UK’s first Universal theme park with 500-room hotel FINALLY gets green light – and it will be the biggest in Europe
AN epic Universal theme park is set to officially open in Britain, delivering a staggering £50bn boost to the economy.
One of Europe’s largest entertainment resorts, covering 476 acres, will be built in Bedfordshire, with doors opening in 2031.
Harry Potter fans and thrill-seekers alike will have doorstep access to cutting-edge immersive experiences, high-speed roller coasters, innovative attractions, and world-class hospitality, thanks to a landmark deal struck between Universal owners Comcast and ministers.
The resort, which will also feature a 500-room hotel, is expected to create 20,000 jobs during its construction, with an additional 8,000 roles once it opens its doors in the next decade.
Universal anticipates the park will generate £50bn for the UK economy by 2055, drawing 8.5 million visitors in its opening year alone.
Hailing the much-needed economic boost, Sir 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.
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“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.”
The PM added: “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.”
Win for theme-park addicts
By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
THEME park addicts – prepare to have your minds blown.
I’ve just had a sneaky first look at Universal Orlando Resort’s latest mega park – Epic Universe and it takes everything to an entirely new level.
The sheer scale of the immersive experiences – and astonishing technological advances – that are evident in the £7billion new park are a great foretaste of what British theme park fans could be enjoying within just six years.
Epic Universe officially opens to the pubic on May 22 in Florida but my first look revealed a stunning park with five distinct worlds including Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and of course, Harry Potter, all themed so brilliantly that you are instantly transported.
The faithful recreation of 1920s Paris in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is exceptional.
And the signature ride – Battle at the Ministry – has a queue experience I’d happily queue for alone with its cavernous recreation of the British ministry.
With so many smash hit movie franchises in their original Florida parks – from Jurassic World and Transformers to Minions, Spiderman and the Hulk – I can’t wait to see what the Bedfordshire park will include.
What we can expect though is theming and ride technology unlike anything we have ever seen before in the UK.
I can’t wait!
After months of intense negotiations, which began last summer, the world-class theme park will be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site.
However, the project is still awaiting planning permission from the Ministry of Housing.
The resort will include its own train station, an entertainment zone, and dozens of attractions.
The team behind the project, located just 45 miles from London, has promised the park will boast “sophisticated and advanced technology,” elevating it to the same high standard as existing sites in Orlando and Hollywood.
Welcome news for roller-coaster lovers
By Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
UNIVERSAL Studios being given the go-ahead for a UK theme park is welcome news for rollercoaster fans.
After the decade-long saga of the London Resort – a £3.5billion project dubbed the UK’s Disneyland that was eventually scrapped – the new Universal park will be the first new theme park in the country in decades.
Backed by both locals and now the government, it will also be the first Universal park in the UK and could have a number of themed lands including Harry Potter, Super Mario and Minions, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
We have a way off until it opens, with it hoping to be ready by 2031.
But with our Head of Travel Lisa Minot having a sneak peak at the new Epic Universe theme park in Florida (opening this summer) – it’s certainly an exciting addition to the UK.
Neighbouring MP and chair of the Labour Growth Group Chris Curtis said: “They said dreams only come true in Hollywood, but you will soon just need to take the A421 to Bedford.
“Universal setting up on our doorstep is a blockbuster moment for our region.
“As a local lad, I know how much this will mean for jobs, investment, and pride in our area.”
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe.
“We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”