First Universal theme park in Europe: What is known so far

Anyone who wants to visit a Universal theme park currently has to travel long distances – either to the USA , Japan , Singapore or China .

This type of theme park doesn't exist in Europe . But that's about to change. Universal has now confirmed that plans for a park in Great Britain are well underway.

The project is to be built in Bedford, a small town about 100 kilometers north of London . As the company announced in a press release, planning permission is currently being prepared. The project is supported by the British Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

This is what the new Universal theme park in Great Britain will look like.

Source: Universal

Several themed areas are planned – whether there will be a Nintendo World, a Hogwarts, or other highlights like those in the existing parks has not yet been announced. Visitor accommodations, as well as various shops and dining options, are also planned. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.

The small town of Bedford will therefore have to expect a significantly higher influx of tourists in the future, but the project will also create around 28,000 jobs for the town, Universal emphasizes. Of these, 20,000 are planned for construction only, and only 8,000 are permanent. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the implementation of long-demanded transport improvements. For example, the Wixams train station will be expanded, direct access from the A421 motorway will be added, and roads will be improved.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Comcast President Michael Cavanagh discussed the major project in London.

Source: imago images/Avalon.red

Locals also appear to support the project; according to a Universal survey, 92 percent supported the idea. The land for the project has already been purchased; it is a former brickworks site in Kempston Hardwick, a suburb of Bedford.

With a size of approximately 192 hectares and the option to expand to over 280 hectares, it will be one of Europe's largest leisure projects. By comparison, Europa-Park in Rust covers only around 120 hectares.

The connection to London and thus to the rest of Europe was a decisive factor in why Bedford can now join the ranks of places like Hollywood, Orlando, Beijing, and Singapore . Fans of the theme park suspect that the park could take its cue from Universal Studios Beijing and thus offer more indoor activities so that the British weather doesn't become a problem.

This isn't Universal Studios' first attempt to build a park in Europe. In fact, Germany , specifically Krefeld, was even in the running once, according to the website "coastersandmore.de." An International Entertainment Center, including Universal Studios Germany, was originally planned to be built here. The park was supposed to open in 2005. However, restructuring within the company put the plan on hold. The project never came to fruition.

The Universal Studios parks are dedicated to various pop culture themes, especially film and television. In the current parks, you can, for example, visit the original sets of famous films and series, as well as ride roller coasters and attend stunt shows.

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