The American media giant Comcast has announced the construction of its first-ever Universal theme park and resort in Europe, in Bedford, north of London. The British government said on Wednesday that it is set to open in 2031.

The site is expected to generate 20,000 jobs during the construction phase, and some 8,000 additional jobs in the hotel and creative sectors once the site is up and running.

The park hopes to welcome 8.5 million visitors in its first year of operation, a figure currently surpassed only by Disneyland Paris in Europe.

Universal Studios already has five complexes in the United States, Singapore, Japan and China, offering attractions inspired by iconic franchises such as Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and Fast and Furious.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently relaxed planning regulations to attract investment, welcomed the multi-billion pound investment, which will make Bedford one of the largest entertainment centers in Europe.

The project includes a theme park with several immersive zones, a 500-room hotel and a vast shopping, dining and entertainment complex.

Comcast chairman Mike Cavanagh presented the plans to Keir Starmer in London on Tuesday, saying he was “more excited than ever” at the prospect of creating a Universal park in the heart of the UK.

Comcast had acquired a 500-acre former industrial site in Bedfordshire, around 90 km north of London, in 2023. The company also owns Sky, Europe's leading pay-TV operator.

Discussions had been underway with the British government since last year to transform the site into a theme park. The Labour government, elected last year with the ambition of boosting investment in infrastructure, gave the green light to the extension of Luton airport, located some 30 kilometers from the future park, thus strengthening the region's international connectivity.