Universal’s £6bn UK Theme Park officially named

Taxpayers are set to stump up over £1bn

The attraction is set to be constructed on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford and would create an estimated 28,000 jobs.

The park, expected to open in 2031, will span approximately 476-acres and could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in April last year that the multibillion-pound investment by the company would "see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage".

Universal Destinations and Experience said 80% of those employed in the new jobs would be from Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.

Comcast NBCUniversal said that they will invest £5bn in the project with £1.3bn in government funding to be supplied.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site where site preparation works had already begun.

She said the investment would "unlock nearly £50bn of economic growth" and create thousands of jobs.

She added: "Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit - improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world." 

Officially named

Up until now the planned park was just being referred to as a 'Universal Studios Theme Park' however, the project has now officially been named.

Universal wrote on their website: "After years of speculation, planning applications, and construction updates, Universal has officially revealed the name of its highly anticipated UK theme park destination.

"The resort, currently under construction in Bedford, will be known as Universal United Kingdom Resort, marking the first Universal-branded theme park resort in Europe. The name was publicly confirmed today (3rd June 2026) alongside the release of an official logo and branding as development work continues on the £6 billion project.

"The announcement brings an end to years of unofficial references, with fans, media outlets and industry observers using names such as “Universal Studios UK”, “Universal Studios Great Britain” and “Universal Bedford” while awaiting formal confirmation from Universal Destinations & Experiences."

A growing empire

The production company, which has made films including Minions and Wicked, has theme parks in Orlando and Los Angeles in the US, as well as Osaka, Japan, Sentosa, Singapore, and Beijing, China.

It is said the Bedfordshire site will be "one of the largest and most advanced" theme parks on the continent, according to Universal.

In April 2025, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy hailed the "landmark investment" as "fantastic news" for the economy.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast she said: "This is not just about bringing great American creations to Britain, this is also about showcasing great British creations to the world.

"These are things like James Bond, Paddington Bear, these are things like Harry Potter. We've got so much to be proud of."

Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and Minions-themed rollercoasters are also planned, while 007's inclusion will take the form of a stunt show.

However, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will not be gracing the park as the site is just a 40-minute drive away from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which opened its doors 13 years ago.