Universal Destinations & Experiences has taken a major step forward in its ambition to bring world-class entertainment to the United Kingdom. A newly released letter dated June 25 has confirmed that the company is planning to develop a destination in Bedfordshire that will include “a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.”
This marks the most detailed update yet in the project now referred to by fans and outlets alike as Universal Great Britain. The resort would represent the first Universal theme park in the UK, with the company emphasizing its vision to make a positive impact both locally and nationally.
The letter revealed major projected benefits: the resort is expected to generate nearly £50 billion in economic impact and create 28,000 jobs. Universal noted that when the park opens, it would be among the largest employers in the region, with around 80% of its workforce anticipated to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes.
Fans have been speculating about what attractions might appear, and while Universal has not confirmed any intellectual properties for the UK resort, franchises like Back to the Future, Paddington, James Bond, and Lord of the Rings have been floated among enthusiasts.
The announcement also emphasized strong community backing, sharing that in 2024 alone, thousands of local residents engaged with the project. Universal reported that 92% of participants voiced their support.
This potential Bedfordshire resort would join a family of celebrated Universal destinations, including Universal Studios Japan, Universal Beijing Resort, and the recently opened Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, which features immersive lands inspired by Nintendo, How To Train Your Dragon, and Classic Monsters.
Universal has already made its commitment clear. In late 2023, the Bedford Independent confirmed that Comcast, the parent company of Universal Destinations & Experiences, had acquired a substantial parcel of land in Bedfordshire. This report followed early investigations by Orlando Park Stop, which initially spotlighted Universal’s expanding global ambitions.
A dedicated website for the UK project offers an aerial image of the land, a detailed FAQ page, and now hosts the June 2025 letter. It’s clear from the site and Universal’s public statements that the project remains in development. “We are at the very early stages of exploring its feasibility,” the company explained, emphasizing that more planning, research, and public consultation are ahead before a final decision is made.
To maintain transparency, Universal has distributed letters to local residents highlighting its dedication to community involvement and environmental stewardship. “Theme parks create thousands of jobs and generate significant positive economic impact,” Universal shared. “We are committed to enhancing natural beauty and protecting the ecology of the areas where we operate.”
Speaking with the Bedford Independent, Universal reiterated its desire to align with the region’s broader goals: “We support Bedford’s vision of becoming a prosperous place to live, work, and visit, and we take a proactive approach to partnering with local communities and stakeholders, like Bedford Borough Council, when pursuing potential projects.”
These UK plans come during a time of rapid expansion for Universal. In 2023 alone, Comcast disclosed a $271 million investment in new land acquisitions for themed entertainment projects. Stateside, Universal has launched a number of new ventures, including the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, and Universal Horror Unleashed, a new year-round horror experience opening soon in Las Vegas, with an additional version now confirmed for Chicago.
As Universal continues to evolve on the global stage, fans can follow the development of Universal Great Britain on the official project website, which will host regular updates and community news.
