Residents in a British market town where Universal Studios is to open a theme park have expressed their joy at the move.
People in Bedford said they feel the town “is boring” and the resort will only help attract tourists and offer something exciting for locals too. They echo Keir Starmer’s suggestion the attraction will “put Bedford on the map”.
The Prime Minister said on Tuesday the 476-acre entertainment resort complex will also boast a 500-room hotel. The resort, set to be among the most advanced in Europe, is expected to pump £50 billion into the economy and create as many as 28,000 jobs in construction and other sectors.
And Bedford locals see the buzz the attraction will create. Maria Perez, a warehouse worker, said: “I used to live in Manchester. I came here for work and Bedford is really boring.
“If you’re a family or you’re a young person in the area, there’s nothing to do. I think the theme park will be really great. It will be good for the economy, for the town and for the people. People will invest more. Prices will go up for rent, which is not good, but it’s a good thing for the town and will be for the people in the area.”
Nicola Harlow, 60, has lived in Bedford all her life. The retiree said: “So many of our young men don’t have jobs. “I have a 17-year-old son. I hope this might bring some benefits for him, for his future.”
Her mother Janet, 82, said: “In my day there were clubs and bars where we waltzed. Now there’s not. Our kids now, they don’t have anything like that to do. They need somewhere to go and some sort of entertainment.”
And Libby Lionetti, who runs La Piazza Cafe in Bedford, said he was “over the moon” to hear that Universal was moving in and it’s “the only thing we’re talking about” in the town.
Caitlin Ham, 32, said she was hoping for some Harry Potter-themed rides. She told the BBC: “We’ve not been [to a Universal park] before but it will be something that will be on the doorstep, easy to get to, so we’re looking forward it.”
Universal Destinations & Experiences will build its first UK resort south of the town, on the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick. It says the theme park will boast immersive attractions, rides and thrilling rollercoasters when it opens in 2031. It is thought the resort wil attract a huge 8.5 million visitors in its first year alone.
Speaking this week, Mr Starmer said: “This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.
“It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”
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