The first Universal theme park and resort in Europe will open in the UK in 2031, the Government has announced.
The attraction, set to be built on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford, is expected to create about 28,000 jobs.
Universal, which is owned by Sky News's US parent company Comcast, estimates that 8.5 million people will visit the 476-acre resort in its first year. Universal expects the attraction to generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors in its first year.
The company’s multi-billion-pound investment will “see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage,” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said.
Watch live: a new Universal theme park is coming to Bedford. https://t.co/jpjRrYFfnX
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 9, 2025
According to Universal Destinations and Experiences, about 80 per cent of new jobs created will be filled by people from Bedfordshire and the surrounding regions. The theme park is expected to generate employment in tourism, construction and even the AI sector.
Although Spain’s PortAventura resort was previously co-branded with Universal, this new UK site is set to become the first Universal theme park in Europe developed entirely from scratch.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, after a detailed planning proposal is submitted to the Government.
There are five Universal theme parks worldwide: Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Beijing and Singapore. Universal’s Hollywood resort attracted 9.66 million visitors in 2023, while the Orlando site welcomed 9.75 million, according to the Theme Index Report.
What will the UK’s Universal theme park and resort look like?
Universal Destinations & Experiences has proposed a theme park, a retail centre and a 500-room hotel.
Universal has already purchased 476 acres of land at the former brickworks site and could acquire more to expand the project to around 700 acres, allowing for improved transport links and infrastructure.
While Universal says it’s “still too early” to confirm which rides and attractions will feature at the UK park, some clues come from its most recent resort in Beijing. This features rides such as the Transformers Megabase Decepticoaster, the Minions-themed Loop-Dee Doop-Dee and the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.
Visitors can likely expect attractions inspired by renowned Universal franchises such as Jurassic Park, Jaws and Despicable Me.
Universal has also announced plans to build a new railway station on the East West Rail railway line near the resort and upgrade Wixams station. There are also proposals to construct dedicated slip roads for the A421, which was affected by flooding last October.
The large-scale development has not yet received planning permission, but has garnered strong backing from local government officials.
UK's first Universal theme park and resort fact box
- The proposed opening date of Universal Studios' first European theme park is 2031.
- It will include a retail centre and a 500-room hotel.
- Work is expected to begin in 2026.
- 476 acres of the former brickworks site in Bedford are to be transformed, which is empty and derelict.
- 8.5 million visitors are expected in the first year of opening.
- The estimated boost to the UK economy could reach £50bn over 20 years.
- 20,000 jobs will be created during the construction period. 80 per cent of these workers are set to come from Bedfordshire and the surrounding area.
The announcement follows approval last week from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to expand the nearby London Luton Airport.
Universal has previously described the Bedford site as “an ideal location with convenient, fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy credited the Government’s commitment to improving local transport infrastructure as a key reason the deal could progress.
Nearby communities have warmly received the proposals. Universal said 92 per cent of more than 6,000 residents and organisations surveyed supported the plans.
Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, said: "We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe.
"We appreciate the leadership and support of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and their teams, as we work together to create and deliver a fantastic new landmark destination."
