Universal Studios has announced plans to build its first-ever European theme park in the UK. Bedfordshire will become home to one of the continent’s largest and most advanced entertainment resorts. The massive entertainment complex is planned for the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford, and is expected to open its gates in 2031.
The project, spearheaded by Universal Destinations & Experiences, covers 476 acres and could expand to nearly 700 acres. It’s expected to generate around 28,000 jobs before launch and draw approximately 8.5 million visitors in its first year of operation. The development will include a major theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a dedicated retail area.
Government officials have welcomed the move, calling it a landmark moment for the UK’s creative and tourism sectors. The Prime Minister highlighted the personal excitement the announcement sparked, even among his own teenage children. Meanwhile, ministers emphasised the project’s potential to bolster British culture globally, promising a showcase not just of international icons but also of homegrown characters like James Bond and Paddington Bear.
The entertainment giant behind hits such as Minions and Wicked already operates world-renowned resorts in the United States, Japan, China, and Singapore. However, this marks the first time Universal will design and build a park from scratch in Europe.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, pending planning approval. The full proposal will be submitted to the UK government later this year. Once completed, Universal says the park will be among the most advanced on the continent.
The company has committed to hiring locally, with plans for 80% of jobs to go to people from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. British-made steel will also be used in construction where possible, aligning with broader government efforts to support national industry.
Residents in the surrounding area have expressed excitement and cautious optimism. Universal surveys show that 92% of over 6,000 respondents, including individuals and organisations, are in favour of the plans. Still, concerns remain over local infrastructure, with questions raised about traffic congestion and strain on public services.
To address these, Universal has pledged significant upgrades to local transport links. Improvements include enhancements to Wixams railway station, a new station on the East-West Rail line, and new access roads to the A421, an area that experienced severe flooding last October.
Local and regional councils are backing the project, including Bedford Borough Council, which has partnered with Universal. Other supporters include councils from Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire.
The announcement follows another major development in the area: approval was granted for expansion at nearby London Luton Airport. Universal has highlighted the site’s strong connectivity, with rapid rail links to London and proximity to the airport seen as key advantages.
Public opinion appears broadly supportive. Some residents are excited about the opportunities for local families and young people. Others, while supportive of job creation and investment, remain concerned about the long-term impact on traffic and housing costs.
The proposals are now subject to approval by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. If approved, the Bedfordshire park would represent one of the most significant private investments in the UK’s leisure sector in decades.
