Just when you think Universal might be taking a break from theme park news, they’re back with more! We’re already excitedly counting down the days until Epic Universe‘s officially opens on May 22nd, and recently learned more about the Universal Kids Resort opening in Texas next year. Now, we have yet another big opening to look forward to: an all-new Universal theme park and resort in the UK!
Initial resort plans include a theme park, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, and a 500-room hotel. The “multi-billion-pound” project will be the company’s first European theme park, and is set to open in 2031 pending final approvals. Construction is expected to start next year on the 476-acre complex in Bedford, England, located 60 miles north of London.
The project represents a major vote in confidence in the UK economy, and the future of partnerships between the US and the UK. Universal expects the resort to generate nearly £50 billion for the economy by 2055, with 8.5 million visitors expected in its first year. Expected to be one of the largest and most advanced theme parks in Europe, the project will bring nearly 20,000 jobs during the construction period, with an additional 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens.
It’s a little too early to tell what the new park will encompass, but Universal’s proposals include “several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment”. Until we hear more, it’s fun to speculate official concept art in the meantime…
The concept art is sprinkled with outdoor roller coasters, live-show theaters, giant show buildings to house dark rides, and colorful facades which could depict some beloved intellectual properties. Jurassic Park? Shrek? Could we finally explore a Wizarding World of Harry Potter inside the franchise’s native country? Will we see any repeat lands or attractions from Universal’s global parks, or will they build something new entirely? We can’t wait to see!
