Universal Studios Bedford to reflect UK-based filmmaking, bosses say
The theme park, set to open in 2031, is likely to reflect the universe of Universal films created in the UK
Bedford's Universal Studios will be uniquely created to reflect the country's filmmaking identity, company bosses told us.
Plans for the theme park were this week approved, backed by the government, with a six-year construction phase to begin once the planning application is approved.
At that point, the project is set to mark a significant expansion for the company and promises to celebrate British creativity, with unique features inspired by UK-based filmmaking and cultural storytelling.
Page Thompson, President of New Ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: "It’s a great location. It has incredible transportation links—50% of the population in the UK can get here in under two hours. We couldn’t have a better place to build it."
Universal promises the resort will offer “immersive lands that people can’t get anywhere else”, while also ensuring that the parks reflects the local culture with unique touches.
Although exact details of themed areas are yet to be revealed, the company has confirmed that the park would be “distinctive and original”, drawing from the UK’s global influence in film and media.
Plans for the site include a world-class theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a retail, dining, and entertainment district.
The park will be built on 476 acres of land south of Bedford, which Universal acquired in late 2023.
The six-year construction phase is projected to support around 20,000 jobs, with a peak on-site workforce of 5,000. Once open, the resort would employ 8,000 people initially, rising to 10,000 within 20 years, with the majority of positions expected to be filled by local residents.
Community support has played a pivotal role in the development process. Universal reported that during its consultation period, 92% of public survey respondents supported the proposal.
Mr Thompson said: "We’re incredibly excited about this opportunity and looking forward to bringing this incredible resort here to the Bedford area.
"It all starts with the support we got from the Bedford community—from the first time we came here in 2022 to talk to the mayor and the council, through the public meetings that we had here, through our surveys."
The location’s connectivity was a key factor in the decision. Alongside road and rail access, Mr Thompson noted the potential of nearby Luton Airport, which just last week was announced as the latest airport to be granted permission for expansion.
He said: "The expansion of Luton Airport from 19 million to 32 million passengers means millions of other people can come here from Europe and from the Middle East and maybe even the United States.
"That’s great news for us. We were really excited to hear that, and we’ve already met with the people at the airport."