Universal Studios is set to make history in the United Kingdom, with the government’s formal approval of what will be the country’s first Universal theme park. The ambitious project, greenlit on December 20, 2025, is poised to transform a former brickworks site in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, into a sprawling entertainment resort that could rival Europe’s most iconic theme parks, including Disneyland Paris.
According to BBC News and The Wall Street Journal, Universal’s plans are nothing short of bold. The resort will cover 268 hectares (662 acres), with the main theme park spanning 96.7 hectares (238 acres)—nearly double the size of Disneyland Paris, which sits at just under 52 hectares (130 acres). The park is expected to open its gates by 2031, with projections of 8.5 million visitors annually at launch and a rise to 12 million by 2051. If these numbers hold, Universal Studios UK could soon claim the title of Europe’s most-visited theme park, surpassing the current leader, Disneyland Paris, which drew 10.2 million visitors last year, as reported by Forbes.
The scale of the project is matched only by its economic promise. Local leaders and Universal executives alike tout the development as a “generational opportunity” and a major economic engine for both the region and the nation. The anticipated economic impact is staggering: over the coming decades, the park is expected to inject £50 billion into the British economy. The construction phase alone is set to create 20,000 jobs, with 8,050 permanent roles forecast once the park is operational. Universal has committed to hiring roughly 80% of its workforce from surrounding communities, a move local officials say could be transformational for Bedfordshire and beyond.
Infrastructure upgrades are a central pillar of the plan. To accommodate millions of new annual visitors, the project includes a new railway station at Stewartby and significant enhancements to the existing Wixams station. Road links will also be improved to manage the anticipated surge in traffic. Bedford borough councillor Marc Frost told BBC News that, “councillors have been assured that traffic surveys are complete and road infrastructure will be in place.” The aim is to ensure that the influx of tourists won’t bring local roads to a grinding halt—a concern voiced by some residents.
Local reactions to the park are, for the most part, enthusiastic. Universal’s own survey of 6,000 people in the Bedford area found that 92% were supportive of the development. Many see the park as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and increased property values. Nick Kier, a partner at Lane & Holmes estate agents, told BBC News, “There are definite winners and losers in this scenario… you cannot expect, with that amount of investment coming in… that the prices won’t go up.” He noted that some locals have already purchased property near the site with plans to rent to future visitors, while others worry about affordability.
Yet, not everyone is convinced. Claudia Pixley, a resident whose bungalow sits near the planned entrance, described the project as “absolute madness.” She told BBC News, “They haven’t bought enough land; what they should be buying is 2,000 acres somewhere and put their theme park in the middle. But as it happens, some of these roads around here are tiny village roads. Anything goes wrong on the M1 or the A421, this whole area is at a standstill… and then you want to put Universal Studios in the middle of that.” Despite offers from Universal to buy her home, Pixley insists she wants to stay put in her “little slice of Eden.”
For others, the prospect of living next to a world-class theme park is a dream come true. YouTuber Jack Silkstone, who lives near Thorpe Park, told BBC News, “Everyone has some form of connection to the park—whether they work there themselves, they know someone that works there, they love to visit, or they aspire to work at the park when they’re older. It creates a real sense of community that then spills out into the wider surrounding towns.”
The park’s ambition extends beyond size and visitor numbers. Universal’s planning documents suggest the resort could feature the tallest rides in Europe, with some structures reaching up to 115 meters. Theme park analyst Theme Park Kate speculated to BBC News that Universal’s UK park could be “a huge game changer within Europe.” She added, “Harry Potter has been done now at various Universal parks, but a new IP like the rumoured James Bond or Lord of the Rings will be unique to the park and bring in a large amount of fans that will want to see these brand new experiences for themselves for the very first time.” While Universal has not confirmed which intellectual properties will be featured, last year a source told the BBC that James Bond, The Lord of the Rings, Paddington, and Jurassic World-themed rides are all possibilities.
The project’s approval came via a Special Development Order, a rare move that allowed the UK government to bypass standard local planning protocols and accelerate the timeline. The final statutory parliamentary review is still required before construction can begin, but all signs point to ground being broken as early as 2026. The choice of Kempston Hardwick was no accident; its proximity to major transport hubs, including London Luton Airport, makes it an ideal location for a park with global ambitions.
Universal’s expansion plans don’t stop at the UK. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company is also in the initial stages of planning a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with a government-backed entity. While details remain scarce, the move signals Universal’s intent to compete with Disney and other global players on multiple continents.
As the UK prepares to welcome its first Universal Studios resort, the excitement is palpable. Theme park fans, local businesses, and officials alike are betting that Universal’s arrival will shake up the European market, force existing parks to “step up their game,” and usher in a new era of entertainment tourism for Britain. Of course, challenges remain—from infrastructure to community concerns—but the sense of possibility is undeniable.
If all goes according to plan, by the next decade, families from across the UK and beyond could be flocking to Bedfordshire for a taste of Hollywood magic—right in their own backyard.
