The Universal Studios UK theme park has received planning permission from the UK government. The approval clears the way for construction to begin as early as 2026.
The Universal Kingdom Resort will become the company’s first theme park in Europe. Universal currently operates major resorts in the United States and Asia.
The project is planned for a site near Bedford. It could become one of Europe’s largest theme park developments.
Which films and characters will be at Universal UK?
Fans have already started speculating about the films and characters that could appear at Universal Studios UK.
James Bond, Paddington and The Lord of the Rings have all been linked to possible UK-specific attractions. However, Universal has not officially confirmed these themes.
Other proposed themes include Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and Minions.
Universal has said it is too early to confirm the final attractions. Therefore, fans will have to wait for more details as the project develops.
Harry Potter will not feature in the park. The franchise already has a major attraction at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, around 30 miles south of the proposed Bedford site.
Europe’s largest theme park
The Universal UK project will cover about 476 acres. The wider development could eventually extend across roughly 700 acres.
That would make the resort significantly larger than Disneyland Paris, which covers around 130 acres.
The plans also include a 115-metre ride structure. If built as proposed, it would become the tallest ride in Europe and Universal’s tallest ride worldwide.
Universal expects the resort to attract millions of visitors after opening. The company has estimated that annual attendance could reach 12 million by 2050.
The park could also attract around 8.5 million visitors during its opening year. That figure would give Universal UK the potential to become one of the country’s most popular theme parks.
‘Landmark moment for Bedford’
The Universal Studios UK theme park could also have a major economic impact on Bedford and the surrounding region.
The project is expected to create up to 20,000 construction jobs. Around 8,000 permanent jobs could follow once the resort becomes operational.
The development could contribute an estimated £50 billion to the local economy over time.
Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston Mohammad Yasin described the approval as a “landmark moment” for Bedford and the wider region.
Transport infrastructure will also play an important role in the project.
The Bedford site was chosen partly because of its strong transport connections. Two railway stations are planned to serve the resort.
Wixams railway station is already being upgraded. A new station on the East West Rail line is also planned within the resort.
Luton Airport is also undergoing expansion. The improvements are expected to increase its capacity and support visitors travelling to the new attraction.
With planning permission now secured, Universal Studios UK is moving closer to becoming a reality. Construction could start in 2026, while further details about attractions, hotels and the final resort design are expected to emerge as development progresses.
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