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

ALERT! ALERT! Universal fans are SUPER excited about the possibility of a new Universal theme park in the United Kingdom.

In early April 2025, concept art was revealed for the potential new park. Later that same month, it was announced that the company may already be considering future expansions. Now there’s another new update — Universal has officially submitted its first plans for approval for the new park!

On June 26th, Universal released a letter detailing the most recent updates for the new park. The letter states that Universal has now submitted a request to the “Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order.” Check out the full letter below!

This letter confirms that the park will be a “world-class theme
park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.” It’ll generate approximately £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs, and about 80% of employees are expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. Early resort plans also featured a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.

If approved, the “MHCLG will be inviting representations on the Environmental Statement that accompanies the request, as well as the other documents, plans, and drawings submitted in relation to the proposed development.”

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

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!

At this time, we still don’t know exactly what types of attractions this park may feature. Universal said, “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.”

Hogwarts at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

The Bedford location was specifically selected 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.”

We’re looking forward to hearing how this project will continue to go, and hope it’ll move forward!

More Recent Universal News!

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