Move over Universal Studios Hollywood, there’s a new theme park by the American movie giant – and it’s in Bedford.
The amusement park’s official name, Universal United Kingdom Resort, was unveiled yesterday by Universal and the government.
The nearly 270-hectare site, about 45 minutes from London, will open in 2031.
Comcast NBCUniversal, the media giant which is investing £5billion into the project, says the park will easily draw 8.5 million visitors a year.
Mark Woodbury, the chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: ‘Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe.’
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Here’s everything you need to know about the Universal United Kingdom Resort.
Where will Universal United Kingdom Resort be?
The amusement park will be just 400 or so metres from Kempston Hardwick railway station, itself about 3.5 miles southwest of Bedford.
It will be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks.
When it opens, Universal Bedford will span about 193 hectares, before stretching out to 280, planning permission forms show.
The government is handing developers £1billion to help upgrade local infrastructure and transport links.
This includes adding new platforms to the nearby Wixams station and upgrading the A421 to help the area accommodate the thrill-seekers.
The cheque is part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pledge for the government to provide funding for the resort.
What rides will be in the park?
No one knows for sure yet, with the illustration of the amusement park not giving too much away.
It does show a large plaza, built around a fountain that appeared to feature a sculpture of the studio’s iconic planet Earth logo.
Insiders, however, claim that the tallest rides in Europe could be built – the tallest in Europe is Spain’s Red Force, towering at 367ft.
One told the BBC that there could be rides themed around James Bond, The Lord of the Rings, Paddington and Jurassic World.
According to the planning documents, no ticket will be required to visit.
This isn’t too surprising to anyone who’s been to a Universal park -Hollywood, Orlando, Osaka and Beijing all have an area filled with restaurants, cinemas, escape rooms and mini-golf called CityWalk.
The proposals describe an area called the ‘Entry Plaza’, a ‘festive and exciting area rich with food and drink, retail, and entertainment offerings’.
A 500-room hotel will also be provided, with the park open 365 days a year.
What do locals make of the amusement park?
Ask any officials in the area, and the park opening is a good thing. Most have focused on how the construction alone will bring 20,000 jobs, with Universal saying a further 8,000 will be created once it opens.
About eight in 10 of those recruits will be from Bedfordshire and the surrounding area.
Bedfordshire mayor, Tom Wootton, said the town has ‘rolled out the red carpet’ for Universal.
‘I have often said that Bedford Borough is the centre of the universe,’ he said on Facebook.
‘Yesterday, it felt like the rest of the world was beginning to see it too.’
Project Universal, a Facebook page which has been documenting the resort since 2024, says it’s an ‘amazing opportunity’ for the region.
‘Like most other towns, Bedford is on a downward trend, and the money invested in our town will make a huge difference,’ the page’s anonymous admin told Metro.
Asked what ride they’re hoping for, they added: ‘I like to be immersed in a story and be taken to another world, but I do still enjoy coasters. I think coaster-wise, for me, Back to the Future would be the winner!’
Amy Office, a manager at Love Bedford, an online guide to the town, was similarly excited, saying the amusement park would ‘change everything’.
‘It’s exciting, and it’s a chance to show the world what we’re capable of,’ she added.
Some locals, however, see the government funding as a waste of money.
‘Don’t want this Americanised trash here,’ said one on Facebook.
Other residents worried whether Universal would also be footing the bill when it comes to upgrading infrastructure. When asked this by Metro, the company declined to comment further.
While some said it may push up rents or commercial property prices.
‘Bedford will not be the same, and we are romanticising what this will look like!’ said Melisa Clare.
‘It’s going to be very difficult for anyone living close to the town centre over many years, with all the infrastructure planned.’
Lesley Payne added: ‘Don’t want it, costing far too much money. Plans are constantly changing and causing huge disruption on the local landscape and communities.’
Still, if you ask the admin behind Project Universal, the theme park will be worth every penny.
‘The money is an investment in the future and it should return £50billion in economic benefit by 2055,’ they said.
‘You have to spend money to make money. It’s a good return on taxpayers’ cash.’
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