Universal Great Britain: 8.5 million visitors. Thousands of jobs. A 100-year vision.

Universal Great Britain and Its 100-Year-Plan
It started with a whisper—rumors of a major theme park project quietly taking shape across the English countryside. Then came the announcement that sent shockwaves across the industry: Universal Destinations & Experiences is officially setting up shop in the UK. But what if we told you that the theme park is just the beginning?
With shovels not yet in the ground and plans still under wraps, Universal’s ambitions are already stretching far beyond roller coasters and family fun. The real story lies beneath the surface—what this means for Bedford, for Britain, and for theme park lovers across Europe.
Could this sleepy corner of England soon rival Orlando?

A Theme Park, a Hotel… and Then What?
Universal has confirmed it purchased a massive 476-acre plot near Kempston Hardwick, a former brickworks site in Bedfordshire. The goal? Open a world-class theme park that draws an estimated 8.5 million visitors annually by 2031.
But according to Page Thompson, president of new ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, this is “just the start.”
“Phase one of this project is the theme park, a 500-room hotel, and some restaurants that people can visit without buying a ticket,” Thompson revealed in his first public comments since the announcement. “We have a lot more land we intend to develop.”
It’s a bold claim—and one that signals something much larger: Universal isn’t just building a park; it’s laying the foundation for a destination that could anchor Europe’s theme park scene for generations to come.

Why Bedford? Why Now?
Before settling on the Bedford site, Universal explored multiple locations across Europe. So why this one?
“It’s just a fantastic location,” said Thompson. “The site was flat, already slated for development, and from the very beginning, we had incredibly strong support from the people in Bedford.”
Backing from East West Rail and Luton Airport’s expansion plans helped seal the deal. Despite infrastructure challenges, including the A421’s history of flooding, Universal remains confident.
“We have plans to work on the access ramp from the A421 directly into our site,” Thompson added, signaling the company’s commitment to addressing local concerns and improving the region’s connectivity.

One Park to Rule Them All
Although the company has a presence in the U.S., China, Singapore, and Japan, Thompson confirmed this new development would be Universal’s only European destination.
“This is probably our real destination in Europe,” he stated. “We expect in our first year that about 30% of visitors will come from outside the UK.”
It’s a clear bet on the UK’s untapped theme park market. “A country with the population and tourist visitation of the UK should have probably three of the top 25 theme parks in the world. Right now, they don’t have any,” Thompson said. “We feel very confident that demand is there.”

Jobs, Growth, and a Regional Boom
Beyond thrill rides and entertainment, the Bedford project could be transformational for the region’s economy.
During the construction phase alone, Universal expects to generate 20,000 jobs, with around 5,000 workers on-site at its peak. Once operational, they estimate 80% of the roles will be filled by residents of Bedford, Luton, Milton Keynes, and surrounding boroughs.
“We’ll work with local colleges and schools to develop the skills we need,” said Thompson. “This is about creating careers, not just jobs.” And he speaks from experience: “Half of our management team in Orlando started as hourly workers.”
The ripple effects are expected to touch local hospitality, construction, food service, and even small businesses like bakeries and electricians.

Universal Great Britain To Change the Theme Park Landscape in Europe for Next Century
As for what fans can expect inside the gates? That’s still under wraps. “We always enjoy the speculation,” Thompson said with a smile. “But we won’t comment on specific properties or lands until we get a lot closer to opening.” Planning documents are set to be submitted in the next couple of months, with construction beginning in 2026 if all goes to plan.
Universal has a rich library of franchises—Harry Potter (under Warner Bros.), Jurassic World, Minions, and more—that could shape the park’s identity. But for now, Thompson and his team are staying tight-lipped.
Universal’s decision to commit to a 100-year vision sends a clear message: Bedford isn’t just getting a theme park—it’s becoming a destination. One that could soon rival Europe’s top tourist spots and reshape the landscape of international travel and entertainment.