A huge new Universal Studios theme park is set to open in the UK by 2031, with the resort near Bedford expected to be as large as Disneyland Paris. The UK resort is expected to attract around 8.5 million visitors a year when it opens, with forecasts suggesting numbers could rise to 12 million annually by 2051.
If those targets are reached, it could become Europe’s most visited theme park, overtaking Disneyland Paris, which drew 10.2 million visitors last year.
The park will be built at Kempston Hardwick and will mark Universal’s first-ever theme park in Britain, joining its existing resorts in Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Singapore and Beijing.
Universal is one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies, behind blockbuster franchises including Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Minions, Fast & Furious and The Simpsons.
In terms of size, the scale is vast. The entire resort will cover 662 acres, with the theme park itself spanning 238 acres. By comparison, Disneyland Paris is estimated to cover just under 130 acres.
Although full ride details have not yet been confirmed, visitors can expect attractions similar to those at other Universal parks around the world.
These typically include high-speed rollercoasters, immersive indoor dark rides, large-scale simulators and story-driven attractions that place guests inside famous movie scenes. Universal has also suggested the UK park could feature some of the tallest rides in Europe.
The project is expected to have a major economic impact. Developers say it will generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefit and create around 28,000 jobs. At opening, the resort would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of staff expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The company said this project is also set to bring long-awaited transport upgrades, including an expanded Wixams railway station, new direct slip roads from the A421, and other local road improvements.
Universal has described the project as “transformative” for both Bedford and the wider UK economy, signalling a major boost for tourism, infrastructure and employment when the park opens later this decade.
According to industry estimates cited by Forbes, Disneyland Paris attracted 10.2 million visitors last year, making it Europe’s most popular theme park. Universal believes its UK resort has the potential to surpass that figure over time.
The use of a Special Development Order allowed the government to approve the project directly, rather than through traditional local authority planning routes.
Universal argued this approach would speed up delivery of the large-scale development while ensuring national economic benefits.
With planning permission now secured, work is expected to move forward on detailed designs and infrastructure, marking a significant step towards the arrival of one of the largest theme parks Europe has ever seen.
