Universal’s new theme park in Bedford, UK has secured a government support package worth around £500 million ($686 million) for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
Comcast, Universal’s parent company, is negotiating the final size of the government support package, which currently includes £270 million ($370 million) for rail improvements - including a new station at Wixams - and about £200 million ($274 million) for roadworks.
This investment follows earlier plans to build a two-platform station at Wixams, which local officials say will need expanding to four platforms if the park goes ahead.
The theme park, to be built on a 192-hectare site at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks, is expected to generate a £50 billion ($68 billion) boost to the UK economy. The governent said the project will create around 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles once operational. Universal forecasts about 8.5 million visitors in the park’s first year, with an estimated £14.1 billion ($19.37 billion) in tax revenues over two decades.
The government’s backing comes amid efforts led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves to stimulate economic growth. Last month, the government approved plans to nearly double capacity at nearby Luton airport, which is expected to serve many visitors to the park.
Comcast had considered several countries before selecting the UK for its latest attraction, highlighting the importance of the government’s financial and infrastructure commitments in securing the project.
The European Commission has warned Meta that it may face daily fines starting 27 June if its modified pay-or-consent advertising model fails to meet EU antitrust requirements under the Digital Markets Act.
Germany’s data protection commissioner has called on Apple and Google to block the Chinese AI app DeepSeek from their platforms over illegal data transfers and privacy concerns.
Azerbaijan’s top general observed major drills in Türkiye and met senior Turkish defence leaders, underscoring the allies’ growing military partnership.
Nike plans to reduce its reliance on China for U.S.-bound products to offset the financial blow from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, as the sportswear giant posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and a milder revenue forecast.
Azerbaijan and China have deepened energy cooperation, with new agreements signed to advance green energy initiatives and improve Azerbaijan’s electricity transmission system in line with its renewable energy targets.
Heatwaves gripping Europe have pushed temperatures above 40°C, fueling wildfires and triggering weather alerts across several countries.
The UK government has eased its travel advice for Israel as the final evacuation flight for British nationals prepares to depart Tel Aviv on Sunday.
President Donald Trump said Friday he believes any potential conflict with North Korea can be resolved, pointing to his strong relationship with leader Kim Jong Un.
The US stock market closed at record highs Friday, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rebounding from late-session losses triggered by trade tensions with Canada.
The U.S. Senate on Friday rejected a Democratic-led effort to block President Donald Trump from launching further military action against Iran without congressional approval.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
In a televised address on Saturday night, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that American forces, in coordination with Israel, had conducted precision strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, aiming to dismantle Tehran’s enrichment capabilities.
The US stock market closed at record highs Friday, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rebounding from late-session losses triggered by trade tensions with Canada.
The European Commission has warned Meta that it may face daily fines starting 27 June if its modified pay-or-consent advertising model fails to meet EU antitrust requirements under the Digital Markets Act.
Nike plans to reduce its reliance on China for U.S.-bound products to offset the financial blow from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, as the sportswear giant posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and a milder revenue forecast.
Nike is stepping back from China-based production for its U.S. market to dodge tariff-related costs, aiming to shift its sourcing strategy by 2026.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
Heatwaves gripping Europe have pushed temperatures above 40°C, fueling wildfires and triggering weather alerts across several countries.
The UK government has eased its travel advice for Israel as the final evacuation flight for British nationals prepares to depart Tel Aviv on Sunday.
President Donald Trump said Friday he believes any potential conflict with North Korea can be resolved, pointing to his strong relationship with leader Kim Jong Un.
The US stock market closed at record highs Friday, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rebounding from late-session losses triggered by trade tensions with Canada.
The U.S. Senate on Friday rejected a Democratic-led effort to block President Donald Trump from launching further military action against Iran without congressional approval.
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