Universal has never been shy about ambition. Over the past decade, the company has steadily repositioned itself from a credible alternative to Disney into a global theme park heavyweight, willing to bet big on scale, intellectual property, and long-term growth.
The momentum has only accelerated in recent years. Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe opened in May to intense interest, long waits (really, really long waits), and early praise.
Behind the scenes, however, an even larger move has been quietly advancing as Universal gears up to debut in a brand-new country.
Planning Permission Clears the Way For Universal Studios in the UK
Universal has officially received permission to begin construction on its first theme park in the United Kingdom.
According to the BBC, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government granted planning permission for a large-scale theme park development in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford.
The approval followed Universal’s request for a special development order, a mechanism allowing major infrastructure projects to bypass standard local planning processes. Universal has projected more than eight million annual visitors, with a target opening year of 2031.
“The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come,” said Mohammad Yasin, the Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston.
Planning documents released in July outlined a sweeping vision for the resort, widely believed to be titled Universal United Kingdom. The plans included attractions reaching up to 377 feet tall, which would make them among the tallest rides in Europe.
Peak daily attendance was projected at approximately 55,000 visitors. Most structures were listed at 20 to 30 meters tall, complemented by larger landmark attractions designed to anchor individual lands.
The development also includes a central entry plaza and parking for more than 7,000 vehicles, along with coach and bicycle access. Ride specifics have not been officially announced by Universal.
However, a source previously told the BBC that attractions themed around British-linked franchises such as James Bond, Paddington, and The Lord of the Rings were under consideration.
Concept art released alongside the plans appeared to reference Back to the Future, further fueling speculation about the park’s intellectual property mix and generational appeal.
Early fan reaction was mixed after initial documents seemed to exclude Harry Potter, a franchise closely associated with the UK. That concern may now be easing.
More recent reporting suggests Universal has reached a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. to bring Wizarding World attractions to the park. Warner Bros. also operates the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which has spawned a similar attraction in Tokyo.
Whether that arrangement could be affected by reports that Netflix plans to purchase Warner Bros. remains unclear, leaving some uncertainty around long-term licensing stability.
It’s also unclear whether these would include new attractions that differ from existing rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, or if they would perhaps draw inspiration from the upcoming HBO Harry Potter reboot (which, by the point Universal United Kingdom opens, would theoretically be as far into its run as the fifth season).
Universal’s Global Footprint Just Keeps Growing
Universal already operates some of the world’s most visited theme parks. As of 2024, Universal Studios Japan ranked as the third-most visited theme park globally, trailing only Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.
Universal Studios Beijing placed 12th worldwide, with Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure taking 13th and 14th, respectively. Universal Studios Hollywood followed at 16th, underscoring the company’s broad international reach.
These rankings may soon shift again. Epic Universe added an entirely new gate to Universal Orlando Resort, featuring lands inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, Harry Potter, Nintendo, and Universal Classic Monsters.
The park’s debut drew six-hour wait times for certain attractions, suggesting strong demand. Its performance has fueled speculation about how aggressively Universal might pursue further expansion outside its existing markets.
In Texas, the company is already moving forward with a smaller-scale, family-focused theme park in Frisco, scheduled to open in 2026. Designed specifically for children, the project represents a strategic departure from Universal’s traditionally thrill-heavy offerings.
What are your hopes for Universal United Kingdom?
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