CONFIRMED: Universal's NEW UK Theme Park Is One Step Closer to Opening

Do you daydream about roller coasters? Are you constantly pitching new theme park ideas to your friends and family? Have you been following along with ALL Universal’s latest theme park updates (including the grand opening of its new Epic Universe park)? Well, fellow theme park enthusiasts, you’ve come to the right place. There’s another NEW theme park project in the works. This proposed park is the first Universal-branded theme park in the UK and Europe. That’s right — Universal is coming to the United Kingdom!

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal is keeping its project plans a secret, but we know that this new park will bring “thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment” to the UK. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex. If YOU want to be part of the team that brings this park to life, you’re in luck! Universal just released a NEW interest form online. Here’s what we know so far.

Universal Destinations & Experiences announced that it intends to build and operate the first-ever theme park and resort in the United Kingdom. The park will be located in Bedford, pending approvals. Some news outlets are reporting Universal is considering James Bond, Paddington, and Lord of the Rings representation in the new Bedford theme park, with additional locations and lands inspired by Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Minions.

©Universal

Now, according to BBC, Universal is starting the recruitment process for its new theme park. The Universal website has a form for people to register interest in “future job opportunities.”

The list of job categories included a mixture of guest-facing and behind-the-scenes roles, like:

Admin
Construction
Creative
Entertainment
Finance
Food and Beverage
HR
Internships
Landscaping
Legal
Marketing and Sales
Merchandise
Park & Resort Operations
Technical Services
Technology

Universal said, “We’re committed to advertising these jobs to local people and will engage with the community at the appropriate time.”

©Universal

Theme park construction has not started yet, but Universal confirmed that if the Government approves its planning proposal, Universal has a projected construction start date in 2026.

Universal is expanding!

As a reminder, we still don’t know exactly what kinds of attractions this park may host. Universal stated, “We recognise the tremendous excitement our theme parks and destinations bring; however, it is too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences.”

Velocicoaster opened at Universal Orlando in summer 2021

The Bedford location was strategically chosen due to its rail links to London and London Luton Airport. According to Universal, the site was selected because “it has the size and flat topography that is important for a large-scale theme park resort.”

©Universal

The new proposed park could generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and create thousands of new jobs.

Hogwarts at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

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