UPDATE: Is This a Clue That the NEW UK Universal Theme Park Could Happen?

Universal Studios has been the talk of the town recently.

Universal Orlando

News of the newest Universal Orlando theme park, Epic Universe, has gone viral. 5 new themed lands along with new rides, restaurants, and shops will be opening up sometime in 2025. But Epic Universe isn’t the only new Universal theme park we need to be on the lookout for. A possible Universal destination could be in the works in the UK, and now, they have the backing of the local government.

Back in December 2023, we informed you that Universal had purchased land in Bedford Borough and had announced that they are considering creating a new theme park there. The Universal spokesperson had then stated, that they are “still very early in planning this potential project.”

Universal Orlando

Now, according to the Independent, the UK government is looking to help bring the theme park to fruition. Labour MP of the Bedford constituency, Mohammad Yasin, has acknowledged that the park would bring “enormous prosperity and jobs” to the area. The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, stated, “I’m very familiar with that scheme – I’ve been briefed on it myself, and I know the Chancellor has been involved in this as well.”

Minion Land in Universal Orlando

At a Transport meeting, Mohammad Yasin asked, “Given road infrastructure funding has already been allocated until 2025, will the Government commit to supporting this exciting project and funding the substantial road improvements that will be necessary for this plan to go ahead?”

Harper answered, “We will look very carefully at the proposals put forward, and I know the Government will want to do what we can to make sure that this exciting proposal comes to fruition.”

Universal Orlando

Dr. Sabrina Mittermeier, a theme park historian, shared with BBC that while it is common for local communities and governments to support projects like this for economic reasons, it can come with hefty price tags for improvements to roads and infrastructure, all of which are at the cost of the state. For example, she shared that “France had to put in a lot of money to pay for road and rail improvements to accommodate millions of visitors,” when Disneyland Paris was created.

Universal Orlando

Currently, NBC Universal bought what was a former brickworks location in Bedfordshire and Comcast Corporation acquired land near the market town. No new information regarding the possible future theme park has been shared by Universal, but the fact that the government is ready and willing to support the project is a very positive sign.

In the meantime, we’ll be watching for more details, so stay tuned to DFB!