A BLOCKBUSTER Universal theme park is officially coming to the UK – and it’s set to be the biggest in Europe.
A £50 billion project will transform a former industrial site in into a 476-acre mega resort.
What’s in the resort?
It will feature high-speed rides, immersive attractions, a 500-room .
Doors are set to open in 2031, and the is expected to draw 8.5 million people in its first year alone.
The resort is due to open in 2031, with construction kicking off in 2026, once it gets final planning permission from the Ministry of Housing.
When does work begin on two new train stations?
To cope with the crowds, two railway stations are being built or upgraded near the resort.
Wixams Station, on the Midland Main Line, will connect to London in just 45 minutes via .
Construction is underway, with options to expand the station once the theme park is live.
Kempston Hardwick Station, currently the quietest in Bedfordshire, will be rebuilt from scratch into a high-capacity hub linked to the Marston Vale Line, part of the future East-West Rail between and .
This means easy access from across the country – and fewer traffic jams on the A421.
The resort won’t just be rides and .
is planning a 500-room hotel, an entertainment zone, shops, restaurants and live experiences, creating a full holiday destination, not just a day out.
It will also feature next-gen attractions, matching the standards of Universal’s sites in , and .
While exact ride details haven’t been revealed yet, fans can expect famous franchises like , , , and more.
How many jobs will it create?
The resort is expected to create around 28,000 jobs in total, with 20,000 roles generated during the construction phase alone.
Once open, the park will support a further 8,000 long-term positions across tourism, hospitality, the creative industries, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence.
According to Universal, the development could contribute as much as £50 billion to the by 2055, making it one of the most significant leisure investments in British history.
Prime Ministercalled it a landmark moment, saying it’s not just about the numbers but about “securing real opportunities for people”; and “building a brighter future for the UK.”;
Neighbouring MP and Growth Group chair Chris Curtis added: “They said dreams only come true in Hollywood, but you’ll soon just need to take the A421 to Bedford.
“Universal setting up on our doorstep is a blockbuster moment for our region – and as a local lad, I know how much this means for jobs, investment, and pride in our area.”;
Theme park industry leaders are just as excited.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Blackpool's Pleasure Beach, called it “the most significant development in our industry within my lifetime”.
“This is a massive moment for UK leisure and tourism.
“I've supported this project from the start and I'm thrilled it's moving forward.”
This will be Universal's first ever park in Europe, putting the UK ahead of other destinations like France, , .
Universal’s CEO Mark Woodbury said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity.
“We’re excited to make this vision a reality.”;
Tourism experts say the park will boost not just Bedfordshire but the whole UK sector, from local hotels and B&Bs to and airports.
What happens next?
Universal will submit its full planning application soon.
If approved, construction starts in 2026, with the grand opening in 2031.
Until then, the UK’s biggest theme park fans will be counting down the days.
