Government Gives Green Light for First Universal Studios Theme Park

The UK has taken a major step toward creating its first Universal Studios theme park and resort, after planning permission was granted for the multi-billion-pound development near Bedford. The decision marks a landmark moment for the UK leisure and visitor economy and puts the country on the global map for themed entertainment destinations. 

The project, which is to be developed by Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of Comcast Corporation, received approval via a Special Development Order (SDO) issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. This mechanism allows nationally significant schemes to bypass traditional local planning procedures, accelerating the pathway to construction. The order comes into force in early January 2026, subject to a statutory parliamentary review period. 

Covering a large site at Kempston Hardwick on the outskirts of Bedford, the resort is expected to include a world-class theme park, visitor hotels, retail and dining zones, and entertainment facilities. While Universal has yet to confirm individual rides or attractions, the company has described the development as “unlike anything that exists in the UK”, with early concept discussions pointing to immersive, film-inspired worlds and headline-drawing experiences. 

Officials forecast the park could draw more than 8 million visitors annually and deliver a transformational boost to Britain’s tourism sector. Economic projections estimate up to £50 billion in long-term value and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs, both during construction and once the resort is operational. 

Local MPs and regional leaders have welcomed the decision as a “landmark moment” for Bedfordshire, highlighting benefits for employment, local business, and infrastructure — including transport upgrades such as expanded rail links and road improvements designed to support increased visitor flows. 

Subject to further steps, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with a targeted opening around 2031. If delivered on schedule, the Universal Studios UK destination will become the first of its kind in Europe and a major new draw for domestic and international visitors alike. 

According to research by Approved Business Finance, the scale of the Universal Studios UK resort will require a rapid transformation of the surrounding area to meet anticipated demand with estimations of a necessity for least 19 hotels nearby to accommodate visitors — compared with 80 hotels within two miles of Disneyland California and 22 within walking distance of Florida’s Magic Kingdom. Even Thorpe Park, with a fraction of the expected footfall, has 12 hotels close by.

Food and beverage provision presents an even greater opportunity. The research suggests the local area will require around 93 restaurants, yet currently only four exist — a shortfall of 89. By comparison, Alton Towers has 78 nearby restaurants, while Disneyland California and Tokyo Disneyland boast nearly 200 and 177 respectively.

Construction costs for hotels and restaurants alone are estimated to range between £240 million and £1.1 billion, providing major opportunities for investors, developers and local businesses across hospitality, retail and logistics. 

Industry leaders have welcomed the findings. Mark Kozo, Commercial Director at Approved Business Finance, described the project as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for entrepreneurs and national operators alike, while academics at the University of Bedfordshire have urged local authorities to begin preparing now for housing, transport and service demand.

VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates added that Universal’s decision to locate its first European theme park in Bedfordshire underlines the power of tourism to drive inward investment, economic growth and long-term employment.

With construction expected to begin in 2026, the countdown to 2031 is already reshaping the future of leisure development in the UK.

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17 December 2025

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