Universal’s plans for a theme park in the United Kingdom have been approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and now move to Parliament. The update includes an expansion to the land that will house the new theme park in Bedford, England.

Universal U.K. Theme Park Plans Move to Parliament

Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin shared a letter on Facebook from Secretary of State Steve Reed, who states that Universal’s Special Development Order has been laid before Parliament and will go into effect on January 12, 2026.

The Order grants planning permission (subject to conditions) for an Entertainment Resort Complex (ERC) and associated development at the former brickworks and neighbouring land at Kempston Hardwick. Bedford (‘the site’). The site is around 268 hectares, and the project would include theme park(s), visitor accommodation, retail, dining, sports and conference facilities and associated landscaping and utility infrastructure. It would also provide improvements to the travel network including new entrances and exits from the A421, a bigger train station on the Thameslink / Midland Main Line at Wixams, and upgrades to Manor Road and other local roads.

The development is intended to support significant inward investment and contribute to the UK’s visitor economy and creative industries. It is expected to attract between 8.5 and 12 million visitors annually and create substantial employment opportunities.

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Reed’s letter indicates the complex is 268 hectares or approximately 662 acres. We previously only knew Universal had access to 476 acres of land.

Bedford Mayor Tom Wootton also shared on Facebook, “the Universal project has been laid in front of parliament today and this is a massive milestone.”

This is a huge opportunity for the whole borough now and in our future for many years to come. I’ll continue to work tirelessly to make sure our residents and businesses have access to all of the amazing opportunities.

Students to business owners and everyone in between there will be something for all who want to seize the opportunity of what is now in front of us.

Since my first day in office I have been working with officers and Universal to make sure that Bedford is the place they want to be. It wasn’t a given before that. I’d like to thank all the officers that worked so hard to date on this – though this is only the end of the beginning. There will be a lot more work over the next few years and beyond

Big thanks also to the Universal team for working with us and selecting Bedford as their choice across the whole of Europe.

Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford

Universal has not confirmed an official name for the new resort, but it is scheduled to open in 2031. It will include a 500-room hotel. Rumored IPs for the theme park include James Bond, Paddington, and Lord of the Rings. Read more details about Universal’s Great Britain park.

Are you excited about a new theme park in the U.K.? Let us know in the comments and on social media.

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