Universal Studios has confirmed its acquisition of 480 acres of land in Bedford, England, for $271 million with hopes of building a new theme park.
But don’t start packing your bags yet — there’s still much to do before any ground is broken or even certainty that it will be broken. Bedford is about 45 minutes away from London.
The theme park giant reached out to residents in December, assuring them of their long-standing track record of working with local communities and providing them with a link to a website where the company promised to keep them up to date on its plans.
The website states, “It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision on whether to proceed. If we do decide to proceed with this project, we will secure all relevant approvals and consult with local communities.”
Universal has five entertainment and resort complexes across the globe, including Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan (Osaka), Universal Beijing Resort and Universal Studios Singapore.
Given the scope of such a project, if it does get off the ground, it could be years before it opens. In the meantime, Universal has Epic Universe located on 750 acres of land in Orlando which is set to open in 2025. There are to be four themed lands, but Universal has only confirmed one — Super Nintendo World.
Visit universalukproject.co.uk