After Announcing East/West Coast Exit, New Information Comes To Light About Next Universal Park

Just over a year ago, Universal Destinations & Experiences took its first public steps toward what could become its first theme park destination in the United Kingdom. The website revealed fresh insight into the possible project, tentatively referred to as Universal Great Britain. While still in the early stages of development, the project continues to stir interest across the global theme park community.

Universal Great Britain So Far

In late 2023, local outlet Bedford Independent confirmed that Comcast—the parent company of Universal Destinations & Experiences—had purchased a sizable parcel of land in Bedfordshire. The confirmation followed an initial report from Orlando Park Stop that spotlighted the company’s plans for further expansion overseas.

The Universal UK Project website offered an aerial image of the property and includes a helpful FAQ page. There, Universal noted that while it now owns the land near Bedford, the company is still “at the very early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential resort and park experience.” Universal went on to explain that months of planning, evaluation, and community engagement will follow before a final decision is made. “If we decide to proceed, we will secure all relevant approvals and consult with local communities,” the statement continued.

To ensure transparency, Universal also shared a letter with nearby residents. In it, the company emphasized both its commitment to local engagement and its awareness of the environmental impact such a resort may have. “Theme parks create thousands of jobs and generate significant positive economic impact, both locally and further afield,” the letter read. Universal also affirms it is “committed to enhancing natural beauty and protecting the ecology of the areas where we operate.”

Universal’s statement to the Bedford Independent echoed this sentiment, reinforcing their intent to align with the goals of the surrounding area: “We support Bedford’s vision of becoming a prosperous place to live, work, and visit, and we take a proactive approach to partnering with local communities and stakeholders, like Bedford Borough Council, when pursuing potential projects.”

While no details have been shared yet about the types of attractions or themed lands that could be part of this proposed resort, it hasn’t stopped fans from speculating, with franchises like James Bond, Back to the Future, Lord of the Rings, and Paddington all circulating as potential choices.

In a new 2025 update, Universal has shared a new letter, confirming the plan for the Bedford-based resort. The letter, published on June 25, states that the destination will include “a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.”

The letter added:

“The development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy; it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs. At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

The communication also confirmed that thousands of local residents engaged with the project in 2024, leading to a support rate of 92%—a key result in pursuing the plans.

Universal’s Bigger Global Plan

Comcast, which reported a $271 million investment in new land acquisitions for upcoming themed entertainment offerings in 2023, appears to be pushing forward with expanding Universal’s global presence. Should the Bedfordshire resort be constructed, it would join a world-class lineup that includes Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Beijing Resort.

Stateside, Universal Destinations & Experiences is also busy with multiple new projects. Universal’s Epic Universe recently opened in Orlando and introduced guests to lands themed after franchises like How To Train Your Dragon, Nintendo, and the Classic Monsters. Meanwhile, Universal Kids Resort is taking shape in Frisco, Texas, and Universal Horror Unleashed—a permanent horror experience—is being developed in Las Vegas, Nevada, likely to build on the success of Halloween Horror Nights.

In a new announcement this week, Universal also confirmed its plan to continue stretching out from the East and West coasts, with the confirmation that Horror Unleashed will also be arriving in Chicago, Illinois.

Fans eager to follow Universal Great Britain’s progress can explore the official website, where updates, FAQs, and community engagement details are shared as the project evolves. Universal’s willingness to involve residents and maintain open lines of communication may serve as a blueprint for future projects of this scale.

What are your thoughts on Universal’s growing global dominance? Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.