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Universal UK theme park in Bedford
- Thread starter Matt N
- Start date
TPoseOnTantrum
Giga Poster
Pretty sure that's Minion Land right there. Need to incentivize indoor attractions in the UK;
Matt N
CF Legend
Well, folks; it’s official! Universal Studios is intended to open in the UK in 2031, and start construction in 2026, pending planning approval!
Here’s a news story from the Bedford Independent:
Isn’t this terrific news? I also think it’s brilliant that we have our first official concept art; I’m interested to see what some of the enthusiast super sleuths can extract from that!
Here’s a news story from the Bedford Independent:
Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.u...ght-for-50bn-bedford-theme-park-opening-2031/Bedford Independent said:Breaking news: Universal Studios UK gets green light for £50bn Bedford theme park opening 2031
By
Paul Hutchinson
-
9 April 2025
A new Universal Studios theme park and resort is set to be built at Kempston Hardwick, Bedford, after the government officially confirmed a multi-billion-pound deal with Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX).
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the news today (Wednesday), hailing the agreement as “transformative” for the region and a significant step in the government’s Plan for Change.
The project will be the first Universal-branded resort in Europe and is expected to generate nearly £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055.
Universal says the attraction will create 28,000 jobs. 20,000 during construction and 8,000 permanent roles in hospitality, tourism, and the creative industries once it opens in 2031.
“A brighter future for the UK”
Prime Minister Keir 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.
“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.”
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, added, “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe.
“We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”
Bedford Borough success story
Universal purchased the 476-acre site between Wixams, Stewartby, and Wootton last year. Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Theme Parks & Resorts, described it as an “ideal location”, with its road and rail links and proximity to Luton Airport.
Early speculation was confirmed by the Bedford Independent and Orlando Park Stop last year, which revealed Universal’s land purchase and plans for feasibility studies.
Today’s confirmation follows months of behind-the-scenes collaboration between Universal, the government, Bedford Borough Council and local people.
Universal Studios UK’s Bedford site location plan. Image: NBCUniversal
Celebrations at “incredible” news
MP for Bedford and Kempston, Mohammad Yasin (Labour), welcomed the announcement as a “huge milestone” for the region.
“This is an incredible moment for Bedford,” he said. “To have a world-class theme park on our doorstep will be transformative for our local economy, offering thousands of jobs and opportunities in our region.”
He said he worked closely with Universal executives, council officers, and ministers to finalise the deal.
“I left no stone unturned. From day one, I impressed on Government Ministers how important this investment is to the Eastern region and beyond, to ensure we become the home of the only Universal Studios theme park in Europe.”
He added: “It’s important we now make sure we get this right and that local people are fully involved in the process.”
Blake Stephenson, MP for Mid Bedfordshire (Conservative), whose constituency includes the park’s proposed site, agreed.
“Universal’s decision to invest in Bedfordshire is fantastic news, which will turbocharge our local economy. I really believe this can be a game-changer for our county,” he said.
He said the resort would be especially valuable for young people: “It’s a particular boost because of the many new local jobs that will be needed in the short and long term.”
Massive support
While early discussions with Bedford Borough Council, under then mayor Dave Hodgson (Liberal Democrats), took place in early 2023, public support skyrocketed when plans began to surface in late 2023.
An overwhelming 92% of respondents to Universal’s public consultation said they backed the resort, and a joint letter from all council leaders across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor gave the scheme their “unequivocal support”.
Bedford Borough Council’s chief executive, Laura Church and mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) led the letter, calling it a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver jobs, investment and long-term prosperity.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Laura Church, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, said: “I am excited about the next phase and the borough’s role in elevating the UK’s profile as a leader in the visitor economy and creative industries.
“With continued sustainable growth, Bedford Borough is poised to become a must-visit destination and a prime hub for business investment, driving growth for our community.”
Bedford Borough’s elected mayor, Tom Wotton, added, “Bedford is the perfect place for this investment. [It is] well-connected, full of talent, and ready to grow.
“We’re proud to be chosen as the home of Universal in the UK. I’m delighted that our residents and communities will benefit in the years and decades ahead. I will continue to work closely with Universal and local stakeholders to deliver for them.”
He also echoed enthusiasm for this project’s significance to communities across Bedford Borough, saying it will bring “exciting opportunities to our doorstep – thousands of jobs, new training and career paths, and a huge boost for local businesses.”
On social media, Facebook groups like ‘We Want Universal Studios In Bedfordshire’ have attracted thousands of members and kept enthusiasm for the park going by sharing updates, ride speculations and support.
Park plans and Bedfordian benefits
The park will include multiple themed lands, advanced immersive rides, and a hotel and leisure complex. A 500-room hotel and dedicated retail and dining zones are also included in early plans.
Universal has said it is committed to working with local colleges and universities to offer apprenticeships, internships, and training, although no formal announcements have been made. Around 80% of resort staff are expected to be local people.
To support the development, the government has pledged infrastructure investment to improve transport links and access to the resort, reinforcing Bedford’s growing role in the UK’s creative and visitor economy.
The resort is expected to open in 2031, subject to planning approval from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
We have approached Bedford Borough Council, other local MPs, and other individuals and businesses from across Bedford Borough for further comments.
This is a breaking news story. Further information may be added as it becomes available.
Universal Studios UK details at a glance
- Where will the Universal Studios UK theme park be built?
The theme park will be built at Kempston Hardwick, just outside of Bedford, on a 476-acre site between Wixams, Stewartby and Wootton.- When will the Universal Studios UK theme park open?
The Universal Studios UK resort is expected to open in 2031, subject to planning approval.- How many jobs will the Universal Studios UK resort create?
The resort is expected to create 28,000 jobs, 20,000 during construction and 8,000 permanent roles once the park opens.- What attractions will be at the new Universal Studios UK theme park?
The park will feature themed lands, immersive rides, a 500-room hotel, retail and dining areas, and state-of-the-art entertainment experiences. Full attraction details are yet to be announced.- How can local people get involved or apply for jobs?
UniversalNBC has said it is committed to working with local colleges and universities on training, apprenticeships, and internships. Recruitment information is expected closer to the opening date.
Isn’t this terrific news? I also think it’s brilliant that we have our first official concept art; I’m interested to see what some of the enthusiast super sleuths can extract from that!
Nicky Borrill
Strata Poster
This is weird...
Did they actually send out a press pack with what the PM 'is going' to say, and allow the press to release it at midnight, before the PM has even said anything?
Anyway... Weird release method aside, this is fantastic news.
YoshiPoseidon
Roller Poster
Nicky Borrill
Strata Poster
Literally came to post this bit....What the hell is this layout. Looks like a launched wing coaster with a top hat
Well this bit (i snipped it already, may as well post it.)
I thought that it looked like they were going straight after Hyperia's height record... A bit naughty, and not at all Universal like.
Nicky Borrill
Strata Poster
Another thing to note... There will be a lot of folk disappointed by the apparent lack of any Harry Potter...
Not that I think this concept is by any means final. Probably mostly placeholders, to give an idea, without giving too much away.
Not that I think this concept is by any means final. Probably mostly placeholders, to give an idea, without giving too much away.
CrashCoaster
CF Legend
High-quality version of the concept render!
This is beyond exciting news, I dread to imagine what the Merlin execs are feeling right now.
This is beyond exciting news, I dread to imagine what the Merlin execs are feeling right now.
TPoseOnTantrum
Giga Poster
Yeahhhhh uhhhh is it going to go 88mph?
Is Back to the Future a big cultural thing in the UK?
Nicky Borrill
Strata Poster
As if it wasn't official enough....
It was always popular here.
Important to note, in the letter I posted above, they state that they're going to submit planning over the next few months... So this concept art really is just very provisional, and likely just a very early concept.
It was always popular here.
Important to note, in the letter I posted above, they state that they're going to submit planning over the next few months... So this concept art really is just very provisional, and likely just a very early concept.
YoshiPoseidon
Roller Poster
Idk why i thought it looked like a wing. Clearly a swoopy intamin launch with a spike and a top hatHigh-quality version of the concept render!
This is beyond exciting news, I dread to imagine what the Merlin execs are feeling right now.
jasone
Mega Poster
High-quality version of the concept render!
This is beyond exciting news, I dread to imagine what the Merlin execs are feeling right now.
This is incredible news! Had all my fingers and toes crossed but was too scared to get excited until an official announcement!
The concept art also looks really promising! While it is just concept and lots will change, the coaster in the bottom left does seem to show they at least intend to build a major large coaster, potentially continuing their relationship with intamin after Velocicoaster, Hagrids, hiccups and fast and furious?
Layout seems to show launch into spike, switch track and backwards section, into another launch, spike and another switch track into a forward section… something like Toutatis or Pantheon on steroids..? Again, I know it’s just concept art, but damn..
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Nicky Borrill
Strata Poster
Excuse my ignorance, but that stadium looking thing at the top, is that "How to train your dragon?"
Kinda looks like waterworld too... But surely not?
Kinda looks like waterworld too... But surely not?
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roomraider
Best Topic Starter
The hell is going on with the spike on the left
Looks like the 2nd spike twists around and faces towards the first spike
It's dirty and I love it.
Looks like the 2nd spike twists around and faces towards the first spike
It's dirty and I love it.
Nicky Borrill
Strata Poster
Is the big one not a top hat?
I see what you mean though, it's weird how that spike spins, the supports holding it look impossible.
roomraider
Best Topic Starter
My read of that layout is it launches out the building over the airtime hill past the first switch track and up the first enormous spike.
Drops back down backwards and through the now switched switch track up around the big over bank.
It then passes a 2nd switch tracks and up the smaller spike, before dropping back down, now forward again and passing through the now 2nd switched track and through the pretzel knot inversions, barrel roll and the brakes
jasone
Mega Poster
This is exactly how I read it too… like toutatis/pantheon but with two switch tracks rather than one, hence two spikes!
roomraider
Best Topic Starter
I didn't want to analyse concept art which I'm sure will change too closely... But sod it
If this is a barrel roll out of the over bank thing (and support positions suggest it might well be) that could be quite special.
If this is a barrel roll out of the over bank thing (and support positions suggest it might well be) that could be quite special.
I’m thinking it’s a top hat and (separately) a spike… there seems to be some parallel track on the straight so perhaps it’s a ‘duelling’ thing… one goes around the top hat whilst the other stalls on the spike.
Themed to ‘The Fast and the Furious’, probably. Localised to ‘The Nippy and the Passive Aggressive’.
Themed to ‘The Fast and the Furious’, probably. Localised to ‘The Nippy and the Passive Aggressive’.