Universal Studios is reportedly now looking to build a theme park in the UK, with a site acquired in Bedford. More here.
Universal Studios is arguably one of the most iconic theme parks in the world. It has developed rides based on a plethora of productions over the years, from The Simpsons to Jaws, Fast And Furious, E.T, Jurassic Park and The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter. It’s a veritable cornucopia of cinematic fun.
The Orlando Park has itself been used as a location in several films, including Bring It On: In It To Win It and, perhaps most notably, Sharknado 3.
With several parks already well established in America and Asia, Universal has now confirmed that plans are underway for a UK version, and they’re advancing quickly.
The company has set its sights on Bedford as the site for the park.
Speaking to Sky News, a Universal spokesperson confirmed that the company has “acquired land” and is “at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site.”
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The size of the land purchased is reportedly 480 acres, which was previously home to Stewartby’s brickworks.
The spokesperson went on to say that “it will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community.”
The Bedford site is a 15 minute drive from the town centre and covers acres of land either side of Manor Road and Kempston Hardwick station. It’s a prime location for such a park, as over half the UK population live within two hours of the space, which is just 45 minutes from London and easily accessible from Luton airport.
Currently, the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in Watford is one of the biggest and nost lucrative film themed attractions in the UK. It’ll be many, many years before a Universal alternative arrives on these shores, but we’ll keep you posted as we hear more…
