NEWS: Universal announces theme park & resort destination in Bedford, UK

[CineramaMax]

 

Universal Studios have confirmed their intentions to build a new theme park resort in the UK. Land has been purchased and feasibility studies are being conducted. Below is the full article from the Bedford Independent confirming the development:

https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/breaking-news-universal-studios-confirm-they-are-planning-a-theme-park-in-bedford-borough/

Excitement has been building in and around Bedford over the last 24 hours after a respected theme park website reported on evidence suggesting Universal Studios could be expanding its theme park empire into the UK, with Bedford Borough as the most likely location.

 

Now, the Bedford Independent can exclusively reveal that Universal Studios has confirmed it has purchased land near Bedford, which it is exploring as a possible theme park site.

A spokesperson from Universal Destinations & Experiences told the Bedford Independent, “We recently acquired land in Bedford [Borough] and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site. 

“It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community.”

They said that no creative content of the park has yet been determined and stressed that “we are still very early in planning this potential project”.

The company confirmed that it is always on the lookout for new park locations around the world and with a large population, strong creative industries, thriving tourism and transportation infrastructure at the heart of Europe, the UK is an ideal destination.

Hollywood, Orlando, Beijing, Osaka, Singapore… and Bedford

The Universal Destinations & Experiences spokesperson told the Bedford Independent that Bedford’s connectivity to London and Europe was a factor in their decision to begin looking at the feasibility of a park in the area.

They said, “We support Bedford’s vision of becoming a prosperous place to live, work and visit and we take a proactive approach to partnering with local communities and stakeholders, like Bedford Borough Council, when pursuing potential projects.”

The site’s proximity to London, the Harry Potter Studios near Watford, and the cities of Oxford and Cambridge make Bedford the ideal location for anyone planning a tourist trip to the UK.

 

240 acres purchased

The land, which is close to public transport links to Bedford and, crucially, the M1 had already been suggested as a possible site for a business park, with several projects previously being put forward.

The land purchased by Commcast, who own Universal Studios, who say they’re exploring as a possible site for a theme park. Image: Universal Destinations & Experiences

Theme park fans have speculated that the park’s design could be based on Universal Studios Beijing, which has more indoor attractions than its Florida counterpart, to help visitors avoid the wetter British weather.

The report also suggests the UK resort would be unique to the US parks so it did not “cannibalize the company’s overseas travel market.”

They add that this park may “debut with new attractions not found in Orlando” to attract visitors from other markets, as well as theme park fans in the UK.

However, the Universal Destinations and Experiences spokesperson said that no creative content had yet been confirmed.

 

Economic boost

Investment on this scale will have a significant impact on the local area.

Market research company, IBIS World reports that income in the UK amusement & theme park sector has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1% over the past five years, and reached an estimated £972.7m in 2023.

Employment opportunities for the area would also be in the thousands. While it’s not known how many would be employed at Universal Studios, as a guide Alton Towers employs 2,500 people.

Visitors to the area would also bring in significant income using local transport and hotels. Harry Potter World has attracted 16 million visitors since it opened in 2012, with up to 6,000 visitors a day during peak times.

Theme park fan, James Block, told the Bedford Independent: “Even though it’s extremely early days, as a lifelong Bedfordshire resident and theme park fan, it would be amazing news for the area, a massive boost to the local economy, and make Bedford the place to be.

“People travel from all over the world to visit Universal Parks. Seeing Bedford listed alongside Hollywood, Orlando, Beijing, Osaka and Singapore is amazing.”

[Anything]

Potentially a great thing for the UK!

[BobloLives]

If they use British IP's we definitely need to see 1) A Monty Python dark ride featuring Terry Gilliam's animations and 2) a launched coaster themed to the Benny Hill chase scenes

 

[jedimaster1227]

Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially announced their intentions to build a new theme park and resort destination in Bedford, England with construction starting in 2026.

 

https://www.cmcsa.com/news-releases/news-release-details/comcast-nbcuniversal-announces-intent-build-universal-theme-park

Comcast NBCUniversal today announced its intent to pursue the first-ever Universal entertainment resort complex in the United Kingdom and in Europe. The project is to be designed and delivered by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment. The proposed plans, which are subject to planning approval, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct style of immersive and thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. The resort will also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. The park will be just south of Bedford, 35 minutes north of London by train, and will join the company’s existing portfolio of theme parks and resorts across the United States and Asia-Pacific.

“This is a special and historic milestone moment for our company as we continue to accelerate the growth trajectory of our theme parks business and delight audiences around the world,” said Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation. “The unparalleled storytelling and technological innovation that the incredible team at Universal Destinations & Experiences brings to life is a perfect complement to the British creative arts and tourism industries.”

Universal’s growth beyond this development includes expanding and evolving its existing destinations in the US and introducing new, original concepts to new audiences in new markets across America. Universal is opening three theme park developments in the US in the next two years, starting with the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida opening in May, which is the company’s largest and most technologically advanced theme park and the first new major theme park in Florida in 25 years. The company’s direct investment in Epic Universe has stimulated $11 billion in economic impact nationwide and generated tens of thousands of jobs across the US.

Later in 2025, Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round horror entertainment experience will open in Las Vegas, Nevada, followed by Universal Kids Resort, the company’s first theme park designed specifically for families with young children, opening in Frisco, Texas in 2026. Comcast NBCUniversal has invested more than $10 billion in new and existing Universal destinations across the US in California, Florida, Texas and Nevada from 2018–2024.

“Bringing the Universal brand to the United Kingdom is another exciting step forward in generating future growth,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates.”

The 476-acre parcel of land in Bedford, purchased by Comcast in 2023, is ideally located with convenient, fast rail links to London and connectivity to the rest of the country, with more than 80 percent of England’s population and half of the UK population living within two hours travel time. It also provides fantastic connectivity to the rest of Europe, promising to be one of the highest-attended attractions in the continent and to bring in millions of new visitors to the UK.

The decision to move ahead with the UK project follows a more than year of due diligence and is subject to securing planning approval. A planning proposal will be submitted to UK Government in the months ahead with a projected construction start date in 2026.

[Hilltopper39]

I've been around long enough to see some cool announcements never come to life but with Universal attached to this makes it a little bit more promising, so hopefully this thing actually gets built!

 

Also I've been around long enough to see some cool concept art never come to life but hopefully whatever that wicked looking duel vertical spike thing is gets built as well!

[Nrthwnd]

If I'm still able to move around (adequately) in my late 70's, and travel w/o too much trouble, this might be The Universal Park, for me to visit.

Hopefully, the Pound Sterling - Cdn Dollar Exchange won't be too outrageous by then.