Credit: UniversalUniversal has officially received permission to construct a brand-new theme park.
While The Walt Disney Company may officially possess the world’s most visited theme park (Magic Kingdom), Universal is hot on its heels. Universal Studios Japan currently ranks as the third-most visited theme park on the planet as of 2024, with Universal Studios Beijing placing 12th, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure taking 13th and 14th place, and Universal Studios Hollywood sitting at 16th.
These numbers may change in the near future. Universal has poured a huge amount of investment into its parks in recent years, most notably debuting Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort in May. Home to areas inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter, Nintendo video games, and Universal Monsters, it’s received rave reviews from guests (and, judging by the six-hour wait times, is performing well on the attendance front, too).
Universal has plans to debut its first theme park geared entirely towards children in Frisco, Texas, in 2026. However, it’s most exciting upcoming project arguably sits across the pond – and it’s just received a massive update.
Universal Officially Receives Planning Permission
Universal has received the official go-ahead to start building its first theme park in the United Kingdom.
According to the BBC, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted planning permission for the theme park to kick off construction in Kempston Hardwick, close to Bedford.
Universal had applied for a special development order that would allow the government to fast-track approval and bypass local planning rules, with the company projecting more than eight million annual visitors and a 2031 opening.
“The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come,” said Mohammad Yasin, the Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston.
Planning documents released in July for the park — widely believed to be titled Universal United Kingdom — outlined an ambitious slate of attractions, including structures reaching up to 377 feet, a height that would make them the tallest rides in Europe. Peak daily attendance was projected at around 55,000 visitors.
The plans indicate most buildings would rise between 20 and 30 meters, punctuated by larger headline attractions, a central entry plaza, and parking for more than 7,000 vehicles, alongside coach and bicycle access. Ride specifics have not been formally announced, though a source previously told the BBC that attractions themed around British franchises such as James Bond, Paddington, and The Lord of the Rings were under consideration.
Concept art circulating alongside the plans also appeared to reference an attraction inspired by Back to the Future.
Early reaction from fans was mixed after initial documents appeared to omit Harry Potter, despite the franchise’s deep ties to the UK. More recent reporting suggests Universal has since reached a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. — which also operates the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter — to bring Wizarding World attractions to the park.
Whether that arrangement could be affected by reports that Netflix plans to purchase Warner Bros. remains unclear.
Are you excited for Universal United Kingdom?