Universal has confirmed its plans to build a new theme park resort in the U.K., aiming to start construction next year in time for a 2031 opening. 

The U.K. park was first floated as a potential project back in December 2023, when Universal revealed it had purchased land in Bedford, about a 55-mile from London’s Heathrow Airport. The 476 acre site was formerly the home of the Kempston Hardwick brickworks. 

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is backing the project, saying the Universal park would create “28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.”  

On Universal’s side, Mark Woodbury, CEO of the company’s Destinations & Experiences division, 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.” 

Universal also released the very first official concept art for the planned park. Details are deliberately hard to spot, but there looks to be at least three roller coasters in the rendering:

Concept art for planned Universal theme park in Bedford (Universal)

Universal will still need to secure planning government approvals, but Bedford officials and residents have largely been supportive of the project, according to local news source the Bedford Independent. 

Tom Wotton, Mayor for Bedford Borough, said in a statement: “We’re proud to be chosen as the home of Universal in the UK. I’m delighted that our residents and communities will benefit in the years and decades ahead. I will continue to work closely with Universal and local stakeholders to deliver for them.” 

Universal has said the site would include a theme park, retail and dining complex, and a 500-room hotel. According to the BBC, Universal’s plans include enhancing rail connections to the Thameslink and the Marston Vale lines near the resort. 

The U.K. park would be Universal’s first brand new park in Europe — it briefly owned PortAventura Park in Spain from 1998 to 2004 — and its fourth international park after Universal Studios Japan, Singapore, and Beijing. 

The Universal parks are already set to grow stateside with two additions over the next two years. First, Epic Universe will become the third theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort with its planned grand opening on May 22. In 2026, the first-ever Universal Kids Resort is set to open in Frisco, Texas.