Comcast NBCuniversal is planning to build a theme park and resort in the UK, and the company confirms that the project has its roots in Orlando.
Universal Theme Park will be the first company in the UK and Europe. According to a Comcast news release, the Orlando-based company’s “designed and delivered by its Universal destination and experience segment.”
The company purchased 476 acres of land in Bedford, about 50 miles north of London in 2023.
The new theme park will include “several themed land,” 500 hotels and retail and dining facilities. The project will be subject to approval of the plan, and proposals will be submitted to the government in 2026 to begin construction as requested, the news release said.
“This is a special and historic milestone moment for our company. We continue to accelerate the growth trajectory of the Theme Parks business around the world,” Comcast president Mike Cabana said in the release.
No vehicle or other attractions in the proposed park were announced. The artist’s concept features at least three roller coasters, several show buildings, a central lagoon, a studio-style entrance and Universal’s trademark gloves at the foreground. A tall building, perhaps a hotel, appears on the edge of the park.
According to the Universal website, which was designed to update locals about the project, the resort will employ around 8,000 people in the first year of operation.
“By expanding to Europe, we are providing an important opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates,” said Mark Woodbury, CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, in the release.
Universal has several projects in its work, including the Epic Universe Theme Park. It is scheduled to open on May 22nd as Orlando’s fourth gate. Also, To Do List: Horror Inladed, a year-round spooky attraction in Las Vegas scheduled to debut in August, and a under-constructed Universal Kids Theme Park near Dallas, which is set to open in 2026.
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The average temperature in Bedford in August was in the mid-60s. The highs in December, January and February are in the early 40s, and are immersed in the highs of your 30s.
Universal also has a theme park in Hollywood, California. Osaka, Japan; Singapore; Beijing, China. The Bedford location is within two hours of 80% of the UK’s population and has “great connectivity” across Europe, Universal said.
“The incomparable storytelling and innovation that brings back to life by Universal’s incredible team of destinations and experiences perfectly complement the UK’s creative arts and tourism industry,” Kabana said.
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