A major milestone reached for Universal Studios UK 🎬🏗️

Today marks a genuinely exciting moment, as the UK Government has officially approved the SDO application for the development of Universal Studios UK. This approval represents a huge step forward for the project and provides much-needed clarity after a long period of preparatory works and planning.

The SDO approval formally comes into effect from 12th January 2026. While there are still some elements to be worked through during the statutory parliamentary review period, the direction of travel is now very clear. With this approval in place, we should begin to see a noticeable increase in activity on site over the coming months.

Crucially, this next phase will move us beyond surveys and ground investigations (and yes, I think we can all agree there have been more than enough boreholes by now!). We are expecting heavy construction equipment to start being mobilised, including excavators and other large machines, as well as the establishment of a construction village to support the growing workforce that will deliver this landmark development.

The approval doesn’t just cover the theme park itself. It also includes significant infrastructure improvements, such as upgrades to the A421, a larger and enhanced Wixams railway station, and improvements to Manor Road and other surrounding local roads. These upgrades are essential to support both construction and long-term operations, ensuring better connectivity and resilience for the area.

Once complete, Universal Studios UK is expected to attract between 8.5 and 12 million visitors per year, making it one of the UK’s most significant leisure destinations and a major economic driver for the region.

After a long period of groundwork and anticipation, it’s incredibly encouraging to see real progress finally taking shape. Exciting times lie ahead — and now, at last, we should start to see it happening above ground.