The exciting first picture of the incredible new Universal Studios UK theme park has been unveiled. Poised to become the UK’s most popular visitor attraction, the Universal-branded theme park in Bedfordshire is set to open in 2031.

The massive new attraction – predicted to bring in £50 billion to the UK- will create about 28,000 jobs - nearly 20,000 during the construction phase, and 8,000 more in hospitality and the creative industries when it opens. It will make the English market town, located halfway between Cambridge and Northampton, the first Universal-branded theme park and resort in Europe. The other Universal parks are in Hollywood, Orlando, Beijing, Osaka, Singapore and Frisco in Texas.

Universal estimated the 476-acre complex could attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year. A 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex is planned alongside the theme park, which will be built on a former brickworks.

Universal Destinations and Experience said 80% of those employed in the new jobs would be from Bedfordshire and surrounding areas.

An artist impression of the new Bedford Universal theme park shows huge entrance gates leading to a large plaza, built around a fountain. Visitors would then walk along a street to reach different areas scattered around a large central lake.

On the left-hand side of the plans and towards the back of the park there appears to be large thrill-seeking rides.

After meeting the head of Universal at Downing Street, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it would "see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage".

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."

Universal has yet to reveal what it plans to build at the park but it will have a number of themed “worlds”. Other Universal parks include a Harry Potter land, which is likely to feature in any British version of the park. Overseas parks have also included areas based on Minions, Jurassic Park, Nintendo characters and the musical Wicked.

Its Florida resort brought in 9.75 million visitors in 2023, while its Hollywood park welcomed 9.66 million.