NEWS: Universal’s New UK Park Already Has Plans To EXPAND

Expansion plans are already in talks for Universal’s park coming to the UK!

©Universal

Universal’s been busy bees lately, building multiple theme parks, hotels, and more all around the same time. As Epic Universe’s construction has come to a close and welcomed in its first public visitors before its official opening day, Universal seems to be turning its focus to its other theme park projects and how much more they can expand on existing plans.

It doesn’t seem like it was too long ago that we had just caught wind that Universal was eyeing a potential spot in the United Kingdom to build their newest international theme park destination. And most recently, we got our first look at concept art when Universal confirmed plans for a new park were underway and expected to open in 2031!

©Universal | UK Theme Park

While the plans for the proposed park are still pending, that hasn’t exactly kept Universal from dreaming up more to add to what they already intend to bring to life over the 476 acres they’ve purchased in Bedford. Currently, the plans pending consent approvals are for “an entertainment resort complex with a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct brand of immersive storytelling, thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. Initial resort plans also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex.”

©Universal

According BBC, Universal is planning expansion areas for the proposed park already, which could take a decade in total to build out. Page Thompson said, “We try to think about the next 100 years.” Thompson continued, “We have a lot more land that we intend to develop… in ways that bring more people to the area and hopefully [is] beneficial for everybody.”

According to Thompson, the theme park, a 500-room hotel, and some restaurants that people can visit without buying a theme park ticket are just phase one of Universal’s planned development in the Bedford area. He also alluded to plans that Universal intends to keep this one destination as the sole Universal park for all of Europe, adding, “This is probably our real destination in Europe, and we do expect to draw from all over Europe.”

So, it would make sense that if Universal intends to drive local traffic from all over the continent to this one park and destination, plans to expand would be a logical next step. As for how well Universal thinks this newest park and expansion will be received in Europe, he said, “We feel very confident that demand is there.”

Well, it sounds like Universal has some ambitious plans they intend to roll out in full force as they continue ahead with their new destination, which means we’ve got to start getting our “ducks in a row,” so to speak, for when they’re ready to open!

We’ll continue to keep watch for future updates on Universal’s parks and more. Be sure to stay tuned with us at DFB for all the latest!