Last summer, rumours went around about the UK possibly getting a Universal Studios theme park that would be just 40 minutes away from London. 2024 was not the first time we caught wind of it, with rumours swirling around in 2023 that Universal had bought 480 acres of land at a former brickwork site in Bedfordshire.
Well well, we’re happy to confirm this is in fact true and finally happening!
Universal Studios has confirmed plans to build its first European theme park in Bedford, UK. The ambitious project, set to open in 2031, promises to be one of the largest and most advanced amusement parks on the continent, marking a significant milestone for the entertainment giant. The development is expected to create thousands of jobs, attract millions of visitors annually, and provide a substantial economic boost to the region.
The theme park will be constructed on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedfordapproximately 90 miles from London. Spanning 476 acres, the resort will feature themed rides and attractions based on Universal’s blockbuster franchises such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minions, and Shrek. Alongside the park, visitors can expect a 500-room hotel, retail outlets, dining venues, and entertainment complexes.
The £50 billion investment is projected to generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055. During construction, approximately 20,000 jobs will be created, with an additional 8,000 roles in hospitality and creative industries once 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: “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 expects to welcome up to 8.5 million visitors in its first year alone. The park is set to rival Disneyland Paris as one of Europe’s premier entertainment destinations.
This development marks Universal’s sixth theme park globally. The company already operates parks in Orlando and Los Angeles in the United States; Osaka, Japan; Sentosa Island, Singapore; and Beijing, China.
With construction slated to begin in 2026 following government approval of planning applications, excitement is building for what promises to be a transformative addition to both Bedfordshire and Europe’s entertainment landscape.
