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Universal Studios UK theme park 'unlike anything' in Britain as documents show new ride details

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The Universal Studios theme park to be built in the will be "unlike anything that exists in the UK", the company has said.

The new park, planned for Kempston Hardwick in Bedfordshire, could feature the tallest rides in Europe - with height limits reaching up to 115m.

That's taller than anything the company's theme parks in Orlando have.

And while details of the movies the rides will be based on are still under wraps, the reams of planning documents published today have revealed a few tantalising details.

Universal's theme parks, the documents say, are "very different to a typical amusement park and are unlike anything that currently exists in the UK"

Universal "takes guests to places that typically exist only in their imagination. To do this, [Universal] uses cutting-edge technology and partners with beloved storytellers to create fully immersive experiences where the attractions, placemaking, food, merchandise and costumes all work together."

Guests will arrive at the park's entrance plaza, which will include restaurants and shops - similar to the "CityWalk" area of Universal Orlando.

The plaza and its entertainment venues will be accessible to the general public, even if they haven't bought a ticket to the park.

Once through the park's large archway, paying guests will find "adrenaline-pumping coasters", "mind-blowing spectaculars" and will "come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains".

Guests will be able to "experience beloved stories and exhilarating adventures in immersive new ways."

And the rides themselves will pair "innovation and technology" allowing guests to "be fully immersed in different lands."

Universal's parks in the US and other countries have themed lands based on Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, the Simpsons and Nintendo - though it's not been confirmed if any of those franchises will feature at the UK park.

Universal hopes to secure planning permission in time for a 2031 opening date.

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Other plans outlined in the documents include enough car parking space for 7,000 cars, as well as improved car and rail links to the site.

The resort, set to be among the most advanced in Europe, is expected to pump £50 billion into the economy and bring as many as 28,000 jobs during construction and operation.

The Mirror revealed in February that negotiations for the resort - to open near Bedford - were in the final stages.

Nearly 20,000 jobs will be created during the six-year construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.

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