Universal has received the regulatory green light necessary to move forward with plans to build a theme park complex in the United Kingdom. The news comes via Mohammad Yasin, an MP for the Bedford area, where the theme park complex will be built. Yasin posted a letter from Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing. Here’s the latest!
Universal Receives Green Light for United Kingdom Theme Park
In a letter addressed to Yasin, Reed writes that the special order for Universal to build a theme park complex has been laid before Parliament and that it will come into effect on January 12, 2026. Reed said that he granted planning permission for the development of an “Entertainment Resort Complex” at Kempston Hardwick, Bedford. That’s the green light that Universal was waiting for.
The letter goes on to say that the site is around 268 hectares, some 40% larger than the previously announced 476-acre parcel previously announced. The letter says that the project will include one or more theme parks, visitor accommodations, retail, dining, sports and conference facilities, along with associated landscaping and utility infrastructure.
Other improvements for the project include updates to the travel network including new entrances and exits from the nearby highway, a bigger trans station, and other improvements to local roadways. The new Universal United Kingdom theme park is expected to attract between 8.5 and 12 million guests per year.
Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055.
Yasin’s social media post says that he is “absolutely delighted to share with you that Universal Studios has got the green light”.
Construction will begin in 2026 and the theme park is expected to open in 2031.
Universal Comments on Project Milestone
Universal has commented on the major milestone for the project. The Universal UK Project website has been updated, and a letter has been sent out to local residents. Here’s the latest.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has approved our request for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO).
While there are still further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone for the project.
Today, I can share an important update on our plans to bring a new entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park to Bedford. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has approved our request for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO) and I would like to extend my thanks to them.
While there are still further steps to complete, including a statutory parliamentary review period, this decision represents another important milestone for the project. On behalf of the company, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the continued engagement from Bedford and the various communities surrounding our site, as well as the many other national and local stakeholders who have provided feedback and expressed such enthusiasm on the transformative nature of our project.
In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us. The interest and support we’ve already seen from both local companies and residents has been incredibly encouraging.
Universal UK Plans
Universal has previously 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 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.
The move to expand to the United Kingdom comes as Universal Destinations and Experiences is on a tear. Universal opened the all-new Epic Universe theme park in Orlando earlier this year, and is currently building a kids-centered theme park in Texas.
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