Universal Is Already Thinking About Expansions for Its UK Theme Park

Universal has already announced expansion plans for its brand-new theme park in the UK. While the park hasn’t even begun construction, it appears Universal is already planning ahead for its future.

Universal is expanding!

This brand-new theme park will be built in Beford, England, and is expected to begin construction in 2026. However, the president of new ventures at Universal Destinations and Experiences is already looking to what is next.

The plans for Universal’s UK theme park began when Universal purchased a 476-acre parcel of land in the south of Bedford back in December 2023. Universal worked closely with local authorities and even reached out to the public about their new park. Universal has received the thumbs up from six local authorities and 92 percent of the 6,000 people they surveyed agreed with the plans.

©Universal Concept Art For UK Park

The park is expected to begin construction in 2026, and bring 20,000 new jobs during the construction, and 8,000 more once the park is up and running. It is also expected to bring in over £50 billion into the UK economy over its construction phase and the first 20 years of operation. Even though construction hasn’t even begun on this new park yet, Universal has already stated that they have plans for expansion!

©Universal

That’s right, according to an article from BBC News, Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said that this new theme park is “just the start” of Universal’s century-long plans for its UK site.”

Universal Studios Florida

He added that “we have a lot more land that we intend to develop… in ways that bring more people to the area and hopefully is beneficial for everybody.” The first phase of development includes the theme park, a 500-room hotel, and some restaurants. However, Page Thompson stated that it “is just the start of the development in the Bedford area on our land that we’re going to own.”

Islands of Adventure

So far, Universal has kept quiet about its exact plans for the new theme park. They have released some concept art for the park, but have not confirmed what IP will be included. A source close to Universal shared some insights with BBC News into what will be in the new theme park, but nothing has been confirmed by Universal so far.

Universal Studios Florida

The source stated that the new theme park could include James Bond, Paddington, and Lord of the Rings, as well as lands inspired by Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Minions. The source also noted that there aren’t any rides or lands inspired by Harry Potter expected currently. Again, Universal has not confirmed the inclusion or exclusion of any of this IP, but a source close to Universal gave this insight to BBC News.

Minion Land at Universal Orlando

While it will be a bit before Universal opens its new park in the UK, Universal is opening a different theme park soon. Epic Universe is less than a month away from opening on May 22nd, but if you want to step inside before its official opening, you can grab tickets for a preview. This new park features five themed lands to explore featuring Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and more.