Universal Studios confirms plans for first UK attraction - and buys huge site in Bedford to build it

The Hollywood studio has parks in the US, China, Singapore and Japan but UK-based film fans could soon be able to enjoy a Universal attraction without an expensive flight.

By Chris Lockyer and Rachel McGrath, news reporters

Tuesday 19 December 2023 17:45, UK

Universal Studios is officially planning its first UK attraction Pic: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images
Image: Universal Studios is officially planning its first UK attraction Pic: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images
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Universal Studios has confirmed planning is under way for its first UK theme park - and the Hollywood heavyweight has already bought a huge patch of land for the resort.

Universal currently has attractions in the United States and Asia, and they've now set their sights on Bedford for their first UK one.

Speaking to Sky News, a Universal destinations and experiences spokesperson confirmed that the company has "acquired land" and is "at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site".

"It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community," they added.

The studio - which, like Sky, is owned by Comcast - is always on the lookout for new locations that could become homes for potential projects.

The Bedford site is just a 15-minute drive from the town centre and covers acres of land either side of Manor Road and Kempston Hardwick station.

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A map showing the land Universal has purchased
Image: A map showing the land Universal has purchased

More than half of the UK population live within two hours of the location, which is just 45 minutes from London and easily accessible from Luton airport.

Universal theme parks celebrate the studio's most successful films and franchises, with rides dedicated to movies including Fast & Furious, Despicable Me and Jurassic World.

Their parks in Hollywood and Osaka, Japan, are home to entire areas themed around Harry Potter and Super Nintendo, but execs are yet to decide which movies could inspire attractions at the Bedford location.