The potential for a Universal Studios theme park and resort in Bedford, UK, has excited fans of the US-based brand, with an announcement apparently on the horizon
The UK could soon play host to what is expected to become Europe’s largest theme park, with an announcement expected “this week” following promising developments.
Universal Studios, which first opened its gates in Hollywood way back in 1954 and expanded to Orlando, Japan, China, and Singapore, is set to commence work on it’s sixth resort in the rather unexpected location of Bedford.
Owned by media giant Comcast Corp, Universal purchased a 476-acre plot in December 2023 on the grounds of an old brickworks to the south of Bedford. Adding fuel to the fire, February this year saw Universal Studios put in for a UK trademark on its renowned name, whilst a code name of ‘Project Nectarine’ has arisen surrounding talks between Comcast and The Treasury.
Page Thompson, the president of new ventures at Universal Destinations and Experiences, was quoted last summer as saying: “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.”
Amidst the growing hype, meanwhile, TikTok account Universally Bedford has made a striking statement, exciting theme park enthusiasts further.
“This one goes out to all those who said it was never going to happen,” teased the 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 underscored “all the economic stuff that’s been going on in the background”, as dissected by the Financial Times this week, before contending that the global stock market chaos caused by Donald Trump has “forced our government’s hand a little”.
Universally Bedford claimed: “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, projections by Universal Destinations and Experiences suggest the venture could add an eye-watering £50billion to Britain’s economy, alongside providing up to 20,000 jobs. Reacting to the TikTok post, one follower expressed: “I really cannot wait to see construction begin.”
Another remarked: “This is incredibly exciting!” A third quipped: “I’ll bloody well move to Bedford when it gets built!” While a fourth asserted: “I’m getting an annual pass!”. Meanwhile, a fifth TikTok user mentioned: “I keep double checking your channel and searching on the internet for updates. Got everything crossed.”
Conversely, sources from the Government have indicated that discussions are “ongoing and nothing is agreed” thus far. Nevertheless, Universally Bedford is optimistic that the park and resort will welcome visitors come 2031.
