Common, having simply accomplished its newest Nintendo- and Harry Potter-filled theme park within the US, is now planning to construct a new theme park and resort in the United Kingdom. The multi-billion greenback challenge will probably be Common’s first European theme park, with building on the 476-acre complicated anticipated to begin subsequent yr in Bedford, England, situated round 60 miles north of London.
Set to open in 2031, the UK government says the theme park will probably be “one of many largest and most superior in Europe,” projected to generate practically £50 billion ($64 billion) for the British economic system by 2055 and entice 8.5 million guests in its first yr. Rumors in regards to the challenge have been circling since Comcast NBC Common acquired the sizable chunk of Bedford land in December 2023, with immediately’s announcement lastly confirming that plans to construct the park are going forward — topic to securing planning approval.
“At present we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound funding that can see Bedford house to one of many greatest leisure parks in Europe, firmly placing the county on the worldwide stage,” stated UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who added that the challenge is anticipated to create “28,000 new jobs throughout sectors akin to building, AI, and tourism.”
This announcement comes forward of Common opening its third Orlando park, Epic Universe, on Might twenty second. The Orlando enlargement incorporates new lands themed round Nintendo, Harry Potter, basic film monsters, and the How To Practice Your Dragon franchise, and showcases a number of the leisure big’s most superior journey and animatronics expertise up to now.
It’s too early to say precisely what the brand new park will entail, however proposals from Common Locations & Experiences embody a theme park with “a number of themed lands that includes Common’s distinct model of immersive storytelling,” rides, sights, and different types of leisure that make the most of “subtle and superior expertise.” Plans for the resort embody a 500-room lodge with on-site retail, eating, and leisure choices.
We should wait and see if Common will probably be bringing any of its current land themes or journey experiences to the UK challenge, or go for one thing new solely. I’d anticipate the Harry Potter branding to be concerned not directly — Common has already constructed six lands themed across the franchise throughout different world parks, and that is its alternative to completely lean into its native British setting.