New Universal theme park confirmed for the UK

Universal Destinations & Experiences company has officially confirmed that a new theme park is set to built in the UK.

The concept art above in the article was also released; offering a future look at the new Universal theme park.

This confirmation comes after two years of Universal already purchasing 476 -acres of land since December 2023, which is on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick Brickworks, near Bedford.

Universal conducted extensive ground surveys on the site, as well as consulting with the local community. The official press release states that out of thousands of resident, 92% expressed their support, for the park to be built.

How could this benefit the UK?

UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has mentioned that this theme park could bring in ‘an estimated £50bn boost to our economy’, in addition to ‘Creating 28,000 new jobs with more than 80% of employees hired locally’.

Most of these jobs will be available to people living in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, as well as further out.

What is going to be at the theme park?

From the official Universal Destinations & Experiences press release about theme park in Bedford:

‘The proposed plans include an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. It will be the first Universal-branded theme park in the UK and Europe’.

There has been no official confirmation of which themed attractions will be there yet.

Fans online speculate there could be a Jurassic World/Park, Lord of the Rings, Waterworld, Back to the Future and Minions attractions. From what I can see there are multiple rollercoasters, smaller scaled fairground rides, an outdoor theatre stage, water attractions, food vendors, and a grand entrance with a large Unicersal globe, as well as various unidentified buildings.

There is also quite a lot of hopeful fans asking for a Harry Potter themed attraction, considering that Universal Orlando and Paris has them too. There’s no confirmation of there being a Harry Potter attraction at the Bedford location yet, however, this could cause competition with Warner Bros. Studios Harry Potter World tour at Leaveden, which is not too far from Bedford.