UK Universal Studios theme park finally confirmed as Brits told when doors will open

Universal Studios has confirmed their plans to build a theme park in the UK following the success of its five other parks across the world.

While we are not exactly short of classic theme parks such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Flamingo Land (you'll know that one if you're northern) in the UK, few come with the promise of bringing 'billions of pounds' into the economy, something which Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves feels this has the potential to achieve.

Last year we saw the UK's 'tallest and fastest' rollercoaster open at Thorpe Park, but Universal's plans could well see that trumped, considering the significant size of the parks and rides they currently offer in Hollywood, Florida, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing.

And now, joining those illustrious locations (and Florida) is, drum roll please... Bedford. Yes that's right, the area just north of Luton and around 45 minutes from London will play host to this huge entertainment resort, which is forecast to attract 8.5 million visitors in its opening year alone.

So, just when can locals, and those further afield who fancy joining in with our beloved British tradition of queuing, get their hands on a ticket?

Sir Keir Starmer is excited about the benefits the park will bring (Benjamin Cremel - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Well, the park is currently scheduled to open in 2031, although they are still subject to planning approval, which is likely to be granted given prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has already spoken on on the benefits that the deal will bring for the UK economy.

He said: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage."

For those of you who don't know what to expect from the amusement park, other than long queues, screaming kids and rides likely closed due to the rain, then you will only need to look towards the parks in the USA and Asia to see the Jurassic Park and Harry Potter inspired rollercoasters that will soon be on every thrill-seeker's wish list.

The sort of rides you'll be able to see at the park (Thomas Simonetti/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and is part of our strategy to introduce the Universal brand and experiences to new audiences around the globe.

“We appreciate the incredible support for our proposed project and look forward to bringing it to life in the years ahead.”

The theme park will built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site in Bedford and promises to deliver 20,000 new jobs during its construction, and a further 8,000 jobs once it opens.