UK Universal Studios theme park given exciting new update

Universal Destinations and Experiences is still 'exploring' the idea of building a theme park and resort in the UK, it has been revealed.

The US-based company behind Universal Studios theme parks made the shock announcement last December that they have purchased 476-acres of land in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford, with the hopes of turning it into a major attraction.

A spokeswoman for Universal Destinations and Experiences said at the time: "We recently acquired land in Bedford and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site.

"It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community."

In a further statement, the company also said that 'the UK is an attractive place for a potential project'.

"The UK has a large population, creative industries, strong tourism, and transportation infrastructure with close proximity to other parts of Europe," they added.

Meanwhile, Tom Wootton, the elected mayor of Bedford Borough Council, explained that the planning is still in its 'early' stages.

"The suggestion of a major business investment is of course positive, nevertheless these are early days and much detailed work is required before any decisions are made," he said.

"We very much welcome and are excited by the interest from Universal and the immense potential for it to be transformative for the borough.

"We're committed to ensure that any plans align with the best interests of our residents."

Now, ahead of submitting a formal planning application, Universal will hold two exhibition events for local businesses and residents, as well as inviting people to do an online survey.

This public engagement period will last until 3 May, and means a final decision on the theme park is yet to be made.

Labour MP for Bedford & Kempston, Mohammed Yasin, said: "I have been clear from the start with Universal that it is important that to keep public support, they are as transparent as possible, and I am pleased that at such an early stage of the project public engagement has begun."

The first public exhibition is scheduled to take place at Kimberley College in Stewartby on 13 April, while a second event will take place at Bedford College on 16 April.

Currently, the beloved theme park has sites in the US, China, Singapore and Japan. And Florida - which is home to one of the flagship studios - has some of the most famous rides in the world.

Fans will hope to see some of these Florida rides in the UK:

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Ride Type - Thrill, Motion Simulation, 3-D/4-D Experience

Universal says the ride puts you 'beneath a massive fire-breathing dragon and journey deep underground on this multi-dimensional thrill ride'.

"As you navigate perilous subterranean vaults, you'll encounter Harry, Ron and Hermione. But you'll have to evade the wrath of villains Voldemort, Bellatrix, trolls and other creatures that stand between you and a safe return to Diagon Alley," reads the ride description.

The Simpsons Ride

Ride Type - Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience

"Grab a seat on an indoor simulated rollercoaster ride, where you’ll careen and crash through the park with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie in an over-the-top non-stop exhilarating adventure. Keep an eye out for cameos from some of Springfield’s fan-favourite characters as you adventure through the town," Universal's website says.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D

Ride Type - Motion Simulation, 3-D / 4-D Experience

"Board your N*E*S*T* vehicle and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in an ultra-immersive thrill ride that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Fight to keep the AllSpark out of Megatron's hands in an explosive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons," reads Universal's description.

MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack

Ride Type - Motion Simulation

The exciting mission statement for this one prepares you for an 'epidemic of aliens in New York'.

Thrill-seekers are told to 'use your laser gun to zap those little suckers and rack up points before they zap back at you, sending your car spinning out of control'.