Universal Studios is Coming to the UK

Whilst a lot had been going on behind the scenes with Universal Studios, they have finally been given the green light to build a brand new theme park right here in the United Kingdom.

Artist's rendition of the the upcoming theme park.

Universal has officially got permission to build it's first European theme park, right here in the UK. The park will be built on a 500-acre (their Orlando resort is 541 acres) former brickworks site in Bedfordshire, England that Universal purchased back in 2023. It's about 55 miles north of London, and 20 miles from Luton Airport lying between the towns and villages of Stewartby, Wooton, Wixams and Kempston, just south of the centre of Bedford.

The UK Government, led by current Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, has said the new theme park is set to generate nearly £50bn for the economy as well as creating around 28,000 jobs - 20,000 in the construction period and 8,000 working on the site when it opens to visitors.

The proposed start date for construction is reportedly 2026, with the park opening its doors to visitors in 2031.

Universal says visitors to the theme park will be "fully immersed in different experiences". As well as the theme park itself, there are plans to build a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex. Universal is known for franchises that lend themselves to themed rides, including Minions, Fast and the Furious and Jurassic World. However, the company has said it is "still too early" to sketch out details of any specific attractions and experiences.

"A new Universal theme park is coming to the UK. We have closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will make Bedford home to one of Europe's biggest theme parks. Creating 28,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and driving local and national growth." - Sir Kier Starmer via X.

As outlined in their press release- Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBC Universal, intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever theme park and resort in the United Kingdom, located in Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.

Our intent to proceed with the project follows more than a year of feasibility, due diligence, and close engagement with local and national stakeholders, as well as members of the local surrounding communities.​At Universal Destinations & Experiences, we offer guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences, featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment.​

The proposed plans include an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. It will be the first Universal-branded theme park in the UK and Europe.

Universal Studios is Coming to the UK

This development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy. It will be a major contributor to the creative arts and tourism industries, generating nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and creating thousands of new, high-quality jobs. At opening, the theme park would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes, with many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities.

We recognise the tremendous excitement our theme parks and destinations bring; however, it is too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. More details about the project will be revealed over time and are subject to the necessary planning consent approvals.

You can find out more info about the upcoming Universal UK Project via their website.

Of course, Universal has recently finished their latest theme park located in Orlando, Florida. Epic Universe opens this May, with press and some visitors already being able to experience everything this new park has to offer. Which includes a Dark Universe land inhabited by the iconic Universal Monsters, who are brought to life with possibly the best animatronics made to date. You can check out a look at them below. via Theme Park Insider.

Not gonna lie folks, I'm very excited for this, and I'm hoping they have a place for Jurassic Park, Jaws (still haven't got over that one being demolished) & the Universal Monsters in this new park. Fingers crossed hey!

More as we learn it.