Europe's first Universal theme park coming to UK

The UK is set to become home to Europe’s first Universal theme park, following a government announcement confirming the development.

The proposed park will be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site near Bedford and is projected to generate around 28,000 jobs ahead of its planned 2031 opening.

Universal estimates that the 476-acre entertainment resort could draw approximately 8.5 million visitors in its inaugural year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the multibillion-pound investment, saying it would make Bedford a key destination for global tourism and entertainment by hosting one of Europe’s largest theme parks.

Universal Destinations and Experiences, the company behind blockbuster films such as Minions and Wicked, stated that around 80% of the workforce will be hired from Bedfordshire and nearby areas.

With existing theme parks in the US (Orlando and Los Angeles), Japan (Osaka), Singapore (Sentosa), and China (Beijing), the new Bedfordshire development will be among the most expansive and technologically advanced parks in Europe, according to Universal.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the project as a "landmark investment" and a major boost for the UK economy.

She emphasized the importance of not only bringing popular American franchises to British audiences but also promoting beloved British icons like James Bond, Paddington Bear, and Harry Potter to an international stage.

A full planning application for the new Universal theme park will be submitted to the UK government, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026.

According to the Theme Index Report, Universal’s Florida resort in Orlando welcomed 9.75 million visitors in 2023, while its Hollywood location attracted 9.66 million visitors in the same year.

In 2016, NBCUniversal signed a seven-year agreement with Warner Bros., securing television rights for the Harry Potter series and the Fantastic Beasts films.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the project would generate employment opportunities across sectors such as construction, artificial intelligence, and tourism.

“We are working together to build a brighter future for the UK—helping people into work and keeping our economy resilient and globally competitive,” he said.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the development as a strong endorsement of the UK as a thriving business destination during a time of significant global change.

Universal Destinations & Experiences has outlined plans for the UK site to feature a theme park, a retail district, and a hotel with 500 rooms.

The company has already acquired 476 acres for the development but is considering purchasing additional land to expand the site to around 700 acres, which would help enhance transport connectivity.

Local residents from nearby villages have generally reacted positively to the proposal, although some have expressed concerns about whether existing infrastructure can handle the anticipated surge in visitors.

Universal noted that it had consulted over 6,000 individuals and local organizations, with 92% expressing support for the project.

Universal announced plans to upgrade Wixams railway station and construct a new station along the East West Rail line to serve the resort.

Additionally, the company intends to build dedicated slip roads connecting to the A421, which experienced flooding last October due to heavy rain.

On Thursday, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved expansion proposals for the nearby London Luton Airport.

Universal Destinations and Experiences confirmed it purchased Bedfordshire land in December 2023

Universal has previously called the Bedford location “ideal,” highlighting its quick and convenient rail access to both London and London Luton Airport.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added that the government's commitment to enhancing local transport infrastructure played a key role in securing the agreement with Universal.

Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, Universal’s parent company, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the theme park brand into Europe.

Universal confirmed it would collaborate with Bedford Borough Council on the development. The council was one of six local authorities to back the proposal last year, along with Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, North Northamptonshire, and West Northamptonshire.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton called the announcement the "best news" the town has had in a long time. He added that "some of the brightest minds at Universal" are focusing on the infrastructure planning.

Reactions among Bedford residents have been mixed. Margaret Wilson, 85, from Elstow, said she likely wouldn't visit the park herself but thought her teenage grandsons would enjoy it. However, she noted: "It’ll be four years before anything is built—who knows what could change by then?"

Maria Perez, a warehouse worker in the area, welcomed the project, saying it would be “really great” for families and young people. She felt the park would benefit the local economy and attract more investment, though she expressed concern about potential rises in rent.

Jagdeep Singh, a 36-year-old business change analyst from Kempston, acknowledged the park's potential to create jobs and stimulate business growth. Still, he voiced concerns about increased traffic and the potential strain on local hospitals in the event of accidents.

The development plans are still subject to approval from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.