First Universal theme park in Europe coming to UK in 2031
Even though it is just over a month away from opening its newest Orlando park — Universal Epic Universe — and has themed developments in the works near Dallas and in Las Vegas, this rapidly expanding theme park brand isn't slowing down. On Tuesday, Comcast NBCUniversal announced its plans to build the first-ever Universal theme park in Europe, set to open in 2031.
The proposed park, which is still subject to final approval, is being planned for Bedford, England, a town 35 miles north of London by train. It will be Universal's fifth theme park, with existing locations in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and China.
"Bringing the Universal brand to the United Kingdom is another exciting step forward in generating future growth," Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal destinations and experiences, said in a press release. "Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates."
In addition to a theme park, Universal plans to build a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex outside the park gates. In 2023, Comcast acquired a 476-acre parcel of land in Bedford and began feasibility and due diligence work in 2024.
The park's planned location is easy to access via high-speed rail. Plus, more than 80% of England's population and half of the U.K. population live within two hours of the proposed park, according to the press release.
Universal has not yet announced any of the proposed rides or lands coming to the park, but concept art shows several themed lands and a mix of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions.
"The unparalleled storytelling and technological innovation that the incredible team at Universal Destinations & Experiences brings to life is a perfect complement to the British creative arts and tourism industries," Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation, said in a press release.
Construction on Universal's U.K. park is scheduled to begin in 2026, pending final government approval. The project is expected to have a 50 billion pound (about $63.8 billion) economic impact in the area and could attract as many as 8.5 million visitors in its first year.
Stay tuned to TPG for additional details as they are released.
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