Early 2024: Universal Studios UK Enters the Public Eye

What happened after Universal confirmed the land—and how the local community got involved.

5/1/20242 min read

Following the big news in December 2023 that Universal had purchased land in Bedfordshire, the energy around a possible UK theme park shifted. What began as whispers and speculation had officially become a real conversation—not just for fans, but for local residents, planners, and government officials too.

In early 2024, things started moving.

Public Consultation Begins

In March and April 2024, public consultation events were held in and around Bedfordshire, inviting local communities to learn more about the proposal and have their say.

These events gave residents a chance to:

View early presentation materials
Ask questions about jobs, traffic, and housing impact
Share feedback and concerns
Learn about the potential timeline and scope of the project

Key takeaways:

Universal emphasized that the project was still in the feasibility phase.
No official ride lists or maps were shared, but the scale and ambition of the project were clear.
Local sentiment was mixed, but largely positive, with excitement around tourism, job creation, and regeneration.

🗣️ “It’s the biggest thing to happen to Bedford in decades.” — Local attendee

What Universal Shared

While specific park features remained under wraps, Universal did release:

A general land outline map showing the property boundaries
A statement reaffirming their intent to work closely with Bedford Borough Council
Messaging around sustainability, public access, and long-term benefits to the region

“We support Bedford’s vision of becoming a prosperous place to live, work and visit.” — Universal Destinations & Experiences

The Bedford Buzz Grows

By mid-2024, Bedford was making headlines—not just for Universal, but as a growing media and entertainment hub. Plans for nearby film studios (HOP Studios) had also been announced, with over 1.5 million square feet of production space being developed just down the road from the proposed park.

Combined with local infrastructure upgrades and national attention, it became clear: Bedford is changing, fast.

What’s Next?

With consultations completed, the next step will likely be detailed planning submissions, including:

Environmental impact studies
Traffic and access proposals
Conceptual development documents
Public-private investment frameworks

Universal is expected to make more formal announcements in late 2024 or early 2025.

Stay Tuned

We’ll be covering every stage of this incredible project—from community feedback and concept art to opening day. Sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media to never miss an update.