Universal Studios United Kingdom
| Location | Bedford, England |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52°05′23.1″N 0°29′58.5″W / 52.089750°N 0.499583°W |
| Status | Planned |
| Opens | TBA (potentially by 2030)[1] |
| Owner | Universal Destinations & Experiences (NBCUniversal) |
| Operated by | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Theme | Show business and Universal entertainment |
| Area | 476 acres |
| Website | universalukproject |
Universal Studios United Kingdom is a planned 476-acre theme park and resort to be located in the town of Bedford, Bedfordshire, England.[1][2]
Development history
Announced on 19 December 2023, it is the first Universal Studios Resort in the United Kingdom, and Universal's third attempt at a European resort,[a] and is to be located approximately 45 minutes north of London.[2]
The planned site is to be located on a plot of land mostly within the A421 road, B530 road, and Broadmead road, with Manor road cutting through it. The planned site is split into four "zones": the "Core Zone" is where the theme park and hotel(s) are to be located, the adjacent "Lake Zone" located north of the "Core Zone" is intended for mixed-use purposes (likely a Universal CityWalk), and two transportation hubs dubbed the "East Gateway Zone" and the "West Gateway Zone".[5]
Universal has yet to proceed with the project, however construction could potentially start as early as January 2025, with an opening expected around 2030.[6][1]
Notes
- ^ Their first attempt was a cancelled Universal Studios Europe park in Sénart, France, which was cancelled in the 1990s due to the then failure of Euro Disneyland.[3] Their second attempt was their 1998 purchase of PortAventura Park and the subsequent construction of the surrounding Universal Mediterranean Resort in Salou, Spain. Universal ended up selling the resort and theme park in 2004.[4]
References
- ^ a b c Hutchinson, Erica Roffe & Paul (19 December 2023). "Breaking news: Universal Studios confirm they are planning a theme park in Bedford Borough". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ a b Phillips, Jacob (19 December 2023). "Universal Studios planning first UK theme park". Evening Standard. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ Williams, Michael (14 April 1993). "MCA in talks to become Euro Disney neighbor". Variety. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ Hopewell, John; Geitz, Christopher (20 June 2004). "U sells Port Aventura stake". Variety. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ "Information Pack (April 2024)" (PDF). Universal UK Project: 6.
- ^ "Universal UK Project |". Retrieved 29 July 2024.