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Universal exploring development of a new UK theme park. Here is what we know

New park would be located in Bedford

Universal Orlando Resort (Landon McReynolds, WKMG)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Universal Destinations & Experiences is looking at expanding its award-winning entertainment portfolio even further.

On Tuesday, the company confirmed it’s exploring opportunities and is in the early stages of building a new theme park in the city of Bedford, U.K., about an hour north of London.

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“We recently acquired land in Bedford and are at the early stages of exploring its feasibility for a potential park and resort at this site,” a spokesperson said in a statement to News 6. “It will be many months before we are ready to make a decision to proceed and we look forward to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and the local community.”

Newly acquired land in Bedford (Universal)

With its large population, creative content and potential for development, leaders said the United Kingdom is an attractive place for a potential project.

Just months ago, Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, announced it would be investing and building smaller theme park experiences around the world.

Earlier this month, the company announced that its first-ever Texas park specifically for families with young children would be called “Universal Kids Resort.” The company said the park would celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun – bringing to life its beloved characters and stories in new ways. In addition to the Texas park, Universal is also building a year-round Halloween Horror Nights experience in Las Vegas.

Here in Central Florida, Universal is currently building its newest theme park, Epic Universe, which is slated to open to guests in 2025.

Universal has not released any concept art for the potential new park in the United Kingdom.

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