Universal's first major theme park destination in the UK is set to open in 2031, with construction now under way in Bedfordshire.
The resort will be built on a 480-acre site in Stewartby, around 45 minutes from London and between Bedford and Milton Keynes. Plans include a theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a shopping, dining and entertainment district.
The project received planning permission in December 2025 through a Special Development Order, with the approval taking legal effect in January 2026. Bedford Borough Council confirmed work on site began in June 2026.
The UK government is supporting the development with a £1.3 billion (US$1.77 billion) investment in transport and infrastructure. This includes a planned £474 million (US$646 million) upgrade to the A421 and Wixams railway station to improve access to the resort.
Wixams, on the Thameslink route, will be the closest station when the resort opens. A new East West Rail station at Stewartby is also planned for the early 2030s, while shuttle buses from Milton Keynes will operate in the meantime.
Universal has yet to confirm which intellectual properties will feature at the park, although speculation has centred on franchises including The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Paddington and Doctor Who.
Planning documents also suggest the resort could include rides up to 115 metres tall, potentially making them among the tallest in Europe. Universal said the extra height would allow the park to compete with other European attractions while making more efficient use of the site.
Speaking previously about the project, Universal Destinations & Experiences chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury described it as "a full-blown Universal theme park with a 500-room hotel that is part of it", adding that the attraction mix has been tailored for the UK market.