Plans for the future Universal UK theme park nearly took a different path before the company selected Bedfordshire as the location for its proposed resort.
Planning documents submitted as part of the project’s approval process reveal that Universal previously explored an alternative location near Milton Keynes. The information came to light through reporting by Christian Sylt and Caroline Reid of Blooloop, who reviewed documents connected to the development.
According to those documents, Universal considered land northeast of Milton Keynes near Junction 14 of the M1 motorway. Known as the Newport Road site, the property met several of the company’s requirements during its search for a suitable location in the United Kingdom. However, negotiations did not lead to an agreement, and Universal eventually moved on to other options.
The revelation provides new insight into the site-selection process behind what is expected to become one of the largest entertainment developments in the country and finally puts Universal into the European theme park industry.
Why Universal Looked at Multiple Locations
Finding a home for a major theme park requires far more than locating a large piece of land. Developers must evaluate transportation links, available infrastructure, environmental considerations, and long-term growth opportunities.
Planning documents indicate that Universal sought a location with substantial development potential and strong connections to both road and rail networks. Access to major population centers also played an important role, with Universal looking for a location close enough to London to draw large crowds.
Universal Construction Crew – YouTube, The Main Street News
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As first reported by Sylt and Reid, the Newport Road property offered several advantages. The land sat close to the M1 motorway and provided access to existing transportation infrastructure.
However, Universal’s documents revealed that “commercially acceptable terms could not be agreed on this site and therefore it is not viable. It is also now proposed for alternative mixed-use development, in line with the policies of the draft Milton Keynes Development Corporation (MKDC) Local Plan 2050 and is therefore not available.”
Why Bedfordshire Was Selected
After discussions surrounding the Milton Keynes area ended, Universal focused its attention on land near the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks in Bedfordshire.
The company began assembling property in the area during 2023 and later expanded its holdings through additional acquisitions and option agreements. The resulting development area provides enough space for the proposed theme park, hotels, entertainment facilities, and future expansion.
Map of the site of the Universal UK project – YouTube, The Main Street News
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Location also played a significant role in the decision. Bedfordshire offers access to major road networks and sits within reach of London and other densely populated regions of England.
Infrastructure improvements planned for the area further strengthened the proposal. Current plans include upgrades associated with East West Rail, improvements to Wixams railway station, and changes to surrounding road networks designed to support increased visitor traffic.
A Major Investment in the United Kingdom
Universal officially announced the Bedfordshire project in April 2025. The company currently targets 2031 for opening, although the timeline remains subject to planning approvals, infrastructure work, and construction progress.
The development is expected to include a theme park, hotels, restaurants, retail locations, and entertainment venues. Universal has not yet announced specific attractions or themed lands.
The current Bedford site places Universal UK just north of London and within close proximity to several airports – YouTube, The Main Street News
Universal has stated that it plans to invest more than £5 billion before the destination opens, with additional investment expected during its first decade of operation.
Public Funding
The Universal project is also receiving significant public-sector support. In early June 2026, the UK government confirmed a £1.3 billion infrastructure package linked to the Bedfordshire development. The funding is intended for transportation and community improvements rather than construction of the theme park itself.
Government announcements state that the package includes funding for road upgrades, rail improvements, and other local infrastructure designed to accommodate millions of expected visitors each year. The largest component is an estimated £474 million for transport projects, including rail and highway improvements. A
BREAKING: Europe’s first Universal theme park is being built in the UK with £1.3bn in taxpayer support, it has been announced
Chancellor Rachel Reeves says that ‘the £1.3bn is for infrastructure. It is for the roads and a new railway station.’https://t.co/7Ym62c9sac pic.twitter.com/GqbWZxaqK6
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 3, 2026
Additional grants are earmarked for regional growth initiatives and community infrastructure. Comcast, Universal’s parent company, has separately committed more than £5 billion toward construction of the resort and a further £1 billion in capital investment during its first decade of operation.
What the Alternative Site Reveals About the Project
The newly disclosed details show that Bedfordshire was not the only serious contender during Universal’s search for a UK theme park location.
Large-scale projects often involve years of evaluations, negotiations, and planning studies before a final decision is reached. The Newport Road proposal demonstrates how close another community came to hosting the development.
Documents reviewed by Christian Sylt and Caroline Reid indicate that the Milton Keynes-area property remained under consideration before negotiations ultimately stalled. That outcome redirected Universal’s attention toward Bedfordshire, where the project continues to move through the development process.
What do you think of the alternative site for Universal UK? Let us know your thoughts about the upcoming theme park in the comments below.
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