Earlier this year, US-media group Comcast announced that the first Universal-branded theme park in Europe would be built in Bedfordfordshire, UK. This week, the UK government has pledged to invest £500m to upgrade the area’s transport and infrastructure, including rail and road links.

Set on 476 acres 50 miles north of London, the proposed Universal Destinations and Experiences theme park is expected to begin construction early next year, and will include a 500-room hotel, rides, retail and dining outlets, and several performance venues. While most of the 20,000 pre-opening jobs created are expected to be in construction, Universal Destinations and Experiences has a careers form for theme park professionals, here. 

Once the park is up and running, the company anticipates the need for 8,000 full-time operational roles.

The site was chosen in part because of its proximity to London, airports, rail links around the UK and Europe, and the A421, an important link between major cities in the south of England.

It is believed that the attraction will bring more than 8 million visitors a year and while the project has still to get planning permission it has the support of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the British government.

Find out more about the Universal Destinations & Experiences project here.