Universal, having just finished its latest theme park filled with Nintendo and Harry Potter in the United States, now plans to build a new theme park and a new complex in the United Kingdom. The project of several billion dollars will be the first European theme park in Universal, with the construction of the 476 acres complex which is expected to start next year in Bedford, England, located about 60 miles north of London.
Taking place in 2031, the British government claims that the theme park will be “one of the largest and most advanced in Europe”, planned to generate nearly 50 billion pounds sterling ($ 64 billion) for the British economy by 2055 and attract 8.5 million visitors during its first year. The rumors on the project have been running since Comcast NBC Universal acquired the big piece of Bedford Land in December 2023, today’s announcement finally confirming that the park’s construction plans go forward – subject to obtaining planning approval.
“Today, we have concluded the agreement on an investment of several billion pounds that will see Bedford at home at one of the largest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the world scene,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who added that the project should create “28,000 new jobs in sectors such as construction, AI and tourism”.
This announcement comes before the universal opening of its third Orlando park, Epic Universe, on May 22. Orlando’s expansion contains new lands on the theme of Nintendo, Harry Potter, classic film monsters and the How to train your dragon Franchise, and highlights some of the most advanced driving and animatronics technologies of the entertainment giant to date.
It is too early to say exactly what the new park will imply, but the proposals of universal destinations and experiences include a theme park with “several themed lands starring the distinct brand of immersive narration of universal”, walks, attractions and other forms of entertainment that use “sophisticated and advanced technologies”. The station plans include a hotel with 500 rooms with retail, catering and entertainment on site.
We will have to wait and see if Universal will bring one of its land themes or existing driving experiences to the British project, or will opt for something new. I expect the Harry Potter brand to be involved in one way or another – Universal has already built six lands on the theme of the franchise through other global parks, and it is its opportunity to take a full leaning in its native British setting.
