All we know about Universal UK from including location, date, and what to expect (2025)

The massive theme park is expected to pump £50bn into the economy and create tens of thousands of jobs.

This morning, we woke up to the incredible news that Universal's bid to build their first ever European theme park had been approved - and it's going to be right here in the UK. The multi-billion pound resort is set to create thousands of jobs and will be the most advanced in Europe.

It is expected to pump £50billion into the UK economy and bring a vast array of job opportunities during both the construction and the operation of the park. Universal, whose roster includes huge franchises like Harry Potter, Nintendo, and Minions at parks in the US, has promised immersive attractions, rides and thrilling rollercoasters.

The deal came about due to an agreement between the UK Government, Bedford Borough Council, and the entertainment giant, which was announced by Sir Keir Starmer today. But it's very much a case of 'good things come to those who wait' for thrill-seekers looking to get in ASAP, as Universal UK isn't expected to open until 2031.

Here is everything we know so far about the huge development (literally).

Where will Universal UK be?

The theme park will be built on a monstrous site, formerly Kempston Hardwick brickworks, just south of Bedford. The 476-acre plot was bought by Universal in 2023.

Universal UK will sit between the villages of Kempston, Wooton, Wixams, and Stewartby, around 55 miles north of London and about 20 miles from Luton Airport.

Why Bedford?

Universal said the site is an "ideal location", being close to Luton Airport and London itself for transport links. They added that it is "well-connected for travel from all parts of the UK and Europe", with more than half of the UK population living less than two hours away.

In terms of rail travel, the Thameslink line runs directly to Bedford from West Sussex, passing through London Bridge and London St Pancras en route. Bedford Station is set for upgrades to help the area cope with increased visitors, while Wixams will get a new station.

The A421, which connects Cambridge to Oxford through Milton Keynes, runs close by and will be upgraded ahead of the park opening. And Luton Airport is due for an expansion too, after confirmation by the UK Transport Secretary earlier this month.

When is Universal UK coming?

Construction has been proposed to begin next year, 2026. However, before any machines can be mobilised, there is a formal planning decision process that needs to be completed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the proposals to transform the site.

It is expected that the MHCLG will carry out a public consultation on the development before any planning decisions are made. Once the construction is given the green light it will be full steam ahead to get Universal UK ready for opening in 2031.

What to expect from Universal UK?

Universal have promised that punters will be "fully immersed in different experiences" at their first European theme park. The 476-acre entertainment resort is expected to include a 500-room hotel and a retail complex, as well as the many rides and attractions.

Universal's other parks feature themed rides linked to their many massive franchises. As well as Harry Potter and Nintendo, there could be an inclusion for epic series like Jurassic World and the Fast and the Furious.

An artist’s rendering of what the park could look like, published today for the first time, includes a huge lake at the centre, with several ‘lands’ around the outside.

Although details of attractions have yet to be confirmed, the rendering shows three large outdoor rollercoasters, as well as showbuildings to house dark rides, children’s rides and two outdoor theatres.

With Universal UK only having been announced today, the company said it was "still too early" to highlight any specific attractions and experiences the site may have - so it's just a case of 'wait and see' at the moment.

What will it mean for jobs?

Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations and Experiences, told Sky News the theme park would be a "job creation machine". Speaking from the site, he said: "This will soon be one of the great Universal destinations in the world.

"We're super excited about this opportunity and how transformative it will be for the UK, and the rest of Europe for that matter. These are long-term projects.

"We've travelled through many economic cycles, and we see that this is just one of those, and we're looking forward to the future. Five years from now, we'll be opening this park, if all things go our way. And we think there'll be a bright future for all."

Nearly 20,000 jobs will be created during the years-long construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries once Universal UK opens in 2031. The UK Government has estimated that around 80 per cent of employees will be from the surrounding areas.

It is expected to generate around £50billion for the UK economy, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves branding the agreement "a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.

“This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.

“It is not just about numbers; it's about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”

How have locals reacted?

With a lot of excitement, mostly - though with a few concerns about how it will change Bedford and the area. Some local residents aren't overly enamoured with how much there is to do for families or young people currently - something that will change when Universal UK opens.

Maria Perez, a warehouse worker, said: "I used to live in Manchester. I came here for work and Bedford is really boring. If you're a family or you're a young person in the area, there's nothing to do.

"I think the theme park will be really great. It will be good for the economy, for the town and for the people. People will invest more. Prices will go up for rent, which is not good, but it's a good thing for the town and will be for the people in the area."

Tanvi Mahesh, a 14-year-old who moved to Bedford from Saudi Arabia last year, said she normally stays at home because there isn't much to do in the area, but would take up a Saturday job at the theme park "no questions asked".

Jagdeep Singh, a 36-year-old business change analyst from Kempton, said he thinks the park will benefit businesses and bring jobs to the area, but added he is worried about the increased amount of traffic. "I worried a bit about traffic on the bypass, what's going to happen to our hospitals if there's any accidents," he said.

Another resident, 85-year-old Margaret Wilson, added that at the moment the plans are "cost-effective" but the park is still years away from completion. She said: "It will be four years until anything is built. Who knows what will happen in four years?

"Before Covid, Bedford was a market town. It's not where it used to be. This won't bring it back to the same place as before, but it will be good for the area."

Bedford mayor Tom Wootton said it was a "landmark moment" for the borough and will bring "exciting opportunities to our doorstep - thousands of jobs, new training and career paths, and a huge boost for local businesses".

Speaking after the announcement today, Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast, Universal's parent company, said: "We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom."