A former brickworks in Bedfordshire, UK will be turned into a Universal theme park, it’s been confirmed. It’s due to open in 2031.
Two years after the plans were first announced, it’s been confirmed that a Universal theme park is to be built in the UK. The land for the venue, located in Bedfordshire, was first acquired by the media giant in 2023. Once built, it’s said that the resort will be one of the largest of its kind in Europe, covering some 500 acres.
Although it’s unknown what attractions Universal has planned for its British resort, its other sites, including Los Angeles and Orlando, Florida, have rides based on the likes of Minions, The Fast And The Furious and Jurassic World, so fast cars, dinosaurs and small yellow people will likely figure somewhere.
The government has welcomed the announcement, saying it’ll bring some 28,000 jobs to the area – with 20,000 of those being workers hired to build the thing – and will be worth around £50bn for the UK economy.
“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,” Prime Minister Kier Starmer said in a quote published by the Northamptonshire Telegraph. “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.”
Although Universal’s park is still subject to planning approvals, its construction now sounds like a certainty. It’s at least gotten further than The London Resort, a vast complex that was initially backed by Paramount Pictures. First proposed in 2012, it would have spanned a vast tract of land in Kent – some 1,150 acres, so double the footprint of the Universal park. Had it gone forward, the resort would have included attractions based on Doctor Who and Top Gear, with the BBC lending its backing.
The project ultimately fell apart this year due to concerns over its environmental impact and infrastructure.
Universal’s Bedfordshire park will be situated on land outside Kempston Hardwick. Just north of London, it’s close to a mainline rail link and 20 miles from Luton Airport. The site was once covered by the London Brick Company – one of the largest producers of bricks in the world, the vast plant opened in 1900 and was eventually shut down in 2008.
Universal’s theme park is due to open in 2031, and according to Sky, is expected to attract 8.5m visitors in its first year.
