Universal Studios reveals plans for huge UK theme park - everything we know so far

Plans for a huge theme park project earmarked for the UK have been unveiled.

Until this point information about Universal Studio’s latest proposed attraction has been few and far between since news of the idea broke several months ago. Many key details of what is likely to be the biggest theme park in the UK have now been released by Universal Destinations and Experiences, the company behind it all.

Information about what rides would be built have not been given yet, but there is a hint in the planning document that something big is afoot. Next to a drawing of a rollercoaster is written that no structure would exceed 115m – a full 43m than the UK’s soon to be tallest ride, Hyperia at Thorpe Park.

There is also a hint as to the park’s size. The document notes that annual visitors to Universal operated theme parks number between 8.4 million to 12.4 million. Even the lower figure is roughly four times more visitors than the UK’s current busiest theme park, Legoland.

A mock-up of a theme park has been included on the planning document

“The theme parks and resorts we create and operate globally are very different to a typical amusement park, and are unlike anything that currently exists in the UK. We take guests to places they couldn’t otherwise go and that typically exist only in their imagination. To do this, we use cutting-edge technology and partner with some of the world’s most beloved storytellers to create fully immersive experiences where the attractions, placemaking, food, merchandise and costumes all work together,” the planning document continues, offering a hint of the kind of attractions which may be built.

“As part of our offer, we invite guests to experience beloved stories and exhilarating adventures in immersive new ways. The rides and attractions we create are only made possible by pairing innovation and technology with exceptional creative delivery. Guests in our theme parks may find themselves chased by Velociraptors, fending off an alien attack or escaping an indoor tomb. Each theme park is unique and allows guests to be fully immersed in different lands.”

The theme park would be built to the south of Bedford town centre, near Kempston Hardwick, and located between the villages of Wixams, Stewartby and Wootton. It includes the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, as well as some fields to the south, all of which have been earmarked for development by the council.

Last year the firm bought a parcel of land 476 acres big and is considering another stretch that’d bring the total footprint to 700 acres, while linking the site up to the A421.

The park would create 8,000 jobs right away and support up to 20,000 across the area once up and running, Universal Destinations and Experiences has claimed. As many as 5,000 builders would be brought in to build the park, with the company aiming to hire 75% of the workforce from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Before you book your ticket to Bedford, getting your expectations in order is wise. It will be “some time” before Universal decides if the project will go ahead. If you live in the local area and have strong feelings about the proposals, then now is the time to raise them as Universal has launched a period of public consultation until May 3.

Once building work begins, the firm estimates it will take five or six years to be completed. So realistically, it’s unlikely anyone will be seeking thrills at the site until 2031 or 2032.

“We are particularly interested in understanding what is important to you when considering these potential plans and how we might best celebrate the history and heritage of the area, improve local transport, protect wildlife and ecology, and enhance local walkways,” the company has said.

A view of the propose site from above

If the park is built, then it would join Universal Destinations and Experiences five current branded theme parks – Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan, Universal Beijing Resort, and Universal Studios Singapore

The company has said it wants to pay homage to the major brick works which once operated on the site. “We are open to feedback, but would like to incorporate some of the bricks still found on-site into some of the potential buildings and design select food and drink facilities and attractions with Bedford’s town history in mind,” the planning document continues.

The project may also see the construction of “conference facilities, exhibition spaces, sport experiences, employment uses” as well as hotels. In terms of transport, the company is planning a large 4,000 vehicle car park as well as a new railway station on the Marston Valeline connecting Oxford and Cambridge. The ecological impact of the car park in particular is likely to be closely scrutinised by council planning officers and campaigners.

More information about the project can be found at universalproject.uk.

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