Universal Theme Park Coming to UK, Set to Open in 2031

6 days ago in "Universal UK"

Gallery / 2 Photos
Universal UK Concept Art

Posted: Wednesday April 9, 2025 7:25am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Universal Destinations & Experiences plans to build its first-ever theme park and resort in Europe, choosing Bedford, UK, for a major entertainment complex. The company confirmed yesterday the multi-billion-pound project would start construction in 2026, pending planning approval, aiming to open to visitors by 2031.

Universal UK Concept Art

The Universal park will occupy a nearly 500-acre site in Bedford, selected for its ideal location, connectivity, and suitable topography. The area is well-served by fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport, with further improvements planned by the East West Rail project between Bletchley and Bedford.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “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.”

Watch the video below for an aerial drone view of the proposed Universal UK site.

What’s Planned?

The nearly 500-acre resort will include:

Multiple themed lands with Universal’s immersive storytelling and advanced technology
Innovative attractions, rides, and entertainment
A 500-room hotel
Extensive retail, dining, and entertainment options

Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, explained the significance, “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.”

Location and Infrastructure Improvements

Bedford was chosen for its prime location and strong transport connections, including direct rail links to London and nearby airports. Planned infrastructure upgrades include:

Expansion of Wixams railway station
New slip roads on the A421
Enhanced regional transport via the East West Rail project

Universal UK Site Location

Economic and Job Benefits

Universal expects significant benefits for Bedfordshire and the broader UK economy:

Estimated economic boost of £50 billion by 2055
Around 20,000 construction jobs, peaking at 5,000 workers onsite
8,000 permanent operational jobs, growing to 10,000 within 20 years
Approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes
Additional job creation throughout the UK, with each park role generating 1.5 extra jobs elsewhere

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasized the project’s importance, “At a time of global change, this investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business. Universal’s investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets.”

Next Steps

Universal will submit a formal planning proposal to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The proposal includes an extensive Environmental Statement, subject to detailed public and stakeholder consultation.

Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the project, “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.”

Construction could begin as early as 2026, subject to approvals, setting the stage for Universal Bedford to become the UK’s largest visitor attraction when it opens in 2031.

Discuss on the Forums

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Stevie Amsterdam10 hours ago

Latest concept art suggest otherwise:

Stevie Amsterdam11 hours ago

Florida is an entirely different game than Europe. Imo, you can't compare the two with each other.

BrianLo11 hours ago

I too was under the impression that wouldn’t be the full scope plan for opening day. Which, like I said is actually fine. A reduced budget is fine, but start from the beginning with a proper redesign.

lazyboy97o15 hours ago

That they are being so open is why you shouldn’t get your hopes up that there is much more not being shown. “CityWalk” isn’t a defined term. You can even see an ornament free Toothsome’s in the art.

Robbiem18 hours ago

Toho want more Godzilla rides going forward! I guess this is more geared toward Asia but I would love a Godzilla area and attraction although I guess it might be seen as too similar to Jurassic World

WoundedDreamer20 hours ago

That document is leaving open opportunities for the future. It's common for resort operators to share additional information beyond their immediate plans to make sure the government and the surrounding communities are all on the same page. You'll notice that the same document mentions the potential for a "mixed use" area that is not part of any currently announced plans. If/when they decide to build a City Walk in the future, they don't want the community to be surprised or angered. They are also in the process of getting certain areas rezoned. They have to give some justification for why they want the zoning they do. By sharing their longterm vision for the site, they are ensuring they will not face obstacles in the decades ahead. That doesn't mean they'll actually build anything in the short term. Walt Disney World has approval for a fifth theme, but they have no plans at the moment to build it. They still sought the approval because they wanted to preserve their optionality for the future. In truth, no Universal fan should really be wanting a City Walk in the first stage of the build. Every dollar pound spent on the mall outside of the park means less money on placemaking and the rides. City Walk is a great attraction, but it's not mission critical to the resort's success. By contrast, having great rides and settings is nonnegotiable.

coffeefan1 day ago

Soon we will see if that happens in Florida. In California the bump was temporary, but it's possible.

Robbiem1 day ago

I agree that there isn’t a centrepiece icon but that’s a common theme for Universal Studios the icons are the gates and globe at the park entrance and the park is generally a series of competing icons around a lake, like world showcase as a standalone without spaceship earth

CoasterFan271 day ago

While Harry Potter is undeniably popular, as is Nintendo, I don't think the park will reach the visitor numbers suggested without something flagship that is distinct to what's on offer in Florida. Fingers crossed for LOTR but who knows what it could be. Certainly based on the current park layout it's solid and has great looking coasters that stand out (particularly in the UK), but there's no "wow" factor like a castle. Imagine a shire area, so much opportunity for food, entertainment and "family" fun that works for adults too. "the lack of a City Walk", that's just not true. In their communication to residents it's stated "Alongside the CityWalk could be a range of hotel and other accommodations, although we expect that many of our guests would also be staying in a range of different locations across the UK, including within Bedford itself", and they even address concerns it would be a threat to local businesses by stating it offers distinct experiences that wouldn't take away from local restaurant visits. The concept we've seen omits large parts of the land, and has a large path leading off towards what's presumably that plus carpark.

Stevie Amsterdam1 day ago

I think they can do without it, if they come up with exclusive alternatives. Lord of the Rings would be a good substitute if you ask me. Nintendo on the other hand, is an absolute must if they want to compete with DLP. For folks with kids it will be a question of 'Mickey or Mario?' and I'd bet on the latter, especially if the kid has already experienced Mickey one or more times.

JoeCamel1 day ago

Maybe they buy them? If WBD sinks much further they could be ripe for takeover

nickys2 days ago

I doubt Warner Bros will allow that to happen. The existing Studios Tour books out in advance year round. Unless they partner up somehow.

Stevie Amsterdam2 days ago

I'm going in August and will let you know when I'm back

BrianLo2 days ago

Yup, you got it! The hotel rooms, the lack of a City Walk - is all a canary on the ultimate spend on this project. Which other than stomping out claims this was about to be the next Universal’s Tokyo Disney Sea, it alarms and saddens me to see what skeleton they picked. Plus I think it’s generally a poor park layout to begin with. If they started small, we could have gotten a super enriched small park. Instead of a piecemeal large one. They started with a 7.5B resort and were told to hack 2-3B (?maybe more) off it, instead of the other way around. The back to the future sounds promising. Sort of assuming that’s the spike coaster. That’s also going to be because it’s custom designed in a park that largely isn’t.