There’s a Universal Studios theme park being built in the UK next year

The government has announced that there will be a Universal Studios theme park built in the UK, with construction starting next year.

According to a press release, an agreement between Universal, the government, and the local council will see a theme park be built as park of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex. It will be the first Universal theme park built in Europe, with existing parks already in the US, Japan, Singapore, and China.

The release revealed: “Proposed plans from Universal Destinations & Experiences, a business unit of Comcast, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment, all utilising sophisticated and advanced technology.

“Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex”.

First concept art for Universal’s theme park in England.

Set to open in 2031. pic.twitter.com/r2nRKhDfz0

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 8, 2025

The new park will be located on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford, with a scheduled opening date of 2031. The release estimates a £50billion boost for the economy, creating around 28,000 jobs, and drawing an expected 8.5million visitors in its first year.

In a statement, Prime Minister Kier 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. 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”.

He continued: “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”.

A new Universal theme park is coming to the UK.

We have closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will make Bedford home to one of Europe's biggest theme parks.

Creating 28,000 jobs, boosting our economy, and driving local and national growth. pic.twitter.com/0brg57M52H

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 9, 2025

There have been several attempts to make a major theme park in the UK in the past, with the most recent being a development in Kent that was announced in 2017.

Initially planned as a Paramount themed destination, the movie studio pulled out and the park was rebranded The London Resort, with BBC-themed rides planned at one point. The project stalled in the early 2020s and now looks unlikely to happen.

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