Universal UK

Universal Theme Park - UK

Universal has been given the green light to build its first European theme park and resort - here in the UK.

The resort in Bedfordshire is set to be one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year.

But thrill seekers have a bit of a wait on their hands, with the park not expected to open in 2031, following an agreement between Universal, the government and the local council.

Where will it be?

The theme park will be constructed on a 500-acre former brickworks site in Bedfordshire, which Universal bought in 2023.

It is about 55 miles north of London and 20 miles from Luton Airport.

The park will lie between the towns and villages of Stewartby, Wooton, Wixams and Kempston, just south of the centre of Bedford.

Why Bedford?

Universal, which is owned by US parent company Comcast, said the Bedfordshire site is an "ideal location" with convenient and fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport.

It said it is also "well-connected for travel from all parts of the UK and Europe".

Bedford Borough Council has wanted to redevelop the site for some time, according to Universal, with its size and the features of the landscape lending itself to a large-scale theme park resort.

The site is near the A421, a major road connecting Cambridge through Milton Keynes to Oxford. The road will be improved ahead of the park opening.

On the railways, the Thameslink line runs directly to Bedford from East Grinstead in West Sussex. The train passes through London Bridge and London St Pancras, taking just under an hour to get to Bedford.

A separate 16-mile-long line known as the Marston Vale Line connects Bedford and Bletchley in Buckinghamshire.

To help the area cope with increased footfall, upgrades will be made to Bedford station, as well as a new station at Wixams.

Additional transport improvements are set to be made, particularly on the Marston Vale Line, as part of the East West Rail project.

The project ties in with other work around the Oxford-Cambridge corridor - the development of the area between Oxford and Cambridge, which was revived by the chancellor in January after the Conservatives scrapped plans for an Abingdon-Milton Keynes train link in 2021.

It will also support the expansion of Luton Airport, the UK's fifth-busiest airport last year, which was approved by the transport secretary in early April.

What will be in the park?

Universal says visitors to the theme park will be "fully immersed in different experiences".

As well as the theme park itself, there are plans to build a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex.

Universal is known for franchises that lend themselves to themed rides, including Minions, Fast and the Furious and Jurassic World.

However, the company has said it is "still too early" to sketch out details of any specific attractions and experiences.

A 'job creation machine'

The government has said the new theme park is set to generate nearly £50bn for the economy as well as creating around 28,000 jobs - 20,000 in the construction period and 8,000 working on the site when it opens to visitors.

Sir Keir Starmer said the project will "secure real opportunities for people in our country" and "ensure our economy remains strong and competitive".