Last summer, whispers began circulating about a potential Universal Studios theme park coming to the UK, located just 40 minutes from London. Rumors intensified in 2023 when it was reported that Universal had acquired 480 acres of land at a former brickwork site in Bedfordshire. Now, it’s official: Universal Studios has confirmed plans to build its first European theme park in Bedford, UK, with an expected opening in 2031.
This ambitious project, set to be one of the largest and most advanced amusement parks in Europe, will be located on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks, roughly 90 miles from London. Spanning 476 acres, the resort will feature themed rides and attractions based on Universal’s beloved franchises, including Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minions, and Shrek. Alongside the park, visitors can look forward to a 500-room hotel, retail outlets, dining venues, and entertainment complexes.
The investment for this massive project is estimated at £50 billion, with projections indicating that it could generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055. During the construction phase, approximately 20,000 jobs will be created, with an additional 8,000 roles in hospitality and creative industries once the park is operational. Universal has committed to hiring locally, with around 80% of positions expected to be filled by residents of Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the project as transformative for both Bedfordshire and the UK economy. He stated, “This is our Plan for Change in action—combining local and national growth while creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.” Universal Studios UK anticipates welcoming up to 8.5 million visitors in its first year, positioning the park to rival Disneyland Paris as one of Europe’s premier entertainment destinations.
This development marks Universal’s sixth theme park globally, joining existing locations in Orlando and Los Angeles in the United States, Osaka in Japan, Sentosa Island in Singapore, and Beijing in China. With construction slated to begin in 2026 following the government’s approval of planning applications, excitement is building for this transformative addition to both Bedfordshire and Europe’s entertainment landscape.
Sir Keir Starmer expressed his enthusiasm during a visit to Kimberley College in nearby Stewartby, joking that his children, aged 14 and 16, were unusually interested in the announcement. “They don’t take that much interest in the announcements I’m making every day, I have to admit, but this one has really caught their eye,” he remarked. The local community has responded positively to the plans, with Universal reporting that 92% of over 6,000 surveyed local residents and organizations supported the project.
However, some residents have expressed concerns about whether local infrastructure will be sufficient to handle the expected influx of visitors. Jagdeep Singh, a business change analyst from Kempston, voiced worries about potential traffic issues and the capacity of local hospitals. He stated, “I worried a bit about traffic on the bypass - what’s going to happen to our hospitals if there’s any accidents?”
In response to these concerns, Universal has pledged to upgrade the Wixams railway station and construct a new station on the East West Rail line near the resort. The company also plans to add dedicated slip roads to the A421, which experienced flooding in October 2024 after heavy rainfall. These infrastructure improvements are part of a broader commitment to enhance local transport links.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the investment as “fantastic news” for the economy, emphasizing that it’s not just about bringing American creations to Britain but also about showcasing British creations like James Bond and Paddington Bear to the world. Nandy noted, “With continued sustainable growth, Bedford Borough is poised to become a must-visit destination and a prime hub for business investment, driving growth for our community.”
The park’s proposed features include several themed lands, rides, attractions, and entertainment options, as well as the aforementioned hotel and retail complex. Universal Destinations & Experiences, a subsidiary of Comcast, has expressed excitement about expanding its brand into Europe. Mike Cavanagh, the president of Comcast Corporation, stated, “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.”
Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton called the announcement a landmark moment for the borough, highlighting the opportunities it brings for local residents. He said, “Universal’s decision to proceed with its theme park and resort in the UK brings exciting opportunities to our doorstep – thousands of jobs, new training and career paths, and a huge boost for local businesses.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves echoed this sentiment, stating that Universal’s investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business. “At a time of global change, this investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets,” she said.
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, it remains subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. The government has indicated its support for the initiative, and Universal is working closely with local authorities to ensure a smooth development process.
As the plans for this groundbreaking theme park unfold, Bedfordshire residents are left with a mix of excitement and apprehension about the future. While many anticipate the economic boost and job creation it promises, others remain cautious about the potential challenges that come with such a significant development. Nevertheless, the prospect of a Universal Studios theme park in the UK is a thrilling development for fans of the franchise and a potential game-changer for the local economy.
