Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially unveiled the name for its highly anticipated first theme park and resort in the United Kingdom: Universal United Kingdom Resort. This monumental project, set to become one of the largest theme parks globally, was formally announced on Wednesday, confirming an opening target of 2031. The resort will be situated just south of the English town of Bedford, on a vast 476-acre plot of land acquired by Comcast in 2023. The project received its official green light in December of the previous year.

A significant financial commitment underpins this ambitious development. Comcast NBCUniversal has pledged an investment exceeding £5 billion (approximately $6.7 billion) during the estimated five-year construction phase of the resort. Following its opening, an additional £1 billion (about $1.3 billion) will be invested over its first decade of operation. Complementing this private sector investment, the British government has announced its support with a £1.3 billion (roughly $1.7 billion) investment dedicated to regional and local community infrastructure. This includes crucial improvements to transport links, benefiting both local residents and visitors from across the U.K. and international destinations. This combined financial backing represents one of the most substantial investments ever made in the U.K. tourism sector and is considered one of the most significant investments within the current parliamentary term.

Both the government and NBCUniversal are emphasizing the profound economic benefits anticipated from Universal United Kingdom Resort. Projections indicate the creation of 28,000 jobs, spanning both the construction and operational phases of the resort. Furthermore, the project is expected to generate an impressive £50 billion (approximately $67 billion) for the U.K. economy by the year 2055. Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, lauded the investment, stating, “This unparalleled investment is a huge vote of confidence in the U.K. and puts rocket boosters under our entertainment industry. We’re proud to be backing British industry, investing in local talent and partnering with powerhouses like Universal to create jobs, growth and opportunities across the UK.”

Construction on the expansive entertainment complex is slated to commence shortly, with over 100 individuals already employed within the U.K. to advance the project. Brian Roberts, Comcast chair, expressed the historical significance of the venture: “This historic partnership is a special moment for our company as we bring our first Universal theme park and resort to Europe. We have a long and proud history in the United Kingdom through Sky and NBCUniversal and look forward to creating a spectacular destination that supports the U.K. creative industries and brings joy to millions for generations to come.” Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, further added that the new theme park and resort would create numerous opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond, allowing Universal to share its distinct experiences with guests globally, featuring immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions, and unparalleled creativity and innovation.