Universal Destinations & Experiences has submitted a request for planning permission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for their new U.K. park and resort.
In a public letter, Universal explained they submitted the request “for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO).” The submission includes information like an Environmental Statement, Planning Statement, and Design and Access Statement.
The MHCLG will eventually invite representations on the Environmental Statement and other submitted documents.
Universal also explained in the letter that the development — which has been referred to as Universal Studios Great Britain but has no official name — will be “an entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.”
It will have a “transformative impact” on the U.K. economy and the local economy of Bedford, where the resort is to be built. Universal expects the resort to generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs, with approximately 80% of employees coming from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. The project will also help deliver transportation upgrades, including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421, and local road improvements.
Universal will continue to share project updates on universalukproject.co.uk. They officially announced the park in April 2025 and said it would open in 2031. They haven’t shared details of theming, but it’s rumored to include James Bond, Paddington, and “Lord of the Rings.” Universal also trademarked “Halloween Horror Nights” in the U.K. They expect the park to welcome an estimated 8.5 million visitors in its first year. Construction is expected to start next year.
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