A new Universal theme park is set to open in Bedfordshire in 2031 following a deal between the Westminster government and Universal, aiming to invigorate the local economy.
The theme park is expected to attract 8.5m visitors in its first year and generate nearly £50bn for the English economy by 2055.
The project will create approximately 28,000 jobs, with 20,000 during the construction phase and 8,000 permanent roles once the park is operational.
The Westminster government has committed to investing in infrastructure and transport to facilitate easy access to the theme park and support surrounding developments, such as the expansion of Luton Airport.
Universal’s plans to open a theme park in Bedfordshire, approximately 45 minutes north of London, were first announced in December 2023. Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast acquired a 476-acre site near Kempston Hardwick, south of Bedford, with an option to expand to around 700 acres.
Pllans include a large-scale theme park featuring rides, shows, and immersive areas inspired by popular films, video games, and stories, potentially drawing from Universal’s extensive catalog like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions, though specific attractions remain undisclosed. Alongside the park, plans outline a 500-room hotel and a dining and entertainment district, similar to a Universal CityWalk, accessible to non-ticket holders. The resort is designed to operate 365 days a year, leveraging indoor attractions to mitigate England’s variable weather, a strategy seen in Universal’s Beijing and Japan parks.
The development is expected to create 20,000 jobs during construction and 8,000 operational jobs upon opening, potentially rising to 10,000 within 20 years, alongside 12,000 indirect jobs in the supply chain. The site’s location offers strong transport links, including proximity to London Luton Airport and rail connections to London, with proposed infrastructure upgrades like new railway stations, A421 slip roads, and enhancements to local roads.
The project has progressed through feasibility studies and public engagement, with a four-week consultation period in April-May 2024 showing 92pc of 6,000 surveyed locals in favor. Universal is pursuing planning permission via a Special Development Order, bypassing local authorities for direct government approval from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. As of April 8, 2025, reports indicate the UK government has backed the deal, targeting a 2031 opening, pending final Treasury approval of financial incentives and planning consent. Discussions with stakeholders, including tax and infrastructure negotiations, continue to shape the project’s timeline and scope.
