Comcast NBCUniversal has announced plans to build the first-ever Universal theme park and entertainment resort complex in the United Kingdom and Europe. Universal announced the plans in concert with both the government and local council. The theme park is set to begin construction in 2026 with an estimated completion timeline in 2031. Universal purchased a 476-acre parcel of land in Bedford back in 2023, and the location of the park places it within 2 hours’ travel time for 80% of England’s population and 35 minutes north of London by train.
Here are more details, including concept art of the new theme park.
Universal United Kingdom Plans
In terms of what was announced, it was an “intent to build” a theme park, hotel, and resort complex. Universal is still awaiting final consent approvals, but it has the backing of major players within the UK, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the government, and the local council. In short, we don’t foresee any major roadblocks preventing the project from being built.
Universal has announced that the plans call for “a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct style of immersive and thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment”. The resort will also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
The decision to move forward with the plans comes after 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. The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. A planning proposal will be submitted to UK Government in the months ahead with a projected construction start date in 2026.
The theme park, which is set to be one of the largest and most advanced in Europe, will bring nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year – becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.
As part of the Plan for Change, the government will commit to a major investment in infrastructure around the site to support the delivery of the project and ensure it is well connected and easily accessible.
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.
This is a special and historic milestone moment for our company as we continue to accelerate the growth trajectory of our theme parks business and delight audiences around the world.
The unparalleled storytelling and technological innovation that the incredible team at Universal Destinations & Experiences brings to life is a perfect complement to the British creative arts and tourism industries.
Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe. We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.
Bringing the Universal brand to the United Kingdom is another exciting step forward in generating future growth. Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates.
Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.
This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.
It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.
In terms of the development timeline, Universal confirmed a purchase of nearly 500 acres of land back in December 2023. Throughout 2024, they completed feasibility and due diligence work, including discussions with local and national stakeholders. In Spring 2024, Universal held public engagement sessions, with nearly 1,500 people attending in-person events along with 100 local organizations. During the public engagement portion, Universal received more than 6,000 survey responses, with 92% of respondents in support of the project.
By July 2024, the leaders and Chief Executives from the site’s six surrounding authorities wrote an open letter of support for the project and sent it to the national government. Now, Universal has announced plans for its intent to build a theme park complex, pending approval.
The plans for a United Kingdom theme park are just the latest expansion plans from Universal. As you may know, Universal Orlando Resort will be expanding this May with the addition of a third theme park, Epic Universe. We have already been to Epic Universe during an early preview, and the park is an impressive leap forward for Universal and is sure to be popular with tourists visiting the Central Florida area.
Beyond Florida, Universal has plans to open a kids-centered theme park in Texas, as well as a year-round horror experience in Las Vegas.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
