Universal has officially named its planned UK theme park: Universal United Kingdom Resort.
The £5bn attraction is set to open in 2031 in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, backed by £1.3bn in government funding to support infrastructure and transport upgrades in the surrounding area.
Universal is targeting 8.5 million visitors a year when the resort opens, with ambitions to become Europe’s most-visited theme park. The site spans 268 hectares.
Rumoured Attractions
Rides themed around James Bond, The Lord of the Rings, Paddington, and Jurassic World have all been mentioned, though Universal has stopped short of confirming any IP.
What is confirmed is that the resort will include a free-to-access retail and entertainment district alongside the main theme park, which is planned to stay open into the late evening.
Getting There
The government’s £1.3bn contribution will fund upgrades to Wixams station, creating a four-platform Thameslink stop, along with improvements to the A421.
A new East West Rail station at Stewartby is also in the pipeline, expected to open in the early 2030s, which would give the resort strong rail connections from multiple directions.
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