Universal Studios has unveiled its plans to open its first-ever European theme park in the UK.
According to EuroNews, Universal Destinations & Experiences on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, announced that they will be opening their first theme park and resort in the UK in 2031.
As per a news release by the American company, the plan for the new resort includes a world-class theme park with several themed lands with immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment.
Along with the theme park, the company is also planning a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
UK Prime Minister Keir 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.”
Before the first European theme in Bedford, Universal already has five parks in Orlando, Los Angeles, Osaka, Sentosa, and Beijing.
The £50 billion (€58 billion) plan of the theme park unit of NBCUniversal will be constructed on an old industrial site, Kempston Hardwick brickworks, which is around 90 miles from central London, while a 3 km² site near Bedford.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the press, “This is not just about bringing great American creations to Britain; this is also about showcasing great British creations to the world. These are things like James Bond and Paddington Bear. These are things like Harry Potter. We've got so much to be proud of.”
The 476-acre complex will estimatedly create 28,000 jobs, 20,000 for construction and 8,000 in creative and hospitality roles, before opening and will attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year.
