Universal buys land in Bedford for possible new theme park

Universal Destinations and Experiences said it would be many months before it made a decision on any plans for a theme park in Bedfordshire

A new theme park could be on its way to the UK.

Universal, makers of films like Despicable Me, The Super Mario Bros and Kung FU Panda, has confirmed it has bought land in Bedford - a market town not too far from London.

The Hollywood studio already has parks around the world including in the UK, China, Singapore and Japan.

What sort of things would you like to see in a new theme park? Let us know in the comments below!

The potential site for the theme park is only around 15 minutes from the town centre

Why Bedford for Universal Studios theme park?

Bedford is pretty easy to get to and more than half the UK's population lives within two hours of the town.

It's around a 45 minute trip from London and Luton airport is nearby so international guests would be able to visit easily.

A spokeswoman for the company behind Universal Studios said: "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.

"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."

Will a Bedford theme park actually happen?

It's not the first time people have got their hopes up for a new super theme park.

The most recent attempt was more than 10 years ago, when plans for The London Resort was proposed for a site in Swamscombe, Kent.

It was due to open in 2019, but nothing has been built and some people who live nearby would like to see it used as a nature reserve instead.

Universal has also looked at opening a theme park in the UK before, in Essex. This was first proposed in 1988 before Universal Studios, Florida had opened its doors.

Would you like a new theme park built near you? What would you like to see in it? Let us know in the comments below!