Universal Studios Great Britain is happening! Universal Destinations & Experiences has confirmed plans to build its first European theme park and resort in the United Kingdom. The multi-billion-pound project will be located in Bedfordshire, marking a landmark investment in the region and creating tens of thousands of jobs ahead of its planned opening in 2031.
A Landmark Entertainment Destination for Europe
The new Universal theme park will be constructed on a 476-acre site at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford. Universal has also indicated it may expand the site to 700 acres to improve infrastructure and transport links.
Set to be “one of the largest and most advanced” parks on the continent, the attraction is expected to draw approximately 8.5 million visitors in its first year alone, making it the UK’s biggest visitor destination upon launch.
The park will include several themed lands showcasing Universal’s signature immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, and state-of-the-art attractions. Early plans also feature:
- A 500-room hotel
- A retail, dining, and entertainment complex
- New transport infrastructure, including upgrades to Wixams station and a new East West Rail station
- Dedicated slip roads from the A421 to improve road access
This will be the first Universal-branded park in Europe to be designed and built entirely from scratch, unlike PortAventura in Spain, which previously carried the Universal name.
What Themed Lands Will Universal Studios Great Britain Include?
Early concept art for the new Universal theme park appears to tease an exciting array of themed lands, familiar franchises, and potential attractions that will have fans eagerly speculating for months to come.
On closer inspection, an outdoor show, possibly Waterworld, looks set to make a splashy return, in the form of an updated stunt show or a more expansive area towards the top end of the park. Long a staple of Universal Studios in Hollywood and Japan, its inclusion here suggests a continued love for the cult classic film and its live-action spectacle, bringing world-class entertainment to the park. A Minions-themed area is unmistakable, with the familiar suburban facades from Despicable Me clearly visible. A small outdoor kids’ coaster winds through the centre of the space, likely designed for younger audiences. Interior attractions may include interactive experiences or family-friendly dark rides, whether or not the land is a complete copy and paste of the existing area at Beijing’s park is still up in the air.
To the right of the iconic Universal globe near the entrance, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium stands tall, though without its iconic chimneys. Its placement near the front of the park implies a strong retail and dining component, perhaps mirroring its popular iterations in Orlando and Hollywood with steampunk aesthetics, elaborate desserts, and character interactions.
One of the most exciting reveals appears to be a Back to the Future land, with a faithful recreation of Hill Valley. Nestled behind this 1950s-flavoured space is what looks to be a towering rollercoaster, hinting at a high-thrill experience that could become one of the park’s main draws. In the upper left of the map lies what seems to be Jurassic World. The architecture, particularly the peaked roofs and central structure, evokes the series’ iconic Visitor Center. A towering ride structure to the left of this area bears a strong resemblance to Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, suggesting a re-skinned drop tower or similar vertical thrill ride. Additionally, a sleek green coaster cuts across the landscape and even stretches over the water — possibly a revamped VelociCoaster, or perhaps a spiritual successor. Its vibrant green track evokes the Incredible Hulk Coaster, though the dramatic swoops and curves could even lend themselves to a more theatrical concept, such as a Wicked or Defying Gravity-inspired ride.
The top right corner of the art shows a distinctly forested region, which invites speculation. It could serve as a Universal Monsters zone, continuing the gothic world-building established in Epic Universe. However, the whimsical touches — including what appears to be the Poison Apple pub from the Shrek films — could also point to a fairy-tale-inspired land. In the bottom left, a bright and colourful area appears to serve as the park’s dedicated Kids Zone. Whether this becomes a DreamWorks-inspired space with franchises like Trolls or Kung Fu Panda, or follows fan speculation of a Paddington-themed area, it’s clearly designed to cater to the youngest visitors with playful theming and gentle rides.
At the heart of the concept lies a huge central lake, likely earmarked for a grand-scale nighttime show. Universal has been refining its lagoon-based entertainment offerings in recent years, and this central body of water would provide a dramatic stage for pyrotechnics, water projections, and music-driven storytelling. Lastly, near the water and adjacent to the suspected Back to the Future area is what appears to be an outdoor amphitheatre. Whether this is designed for live concerts, stunt shows, or seasonal events, its placement near the lake hints at its potential role in future nighttime spectaculars.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the announcement as a major win for the UK economy. Speaking at a Downing Street event alongside Comcast President Mike Cavanagh, Starmer said:
“Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage… This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around
28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism. It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.
Universal anticipates 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles across creative, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Importantly, 80% of these jobs are expected to be filled by local residents, supporting economic regeneration across Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.
The project has secured high-profile political support, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves calling it a “vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business”, while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the deal as “fantastic news for the economy.”
Nandy added:
“This is not just about bringing great American creations to Britain. It’s also about showcasing great British creations to the world – from James Bond to Paddington Bear and Harry Potter.”
The government sees the investment as a key component of its Plan for Change, aimed at driving growth, improving infrastructure, and boosting UK competitiveness in a shifting global economy.