeking investment to stimulate economic growth. Previous approvals include the expansion of London luton Airport, located about 20 miles from Bedford.
Summary Table: Key Facts at a Glance
Here’s a swift overview of the key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bedford, UK (approximately 50 miles north of London) |
| Opening Year (Projected) | 2031 |
| Site Size | 480 acres |
| economic Investment | £50 billion (approx. $62.5 billion USD) |
| Job Creation (Construction) | 20,000 |
| Job Creation (Permanent) | 8,000 |
| Park Features | Theme park, hotel (500 rooms), restaurants, retail, entertainment complexes |
| Estimated Annual Visitors | 8.5 million |