Universal Studios UK: Ambitious Theme Park Set to Challenge Disneyland Paris
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The UK is poised to become a major player in the European theme park market with the approval of a new Universal Studios park in Bedfordshire, a project expected to draw 8.5 million visitors annually and potentially surpass Disneyland Paris in attendance by 2051. After months of deliberation, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed granted planning permission for the massive resort, slated for completion by 2031, marking a “generational opportunity” for the UK’s leisure industry.
A New Contender in the European Theme Park Landscape
Universal’s foray into the UK represents a significant investment and a bold attempt to establish one of the world’s largest theme parks. The company envisions a destination capable of competing with established giants like Disneyland Paris, which currently holds the title of Europe’s most-visited theme park with 10.2 million visitors in the last year, according to Forbes. The proposed UK park will span 268 hectares (662 acres), with the theme park itself covering 96.7 hectares (238 acres)—considerably larger than Disneyland Paris’s approximately 52 hectares (130 acres).
However, the scale of the project has raised concerns among local residents. Claudia Pixley, a homeowner living near the proposed site, expressed skepticism, stating, “They haven’t bought enough land; what they should be buying is 2,000 acres somewhere and put their theme park in the middle.” She further highlighted potential traffic issues, noting that “anything goes wrong on the M1 or the A421, this whole area is at a standstill… and then you want to put Universal Studios in the middle of that.” Pixley described the project as “absolute madness” and voiced her desire to remain in her “little slice of Eden,” despite receiving offers from Universal to purchase her home.
Economic Impact and Local Concerns
Despite the reservations of some residents, a survey conducted by Universal indicated widespread support for the development within the Bedford area, with 92% of the 6,000 respondents expressing approval. The project is projected to directly create 8,050 jobs, with a significant portion filled by individuals from surrounding communities. The nearby town of Wixams is also set to benefit from an upgraded four-platform railway station.
Bedford borough councillor Marc Frost assured residents that traffic surveys have been completed and road infrastructure improvements are planned, adding that Universal’s engagement with local officials has been positive. “They genuinely want to work and get on with their neighbours,” he stated.
The anticipated influx of visitors is also expected to impact local property values. Nick Kier, a partner at Lane & Holmes estate agents, noted that some individuals have already purchased properties near the site with the intention of renting them out to tourists. “There are definite winners and losers in this scenario,” Kier explained, “and you cannot expect, with that amount of investment coming in… that the prices won’t go up.”
Industry Experts Weigh In
Theme park content creator, Theme Park Kate, believes Universal’s new attraction could be a “huge game changer within Europe.” She anticipates the park will leverage unique intellectual property (IP) to attract visitors, suggesting that rides based on franchises like James Bond or Lord of the Rings – rumored to be under consideration – would be a significant draw. “Harry Potter has been done now at various Universal parks, but a new IP… will be unique to the park and bring in a large amount of fans,” she explained.
YouTuber Jack Silkstone, who lives near Thorpe Park, echoed this sentiment, describing living near a theme park as “honestly a dream.” He emphasized the sense of community and economic opportunity that such attractions can bring. “Universal are global leaders in the theme park industry; they do it different,” Silkstone added, expressing confidence in the company’s ability to deliver on its ambitious plans.
Shifting the Landscape for UK Theme Parks
The arrival of a major player like Universal is expected to spur innovation and competition within the UK theme park market. Currently, Legoland Windsor Resort (2.42 million annual visitors), Alton Towers (2.35 million annual visitors), Thorpe Park (1.62 million annual visitors), and Chessington World of Adventures Resort (1.5 million annual visitors) dominate the domestic landscape. Universal’s projected attendance of 8.5 million visitors at launch—rising to 12 million by 2051—would significantly alter this dynamic.
Theme Park Kate is hopeful that Universal’s presence will encourage existing UK parks to “step up their game.” What’s clear is that the Universal park, if successful, could redefine the European theme park experience, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the industry as a whole.
