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Government to meet Universal theme park bosses

Universal Studios A statue of a tilted globe with "Universal" across it, with palm trees and pedestrians in the backgroundUniversal Studios
Lisa Nandy said she will meet with the company behind Universal Theme Park shortly

The government has said it will meet with a company that has plans to bring a new Universal Theme Park to the UK.

Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, has told Mohammad Yasin, the MP for Bedford, that she will meet with representatives from NBCUniversal.

Universal Destinations and Experiences has previously told the BBC it plans to open an all-year-round park after it bought a 476-acre (193-hectare) site at Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire.

Ms Nandy said: "The proposed investment by NBCUniversal would be a significant boost to both tourism and creative industries."

Getty Images People walking in a theme park, with large mushroom plants and lamp posts either side of a walkway and a castle in the backgroundGetty Images
Universal Studios theme parks are located around the world

Ms Nandy said the meeting would also include Sir Chris Bryant, the minister for creative industries, arts and tourism.

Her letter continued: "A world-class, large-scale theme park has the potential to transform the area, drive growth and create thousands of jobs.

"My officials are working closely with NBCUniversal to assess the local and national impacts and facilitate the deliverability of this project."

Universal Destinations and Experiences commissioned an economic impact assessment to determine the resort's financial impact on the UK.

It revealed that the net economic contribution of the potential project was forecast to be £35.1bn during construction and the first 20 years.

It also found as well as 20,000 jobs created during construction, the resort could initially create 8,000 new jobs once operational.

An aerial view of fields surrounding a junction between a road and railway track
Fields and a former brickworks in Stewartby, Bedfordshire, have been purchased by Universal Studios

In July six local authorities wrote to Sir Keir Starmer emphasising the "transformative potential" of the initiative.

Ms Nandy added: "This government intends to make it a priority to engage with businesses who are interested in making significant investments in the UK."

Mr Yasin shared the letter 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."

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