In a bold fusion of cinematic grandeur and visionary ambition, Universal Studios has announced its most glamorous project yet — a lavish, state-of-the-art theme park set to open in the heart of Bedfordshire, England, by 2031. Poised to become Europe’s largest entertainment park, the unveiling signals not only a dazzling new chapter for British tourism, but a high-style cultural moment that redefines leisure on a global scale.
“Today we secured a transformative, multi-billion-pound investment that will place Bedford firmly on the international map,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared. “This isn’t just an entertainment destination — it’s a statement.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, President of Comcast Corporation Michael Cavanagh and Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences Mark Woodbury meet on the day of an announcement that U.S. media giant Comcast Corp will build its first Universal theme park and resort in Europe, opening in 2031, during a visit to Bedford, north of London, Britain April 9, 2025,
This marks Universal’s elegant entrée into the European market, complementing their roster of global destinations from Orlando to Osaka, Los Angeles to Singapore, and Beijing. The new jewel in their crown: Universal Studios United Kingdom — a sprawling 3km² fantasy playground built on the historic Kempston Hardwick brickworks, just an hour from London by train.
The £50 billion (€58 billion) project is expected to bring 28,000 jobs, with 80% of roles filled by local talent — 20,000 in construction and 8,000 in creative, hospitality and experiential realms. A bespoke 500-room resort hotel will cater to the estimated 8.5 million guests expected to flood its gates annually. In sheer scale, the park is set to dwarf Disneyland Paris nearly fourfold, although its projected attendance will remain slightly below the French flagship, which hosted over 10 million visitors in 2023.
While Universal has yet to unveil which cinematic universes will populate its British destination, their storied collaboration with Steven Spielberg hints at evocative worlds built around Jurassic Park, E.T., and Jaws. Elsewhere, franchises like The Simpsons, Nintendo, and the ever-iconic Wizarding World of Harry Potter have enchanted fans at Universal’s other resorts.
NBCUniversal’s long-standing relationship with Warner Bros. — including a landmark seven-year deal from 2016 — has previously enabled the studio to infuse parks with magical realism straight from Hogwarts and beyond. And Britain, rich in its own cultural IP, may soon see beloved characters like James Bond and Paddington Bear brought to life with the cinematic artistry only Universal can deliver.
“This isn’t just about showcasing America’s most beloved stories — it’s about exporting British brilliance to the world,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. “Harry Potter, James Bond, Paddington… These icons belong to us, and now the world will experience them through a new, luxurious lens.”
True to Universal’s ethos of world-class immersion, the resort will feature enhanced transport connectivity, with upgrades to Wixams train station and the development of a new railway hub. New motorway slip roads will provide seamless access to the glamorous park that promises to marry nostalgia with innovation.
“We’re beyond thrilled to bring our Universal experiences to Europe,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “This isn’t just an expansion — it’s a celebration of culture, creativity and connection.”
Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation, echoed the excitement: “Launching a Universal theme park in the United Kingdom is a monumental milestone. It’s a celebration of storytelling, and a powerful new chapter for our global vision.”
Prepare for a reimagining of the British day out — where film, fashion, and fantasy meet under one spectacular skyline. Universal Studios UK is not just a park — it’s the next great destination for wonder.
