Everything We Know About Universal’s Potential New U.K. Theme Park

We have BIG Universal news, and NO it doesn’t have to do with Epic Universe this time!

Universal Studios

That said, we are super excited about everything Epic Universe will have to offer and love hearing all the news regarding the attractions on the way. But for this Universal news, we’re heading across the pond to the U.K., where we have news on the NEW Universal park on the way!

According to Sky News, Universal Destinations & Experiences has bought land in Bedford to build Europe’s largest theme park, as well as a 500-room hotel and dining area.

Universal Orlando

This new park is expected to bring £50 billion of economic benefits to the U.K., with £35.1 billion of that being over the period of construction and in the first 20 years of operation. Twenty thousand jobs will be generated during construction, and the park itself is expected to add 8,000 new jobs at the park opening, which will potentially rise over time.

Universal entrance in California

The new park will be built on 500 acres of land, with the option to buy 60 more. The area was formerly used by Kempston Hardwick brickwork, which closed in 2008 and was demolished in 2021.

Universal Orlando

The park’s hotel and dining area will be able to be used by people who both do and don’t have a theme park ticket and is expected to grow over time. Think of it like CityWalk at Universal Orlando. The plan is for the park to be open 365 days a year, have theming and attractions from people’s favorite Universal stories and franchises, and feature special events, similar to ones like Halloween Horror Nights.

Universal Orlando

This new endeavor isn’t without its challenges, though. The weather in the UK isn’t friendly towards many outdoor theme parks year-round, but Universal appears to be undeterred by this. They’re also not letting the knowledge of the competition nearby, namely Disneyland Paris and the Harry Potter Experienced, change their minds. The park is expected to take around six years to build, per Sky News.

Universal Orlando

Additionally, there is concern about the travel it will take to reach the park and whether the current transportation can handle such an increase. At this time, Universal is “seeking planning permission via a so-called special development order — which would take the decision out of the hands of the local authorities and instead leave the final decision on planning consent with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities” to continue with the project, per Sky News.