Negotiations between the government and Universal regarding a proposed mega- theme park in the UK are progressing positively, according to tourism minister Chris Bryant.

Universal announced plans for the major attraction in December 2023 after acquiring a 476-acre site south of Bedford.

Speaking in the House of Commons on 16 January, Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson emphasised the park’s potential benefits. 

“Plans for a Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire are a huge opportunity to drive economic growth and private sector investment,” he stated, while also inquiring about the progress of discussions and when the government anticipates concluding negotiations with Universal.

While Bryant refrained from disclosing specific details, he expressed optimism about the project’s potential. 

“I cannot enter into the precise details of the negotiations, but they are going well, and I am hopeful that this will be absolutely transformational for the British tourism industry if we manage to pull it off,” he commented.

An economic impact analysis commissioned by Universal projects that the park could contribute nearly £50 billion to the UK economy over its construction and first 20 years of operation.