Confirmation of plans to open what would arguably be Europe’s biggest theme park in the UK could be announced as early as this week as a long-awaited deal moved one step closer to fruition.
Universal Studios first welcomed guests to its Hollywood site in 1954 – and has since opened further parks in Orlando, Japan, China and Singapore. Now, a sixth is on the cards in the somewhat unlikley destination of Bedford.
Owned by Comcast Corp, Universal purchased a 476-acre piece of land on the site of a former brickworks, south of the market town in December 2023. In February, meanwhile, Universal Studios reportedly applied to trademark it’s name in the UK, whilst Comcast’s negotiations with The Treasury have been named ‘Project Nectarine’.
In summer 2024, Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said in a statement: “A world-class theme park and resort from Universal has the potential to generate billions in economic benefit for the UK, by creating thousands of high-quality jobs and attracting millions of new visitors to the country.”
As excitement grows, dedicated TikTok account, Universally Bedford has made a bold claim, which has heightened anticipation amongst theme park fans. “This one goes out to all those who said it was never going to happen,” they began in a video. “It’s happening, mark my words. This week it’s quite likely we are going to get the approval we have been waiting for for over a year.”
The account highlighthed “all the economic stuff that’s been going on in the background” as detailed by the Financial Times, before claiming that Donald Trump-induced stock market crashes around the world has “forced our government’s hand a little”.
Universally Bedford alleged: “It’s made them think, ‘What can we do to inject a little bit of excitement into the UK economy?’ – and the answer is of course, £50 billion worth of net economic benefit over the next 20 years in the form of a brand new theme park and resort near Bedford.”
Indeed, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ analysis shows the development could generate a staggering £50billion of economic value for Britain, and support up to 20,000 jobs. Responding to the TikTok update, one user said: “I really cannot wait to see construction begin.”
Another person hailed: “This is incredibly exciting!” A third joked: “I’ll bloody well move to Bedford when it gets built!” A fourth declared: “I’m getting an annual pass!”
Whilst a fifth TikTok user added: “I keep double checking your channel and searching on the internet for updates. Got everything crossed.”
Government sources, meanwhile, have stated that talks are “ongoing and nothing is agreed” as of yet. Universally Bedford believes the park and resort will open to guests in 2031, however.