Capital Economy, Business and Finance
Yesterday Keir Starmer shared a photograph of himself shaking hands with the president of Comcast and announcing that “a new Universal theme park is coming to the UK”.
Local MP Chris Curtis called it a “blockbuster moment” for the region. It’s so much more than that.
For Comcast, the UK makes sense. Brits already spend thousands to travel to Universal Orlando Resort, attracted by rides themed around Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and The Incredible Hulk.
Universal is unlikely to get the cold reception Disney got in France in 1992.
Another big plus is the government’s support for the Luton Airport expansion plans, new nearby railway stations and the A428 upgrade.
Opening a theme park in Britain is no easy feat. The most recent attempt (the London Resort in Kent) was doomed by funding issues and planning snafus.
An encouraging government determined to make planning easier lowers the risk for Comcast, while a wealthy media conglomerate helps the government buy in.
Photo credit: @Keir_Starmer/X
