The UK’s first Universal Studio Theme Park plan is closer than ever. First announced in 2023, Universal hopes to build its first European theme park in the UK. Approval is said to be imminent, with MPs considering proposals and a final decision on a location expected to be made very soon. Rumours are flying that Universal’s theme park will be the first in the UK, but here’s everything we know so far…
Where is he?
Bedfordshire will be the site of the theme park if plans are approved.
In December 2023, Universal acquired a 450-acre site at Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford. Plans described Bedford as an \”ideal location\” due to its convenient transport links.
Bedford can also be easily reached via London, and with its central location, more than half of the UK population can be there within two hours. New transport links will also be introduced as tourism to Bedford is expected to increase, including new rail links linking Oxford and Cambridge, which are Bedford’s closest cities.
While there has been discussion about whether Bedford is a good location for the company’s first ever theme park in Europe, no red flags have been raised. It will also bring significant benefits to local residents, as it is estimated that 8,000 new jobs will be created – a number that could grow over the first 20 years of operation. What will happen in there?
The new site will take place at the hotel for 500 rooms, the entertainment area, the station and many attractions – so there is a lot of impatience. There’s still little information about what attractions will be coming to Universal UK, but with the likes of Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and The Simpsons coming to other parks, expectations are high.
They also said that rides and buildings would be “limited to a maximum height”. The 16-page document submitted by Universal suggested that the Bedford-based theme park would have its own Citywalk.
The plan also included a statement that the park would “celebrate” the area’s “vibrant history”, suggesting more famous UK attractions. When will it open?
Planning is still in progress, so there is no specific timeline for Universal UK to be completed. But the estimate is that the park won\’t be open before 2030 and could take at least six years to build.
Where are the other Universal theme parks? There are only five theme parks worldwide, and currently none in Europe.
To date, Universal has opened Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Singapore.
