Northamptonshire businesses could benefit from jobs, supply-chain work and increased visitor spending generated by the Universal UK Resort, after leaders from both of the county’s councils joined government talks on how the economic impact of the Bedford development can be spread across the region.
Representatives from North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council were among leaders from eight local authorities at a roundtable chaired by tourism minister Stephanie Peacock in Bedford.
The meeting brought councils together with the Government and Universal Destinations & Experiences to consider employment and skills, education and training, tourism, creative industries and transport connectivity ahead of the resort’s planned opening in 2031.
The Government says the Universal UK Resort is expected to create around 28,000 jobs through construction and permanent employment and generate almost £50 billion for the UK economy.
Those forecasts remain estimates, but councils surrounding Bedford are beginning to examine how local businesses and residents can secure a share of the opportunities created by the development.
For Northamptonshire, discussions included potential supply-chain work for businesses, employment and training opportunities and the prospect of attracting some of the millions of visitors expected to travel to the resort.
West Northamptonshire Council leader Mark Arnull said: “The scale of investment and ambition behind the Universal UK Resort has the potential to create thousands of jobs, attract visitors from across the globe and provide lasting benefits for our local economy.
“We are keen to work closely with our regional partners and Universal to ensure West Northamptonshire is well positioned to share in these opportunities, whether through employment, skills development, supply chain opportunities for local businesses or increased visitor numbers to our area.”
A series of regional working groups is being established covering creative industries, culture and heritage and the visitor economy.
A socio-economic taskforce will also focus on preparing the regional workforce for the development, including training, apprenticeships and internships for young people and those at the beginning of their careers.
Richard Clinton, chair of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, said the resort could provide opportunities across investment, skills and tourism.
He said: “Ahead of the opening in 2031, we will all work to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place for Northamptonshire to optimise all of the benefits and opportunities of Universal.”
The Universal UK Resort is being developed in Bedford Borough by Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of Comcast NBCUniversal. Plans include a theme park with several themed areas, visitor accommodation, retail, restaurants and entertainment.
Government and local authorities are now expected to continue discussions as the project progresses towards its planned 2031 opening.
Photo: Tourism Minister attends Universal Studios Roundtable. Credit DCMS.
