Universal Destinations & Experiences is bringing its Universal Studios theme park to Europe for the first time, with the multibillion-pound project planned for construction in Bedford, England, and set to open in 2031.
The project is still currently pending planning consent approvals, but if all goes to plan, the theme park will sit on a 476-acre site at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks just south of Bedford and will feature not only several themed lands, rides and attractions, but also a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex, according to an official release.
As per Universal’s estimations, the park could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year, with its construction “creating thousands of new, high-quality jobs” before its opening, with the company further adding that upon its opening, the park is set to be one of the largest employers in the region, with “approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes, with many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities”.
Universal Studios currently has five resorts and parks across Hollywood, Orlando, Singapore, Japan and Beijing, offering rides and attractions based on massive movie franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Transformers. With its upcoming park opening in the UK, this opens the possibility to introduce attractions based on region-specific IPs like James Bond or Paddington Bear.
“We recognise the tremendous excitement our theme parks and destinations bring; however, it is too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences.” Universal’s release continued, “More details about the project will be revealed over time and are subject to the necessary planning consent approvals.”
According to the BBC’s sources, a full planning proposal will be submitted to the UK government, with construction of the park expected to start sometime in 2026, before its estimated opening in 2031.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
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