Universal UK's plan to rival Disneyland Paris wins planning approval near Bedford

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed on Thursday granted planning permission for Universal Destinations & Experiences' UK theme park at Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford. The decision marks a milestone in the U.S. entertainment giant's bid to rival Disneyland Paris and to claim a place among Europe’s largest theme parks. Universal said the project is slated to open by 2031 and is expected to attract about 8.5 million visitors a year. The total resort would cover about 268 hectares (662 acres), with the theme park occupying 96.7 hectares (238 acres).

Universal describes the project as a “generational opportunity” for the UK, arguing the country should host at least two global theme parks. The developer’s planning documents frame the park as a potential game changer for Europe’s theme-park map, suggesting that, once fully realized, it could draw more visitors than any existing park on the continent. By contrast, Disneyland Paris has long topped European attendance, with Forbes estimating about 10.2 million visitors there last year; Universal projects a path to 12 million annual visitors by 2051 if the site reaches full scale. The park would sit near Bedford, positioned to integrate with nearby towns and major routes as the project progresses through subsequent regulatory steps.

Local reaction has been mixed. Claudia Pixley, who lives on a road that would lead to the park entrance, told BBC News that the area already bears traffic pressure and that roads around there are narrow village routes. “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 said, calling the plan “absolute madness” and noting that Universal has approached her about buying her home, which she has occupied for a decade. Still, supporters in the Bedford area matter to the planning equation: Universal said its Bedford survey of 6,000 residents found 92% in support of the development. |

Universal emphasized the broader community benefits of the project, including job creation and infrastructure upgrades, while acknowledging that not everyone will share the enthusiasm. The company has arranged for a nearby town, Wixams, to gain an upgraded four-platform railway station as part of the proposals.

Local officials have stressed that traffic surveys are complete and that road infrastructure will be in place to accommodate growth. Bedford Borough councillor Marc Frost said councillors had been assured that Universal genuinely wants to work with neighbors and that plans include measures to mitigate congestion. Still, the possibility of higher housing costs and the impact on property markets has drawn commentary from local real estate professionals. Nick Kier, a partner at Lane & Holmes estate agents, said some people have already bought nearby property planning to rent to visitors, underscoring a potential shift in the local economy. “There are definite winners and losers in this scenario,” he said, noting that price increases could outpace those who live there for reasons unrelated to the park.

The debate over winners and losers highlights a common theme in major development: the potential to lift local hotels and services while compressing affordability for existing residents. On this front, analysts caution that the market’s response will hinge on how effectively the project is integrated with infrastructure and housing policy.

Industry observers and content creators see the project as a potential reshaping force for Europe’s theme-park landscape. Theme Park Kate, a UK-based content creator, told BBC News the development could be a “huge game changer” and that its size and ride lineup are realistic. She suggested the park could hinge on using fresh IP that has not yet been exploited at other Universal locations, with mentions of possibilities like James Bond or The Lord of the Rings providing a unique draw for first-time visitors to the park.

A senior YouTuber who covers theme parks, Jack Silkstone, said living near major attractions often builds a sense of community and could help the region leverage tourism. He added that Universal’s global leadership in the industry could introduce new standards in design, technology and guest experience. He noted that the project’s scale and ambition could spur competition among existing parks in the UK to raise their game.

The project’s potential to shift the UK’s theme-park hierarchy rests on execution. Universal projects 8,050 direct jobs at opening, with many staff drawn from the surrounding area, and the Wixams rail upgrade is framed as a key catalyst for accessibility. While the plan would likely boost regional tourism, critics caution that traffic, housing prices and local service capacity must be managed carefully to avoid adverse effects on neighbors.

Overall, Universal’s Bedfordshire plan is among the most ambitious entertainment developments seen in Europe in recent years. If the developer meets its timelines and mitigates concerns over infrastructure and affordability, the park could alter the continent’s theme-park rankings and reset visitors' expectations for what a European destination can deliver. Whether it will realize its promise remains a matter of ongoing public discussion, regulatory review, and, ultimately, the success of construction and guest experience once the gates open in 2031.