Construction work begins on Universal Studios Theme Park

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

WEDNESDAY 3^rd JUNE 2026

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, joined the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Universal Studios executives for the breaking ground of Universal Studios Theme Park, Bedford.

The event celebrated the first day of construction, and marked the considerable efforts made to get the project to this stage.  Due to open its doors in 2031 to millions of visitors every year, the park is forecast to add £50 billion to the economy and create 28,000 jobs. 20,000 of these will be in construction, with Universal having pledged 80% of all jobs will come from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Strathern has been working alongside Universal to get this project off the ground for over two years, regularly meeting with local and national offices, ministers and universal executives to help get the agreement for the project secured last year. 

The breaking of ground comes as the Government has unveiled its Great British Summer Savings programme featuring, alongside free bus travel for 5 to 15 year olds and other days out, reduced VAT for theme park tickets this summer.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“Hollywood, Orlando, and now… Bedfordshire! Today marks a fantastic moment for our area.

"When I first discussed the project hours after being elected, in a sleep deprived state, it took some convincing I wasn’t dreaming!

"After years of hard work and discussions it's fantastic to see that dream becoming a reality today. 

“A gamechanging investment to our economy of over £50bn is coming alongside tens of thousands of new jobs for locals.

“The hard work doesn't stop now though. I'm determined to ensure we continue to maximise the benefits for our Hitchin constituency of this historic opportunity."

Notes for Editors

You can see attached a picture of Strathern at the construction site.