Universal has unveiled the name and logo for its planned UK theme park, which is set to become the company's first resort in Europe.
The new attraction will be called Universal United Kingdom Resort and is planned for a site in Bedfordshire, with opening expected in 2031.
Comcast NBCUniversal and the UK Government have announced investment worth £7.3 billion in the project, which Universal says could generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055.
The resort is expected to include a theme park, hotel accommodation, restaurants, shops and entertainment spaces, with Universal promising "immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation".
Universal’s existing theme parks feature rides and attractions based on some of its best-known films and franchises, including Jurassic Park, Minions, ET, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Fast & Furious. Details of the rides and themed areas planned for the UK resort have not yet been announced.
Universal said enabling works are already under way at the Bedfordshire site, with construction expected to begin soon.
The company has committed to investing more than £5 billion during the expected five-year construction period, along with a further £1 billion over the resort’s first 10 years of operation.
The UK Government is also investing £1.3 billion in regional and local infrastructure to support the development, including transport links and community infrastructure.
The UK's Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the project would support nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 jobs once the resort opens.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site on Wednesday.
"I know that you could have chosen locations in other parts of Europe," she said. "We’re really thrilled you’re going to be here and we’re determined to work with you to make it the massive success that I know it’s going to be."
Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said the company was ready to "break ground" and create "the most spectacular theme park in all of Europe, if not the world".
Universal currently operates five entertainment and resort complexes around the world: Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in the US, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Universal Beijing Resort in China and Universal Studios Singapore.
Source: Press Association
