Universal Studios Coming Near You!

As most people probably already know, as there has been much press around the announcement, Universal Destinations & Experiences intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever Universal branded theme park and resort in the United Kingdom, and the largest theme park in Europe, located in Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.

The proposals include an entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.

Universal say “the development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy; it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs. At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.”

For landowners in the area there are many potential benefits. With the creation of new jobs this will lead to demand for additional housing supply, so there are opportunities for landowners with potential development sites.  With millions of visitors from all over Europe they will need a place to stay and notwithstanding Universal providing visitor accommodation on site there will be many opportunities for diversification for holiday lets, plus not all workers will be local so there will be opportunities there too.

Other opportunities for diversification include offering visitor attractions for those looking for more to do in the local area when visiting.

There may also be opportunities to supply locally sourced food and drink.

Wilson Browne act for many landowners and have years of experience dealing with such matters, always working closely with other professional advisers to give the support and advice clients need.

So landowners should be keeping a close eye on how things progress and be speaking to their land agents about how they might be able to benefit from the development. The projected start date for construction, subject to planning, is 2026, so not too far ahead.

For more information and to keep up with progress see here: Universal UK Project |