What happened to UK Universal Studios theme park after exciting plans were announced in 2023

Theme park goers were beyond excited when Universal Studios made a shock announcement in 2023.

Universal Destinations and Experiences - the company behind Universal Studios theme parks - said in December 2023 that it had purchased 476-acres of land in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford.

"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," a spokesperson for Universal Destinations and Experiences said at the time.

Universal has five theme parks across the globe (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images for Premier League)

"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."

Sadly, we didn't hear much apart from that... until last month, that is.

What is the latest update on the UK Universal Studios?

Last month we got another update when Universal Studios registered to trademark its name in the UK, and fans were left trying to connect the dots.

The Mirror also reported on 15 February that the 'theme park is set to get final go-ahead within weeks,' with just 'the Treasury left to sign off on financial arrangements for the plan'.

According to the outlet, the project is expected to kickstart a full-scale resort, with a four-zone park, along with a 500-room hotel, and various transport links.

It's also expected to create 20,000 jobs during construction, 8,000 new on-site jobs, and bring £50 billion into the economy.

Well, it seems Universal has been keen since the announcement, stating 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.

Page Thompson, the Universal Destinations & Experiences' president in charge of new ventures, also told Sky News: "I can tell you it's going to be a world-class park with all experiences that people will love based upon the most popular films, video games and stories that people have enjoyed for decades."

Universal Destinations and Experiences said in 2023 that it was 'exploring' the idea of building a theme park in the UK (Getty Stock Images)

"Bringing Universal Studios to Bedford is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK," Milton Keynes MP Chris Curtis, said.

"After decades of stalled attempts to establish a world-class theme park in Britain, I will keep campaigning to make this project a reality."

He added: "This investment will put our region on the global map, drive infrastructure improvements, and provide world-class entertainment for families across the country.

“This is exactly the kind of ambitious, forward-thinking development that Britain needs to fuel growth, this government's number one priority."

As well as Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, the theme park currently has sites in Japan, Singapore and China.

Construction is estimated to take around five to six years.

LADbible Group has reached out to Universal Destinations and Experiences for a comment.