Universal Studios is set to build a massive new theme park in Bedfordshire, UK, spanning 476 acres, making it the largest theme park in Europe.

The park is expected to feature rides that could potentially be the tallest in Europe, reaching heights of up to 377 feet, surpassing the current tallest ride in the UK, Hyperia at Thorpe Park, which stands at 236 feet.

These proposed rides will not only exceed the height of Hyperia but will also be 10 feet taller than Europe’s current tallest ride, Red Force, which measures 367 feet.

The park anticipates attracting approximately 8.5 million visitors annually, with peak days potentially seeing around 55,000 guests.

In addition to thrilling rides, the park will include a 500-room hotel and a retail and entertainment complex to enhance the visitor experience.

The park aims to open by 2031 and plans to hire 8,500 staff, with an increase to 10,000 by 2051, primarily sourcing employees from the local area.

This project is projected to generate £50 billion for the UK economy and create around 28,000 jobs, including nearly 20,000 during construction and 8,000 in hospitality and creative sectors upon opening.

Plans for the park include parking for over 7,000 cars, coach and bicycle spaces, and improvements to local transport infrastructure, including a new junction on the A421 and an expanded station at Wixams.

Access to the park will be facilitated by a tree-lined boulevard for car visitors and a transport hub for public transport users, leading to an entry plaza with restaurants and shops.

To expedite planning approvals, the company has applied for a special development order (SDO) to bypass standard local procedures.

Public consultation on the planning documents will conclude on August 31, after which the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will review comments and make a decision on the SDO.

Most structures in the park are planned to be between 20 and 30 meters tall, with some taller attractions designed to create a visually interesting skyline.