Construction has formally begun on what will be Europe's first Universal Studios theme park and resort, following the Government's granting of planning permission via a Special Development Order (SDO) - a mechanism used for projects of national strategic significance - which came into force on 12th January 2026. The project, located on a 700-acre former brickworks site at Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, is expected to generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefit over the coming decades and create approximately 28,000 jobs across construction, operations and the wider supply chain.
The resort is planned to include a major theme park with multiple themed lands, a 500-room hotel, and an integrated retail, dining, and entertainment complex. Initial on-site activity through 2026 is focused on enabling works, water drainage, and land grading, with utility installations and broader construction ramping up through 2027. The Government has committed approximately £500 million in public investment to support transport infrastructure improvements, including rail and road upgrades to connect the site to London and Luton Airport, with a new station at Wixams expected to open ahead of the park.
Universal Studios Great Britain is targeting a 2031 opening and, at launch, is expected to become one of the largest employers in the East of England region, with around 80% of operational staff drawn from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. The SDO route meant planning was approved at central Government level by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, bypassing local authority decision-making and reflecting the scheme's strategic importance to the national economy.