Universal Studios Purchase Land In Bedford For NEW UK Theme Park 

Thank you for watching! Check out our video where we head to the future location of Universal Studios Great Britain ➡ ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UCpXwkdGB6k.html

We would love to know your thoughts on this very exciting news in the video comments 🤩🇬🇧

As someone who lived in Bedford I knew that this town had so much potential just from the location aspect alone! It feels great for the town to finally get the recognition it deserves. Big things coming for Bedford if this comes to fruition!

Best news I’ve heard all year

I think this is long awaited and would be a brilliant decision, not only for UK fans of the parks but also as a marketing strategy for Universal itself. There is a huge UK fan base so will appeal to locals but also for fans that live in Europe, it's much more easy and (hopefully) cheaper than travelling to America. How FANTASTIC!!!!!

Let’s not forget this is not the first time universal, have said they were going to be opening a theme park here in the UK

As an American myself that has fallen in love with Universal parks over the last decade, I truly hope you guys get this park! It would be absolutely incredible for your country's theme park industry!

This land used to be across the road from me & I played there. I now work next to it & its about time it was put to use & I could be there in 10 minutes lol. I will be the 66 year old screaming on the roller coaster the day it opens lol.

Very excited to hear this… universal clearly see the sheer volumes of brits who visit universal parks worldwide and see a market for it here… best part for me is the competition it will bring to Merlin and will hopefully improve other UK parks

Merlin will finally have competition this is going to be epic

I am so hyped for this! Went to search for it on Google maps and when I clicked on the area to save a check point it already says Universal Studios great Britain 😄🎉🎉🎉

That would be great if it came to the UK!

To hear universal wanna build a full on park here in the uk is so exciting maybe we will get Hollywood horror nights as well

Amazing fo have Universal studios park in the UK

I think this is so exciting because even though Merlin are good, to see a next level theme park like universal wanting to come to the UK is amazing. Also people from Britain wont have to spend thousands of pounds to go to Florida when there is universal Great Britain just down the road!

This is fantastic news for UK Theme Park enthusiasts like us. I personally thought 2024 was going to be a great year because every theme park in the UK is bringing something new! And now this new announcement too.

Woah 480 acres is massive

They have to surely do Harry potter, Id say mostly indoors (British weather etc) and can see it be entering into Hogwarts and all be themed like the forbidden journey yet full open interior of Hogwarts, like you can do in Hogsmead/Diagon alley. Also be great to have some kind of link to the studio tour which isnt that far away in the grand scheme of things.

If this ends up happening my local park will be a world class universal resort. I can not tell you how exited i am.

It’s definitely an exciting time for the U.K. It’s the fact that it’s made the news. That’s what makes it exciting because it’s big enough for the big news stations to get involved in the news. I would like to see Harry Potter too, purely based on the fact it originates in the U.K..

It’s about time Merlin had a bit of competition and upped their game

Wow, sounds very exciting Shawn and would put the land to extremely good use. Yes, I think a lot of people would be in favour of a new theme park there, especially as Universal is involved. The competition would certainly make the existing UK theme parks sit up and take notice

I am very happy that Universal choose a location near London. More the reason for me to visit the UK again. I am from Germany myself.

You see that big white building on your map next to the thameslink, thats where I work, its B&M one of the largest warehouses in europe.

When I first saw the news about this venture, I (IMMEDIATELY) thought about you and Charlotte and pictured you two as being the happiest enthusiasts in the entire country at this news. 🥳🎉🥳 Knowing your zeal regarding the theme park industry, I can imagine the glee you are experiencing. And I am so happy Universal chose to expand into the UK. I am in NY and going to Universal Orlando parks for the first time in May 2024, and I am very excited for this adventure. 👍👍👍

I just hope the Phalanx don't infiltrate the land with rare jumping spiders 🫣

I'm soooo happy to be alive! It doesn't get much better than this! I couldn't believe it when I first heard! What a time to be a thoosie!

Add to the train links the fact they are already going to be building a new station on the Main Line (Bedford to Brighton going through London) at Wixams which will be closer to the Kempston Hardwick site - yes I am a Bedford boy!

This would be absolutely amazing for Bedford!!! As a Bedfordian I am beyond excited!!

I've seen so many online say, "oh why choose UK, it always rains. Nothing will be open and it would be miserable." But Universal has quite a unique advantage in that area because most of their attractions tend to be indoor so they aren't affected that badly by increment weather. If this does get the go-ahead which I really really hope it will, this may give Merlin a kick into gear to invest much better at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park. Really I think Thorpe Park would be Universal's main rival.

these news made me quite emotional. i know it is all early stages. but still …. amazing!

I think it will happen. The current strength of the Dollar vs the Pound makes it very appealing, i would have thought. Plus the continuing population increases in London / UK, makes the need for another top attraction. Many would love the Themes they could include here like Lotr, Dr Who, 007, plus plenty of other choices....spoilt for choice. Let's hope it happens.

This would be incredible if they do build it! It would only be 40 minutes from us.

2030 is doable. If they've acquired the land, that means they've likely already had conversations with the municipality, they've likely very close to finishing master planning (if it's not completed already), the next steps for them is going to be the bid phase with manufacturers, then they're going to need to finish the architecture/engineering. Once that's done they'll file for permits and then the construction can likely start Q1/Q2 2025. But I expect there will be leaks and announcements further into 2024. Would love to see them announce at IAAPA Expo Europe (we never get any solid announcements from there, only from the one in Orlando sadly).

Very exciting news, and a real dream come true if this happens! Harry Potter, LOTR, Bond and Paddington would be an incredible line up of British IPs, and combined with other Universal franchises would make an unbeatable range of attractions.

Very exciting indeed 😍 wonder if all the refub and upgrades tower is doing , thinking Nemmy, Alton Manor etc is because they knew about it..

This is really interesting! Just for reference, Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA and Disneys California Adventure combined including their downtown disney sections and onsite hotels, office space etc occupies the same footprint as they've purchased here.

This would make up for the disappointment of the London Resort that never happened!

There'a rumors Universal is looking to buy PortAventura as well. A recent photo has surfaced of a high up of Universal being guided through the park by P.A.'s park director.

Looking at the location, residential areas within Bedford/Kempston area would be separated a good distance from the park by industrial warehousing and the A421 duel carriageway so they could be less likely to complain about it being on their doorstep. I have spoken to some locals of Bedford and they seem excited about it and think it might increase their house prices, but have some concerns regarding the extra traffic and if there will be any improvements to the road networks. However, I think it will mainly be Stewartby and residents of a few small villages/towns nearby that will be more likely to complain, and anyone who uses the A421 will be less happy as the road is likely to become busier. Apparently the locals of Stewartby/Marston are either excited or horrified. But this is to be expected as there are always going to be NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard), especially if you have always lived in a nice village/town and suddenly a massive theme park is planned next door. The park is in a great location for transport links, the A421 is a duel carriageway that links between the M1 and A1, and work has already begun on extending it from the A1 onto Cambridge. There was also plans for an expressway from the A421 onto Oxford, but I think that was scrapped. But the most likely need for the park will be for improvements to roads to handle the increase in traffic. There are 2 train lines either side of the park and there is also planning permission granted to build a train station for Wixams which will be on the Thameslink line to London and this will be right next to the park. Tourists will practically be able to visit Platform 9 and 3/4 at Kings Cross and then get a train directly to the park. Surely it will make sense to have a Harry Potter themed land in the UK!? It does seem that Bedfordshire Council ignore NIMBYs anyway and grant planning permission to anything that will bring in money and jobs to the area. For example, less then 10 miles from the proposed park is Cranfield Airport which recently received permission for a big expansion of up to 16 maintaince aircraft hangar bays, bringing more traffic and engine noise to the area. The NIMBYs objected but it was granted anyway. I'm probably biased in thinking that this will happen considering that I live locally and I love theme parks/rollercoasters, so this is the best news I have ever heard in my life. But it does seem like this is the most probable possibility for a new theme park in the UK.

i truly hope this does Happen, i so love the Universal Parks & this be Great for the UK , our main parks have got to Step there game up now 😁

Meanwhile London Resort still remains in hiatus with an identity problem. Seriously though, this is the best news of the decade, way worth going through everything with the Pandemic.

This is huge! Absolute legend for getting this news out quickly 👏 Merry Christmas to both you and Charlotte, bring on 2024 and beyond for UK Theme Parks 🎉

Universal UK would be a much welcomed theme park addition for this country. Would really like to see the themed seasonal events, especially HHN and Mardi Gras, over here.

The U.K. absolutely deserves a world class Universal theme park. Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the U.K.! 🇬🇧

Can’t wait for the news to be calling this park the “Disneyland of the UK” just like the London resort

3 words....council planning restrictions. 😂😂😂

I'm devastated, it's the worst news of the year, because this means that Universal is not coming to PortAventura : (

This is so exiting i generally can’t wait! the attractions and whole experience would be insanse for the uk! your videos are the best can’t wait for more in the future!

Imagine the money they would make straight away from season passes!!! Absolutely crazy that this could happen

Love your feedback on this Shaun glad to here your excitement smoking all us theme park fans and can’t wait for your update on were your next big trip will be too next year

If this goes ahead and i wish it does, it'll be a massive poke in the eye for Disney Parks......yay.

Does...This...Mean... VelociCoaster... UK?!🤨🤔🤫🤭🤗😛🤩😵‍💫🤯🥳🤠

Whilst this is indeed exciting news, I do worry about getting it past certain authorities in UK. I suppose the weather would have to be taken into account when designing a new Universal Studios there, so lots of under-cover areas and attrractions. I really hope it comes to fruition!

I currently live in the UK and am very interested and excited for the theme park. Imagine a Simpsons and Nintendo World, right in the UK!

Great news, Universal Studios in England will be the best ever theme park in europe.

I ended up screaming really loud saying "UNIVERSAL IS COMING TO THE UK!" I have always wanted to go to a universal park, experience the wizarding world and other rides. I really hope they have Diagon Alley and Hogsmead, also a how to train your dragon section (I like dragons and all things mythical)

Hello from the UK

Do you think that we could potentially see two parks ie a resort like in Florida? Maybe a more thrilling park like IOA and a more indoor, very immersive film based park like the studio parks?

Could the UK be getting its first RMC

As a local this is very exciting! And who knows maybe I’ll do construction updates

they should get you on shawn tell them how to build a proper park great video shawn

I really hope they have a dedicated single user train line from kings cross and a mock up hogwarts express to hogsmeade. That would be amazing, imagine the theming and advertising at kings cross station and the journey itself!

Does this mean we will get a Wizarding World here too? I REALLY hope so! Never been able to afford to go to the USA but if they are bringing a theme park over here then I really hope the Wizarding world is coming too!

Now this is the very first time since universal Mediterranean that universal theme parks are in Europe

Was waiting for ur vid yday 😂

I would love to see this happen would be good vlog to add to ur list as you head towards Thorpe Park

Very excited about this. Here’s hoping that we get a Disney Park here in the UK within the next few decades.

I'm surprised that UK doesn't have a Disney Theme park. Universal is a great - sadly that might not be able to experience it.

I’ve been waiting for this moment for what’s felt like forever and now it’s hopefully finally happening

one thing I could see with universal coming to the uk is alton towers, pleasure beach and thorpe park having to step up their a game with Universal in the ring. With how big universal is the rival parks are probably going to respond by going all out with future rides and attractions

NOOO WAYY!!! FINALLY THE UK GETS A PROPER THEME PARK!

Several thoughts regarding this announcement: Universal has purchased the land without the approval for the resort being contingent on approval which suggests Comcast has confidence that the project will go forward. Around 100 acres is enough land for a 1st gate, hotels, retail and dining and a small 2nd gate. My guess is the 2nd gate will be another Universal Kids park. UK is small at around 30 acres while being important enough to be a true 2nd gate.

Incredibly excited about this as I live nearish by in Northampton. It would also help local attractions - Woburn Safari Park and Centre Parks come to mind. Im a little tentative about getting my hopes up too much as its such an early stage. NIMBY groups are clearly going to have a strong say in this.. but lets hope they dont ruin it, or any environmental concerns come to light either. I agree with you that as its Universal attached, it carries a bit more weight. I just cant deal with my hopes being crushed aka another London Resort scenario. Potentially could be huge for the UK and a rival to Disney in Paris even!

Initially i was skeptical that they wouldnt get planning permission for large scale attractions but the more ive read about it the more positive i am. Velocicoaster version 2 maybe

IM SOO EXITED👍

Hopefully there’s no endangered spiders on this site that delay it for years

Best news ever ❤❤❤❤

I live in Ireland and I always wanted to go to Universal Studios. I’m so excited that I won’t have to travel far for this!!😁😁😁

Also open longer hours and open till late feel we get ripped off by most parks that open at 10 and shut by 4 . Hopefully they will open early and then till late afternoon so u can see the themed areas all lit up and coasters at night time .

This is the best theme park news in years. its a shame it would still be a 5 and half hour drive from my house.

Literally 5 minutes away from my house... unreal if it comes to fruition

Love the idea, but I think they will do well to get the project approved by the UK’s notoriously restrictive planning committees.

Hi Shawn, great video! I’m sooo excited about this!! It will be absolutely fantastic if it goes ahead!! 🎉 I’m really hoping something Wizarding World may happen particularly with the studios not that far away. Looking forward to all your future updates! 🎉🤩

Expect it to continuously get declined planning permission, then in 15 years they will find an endangered sprout and be all forgotten about lol.

Love the mug collection dude, what’s your 5 favourite?

I can’t believe that Universal is going have the 1st Universal resort in the UK 🇬🇧, What do you think about Universal coming to the UK Shawn?

WOW!!! IF THIS HAPPENS THRN ILL BE BUZZING! This will be a game changer and like you say I don’t think they would purchase the land without knowing it’s possible! Bring it on!

Hold your horses - it doesn't have planning permission yet! That killed the London Resort.

You’ll be the first Shaun

Maybe a uk velocicoaster

What with the major roads, thameslink and luton airport too its a great location. What with being down south too its a bit drier

You still don't think the other park will happen? I thought it was guaranteed by now, didn't know. Glad this is also something that could be coming then, I would love a new big themepark in the UK.

As someone who lives 15 mins away from the propsed site i think its incredible news. The jobs it would create for locals and the children. It would bring money into the local area. Im very very excited about this development and keeping everything crossed it goes ahead!

🙏🏽 please be so…..🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Live in Wootton very exciting news on our door step

Exciting but merlin will definitely have to step up their game if this goes ahead! Cannon wait to see horror nights in the UK!!

Could this mean a UK Super Nintendo world

The uk really wants to become America nowadays XD but I am really excited for when it opens

Sign me up for a season pass