Universal Studios Great Britain might be a new amusement park, rumoured to open in the United Kingdom in the future.
Universal is reportedly planning a new theme park in the United Kingdom, evidenced by the registration of domains like “universalstudiosgreatbritain.com” and “universalgreatbritain.com” in September 2023. Public records show that Comcast, Universal’s parent company, acquired construction and development firm Cloud Wing UK Limited in August 2023, including a 240-acre section of land in Bedford, England, known as the “Kempston Hardwick New Settlement.”
The acquisition cost $271 million, as disclosed in an SEC report after Comcast’s third quarter. The purchased land, around 500 acres in total, is speculated to be the site for Universal Studios Great Britain. The location is about 46 miles north of London and was one of 11 considered for the “London Resort”.
Rumors suggest the new theme park, potentially completed by 2030, will feature many indoor rides and unique attractions, differentiating it from other Universal destinations. Speculated intellectual properties for the park include James Bond, Paddington Bear, and The Lord of the Rings, with Universal potentially holding theme park rights for the latter.
Comcast’s acquisition coincides with plans for a nearby film studio, HOP Studios, by Quartermaster and VERB, adding an additional layer of development in the area. The theme park project is still in early stages, subject to change, and may prioritize completion of the upcoming Epic Universe theme park in Orlando.