20/11/2025
This week has been one of the busiest we’ve seen on the concrete slab at the future Universal Studios UK site. Large machinery has been out in force, breaking up sections of the concrete and reshaping key areas of the plot. Naturally, this activity immediately set off a wave of excitement — and speculation — that perhaps we were finally seeing the first real steps toward vertical construction.
However, after digging into the details (including revisiting a 2004 planning application connected to the site), it’s becoming increasingly clear that what we’re witnessing isn’t the start of theme-park construction… but rather long-overdue groundwork tied to land stability.
A 2004 planning application dealing with slope stabilisation and land slips around the lake zone — paints a very familiar picture when compared to what’s happening on site right now. In fact, several striking overlaps suggest that the current works are essentially the ex*****on of plans drafted over twenty years ago but with more upto date permission granted in September 2025.
The same slope identified in the original application is now receiving attention.
The concrete slab layout mirrors the 2004 drawings, including the placement of the concrete crusher/recycling plant.
Granular fill has been piled up almost exactly where the old plans recommended the fill stockpiles should sit.
Haul routes match the 2004 proposal, with vehicles following the previously suggested path to transport stabilisation material.
So What Does This Mean for the Theme Park?
For anyone hoping that this week’s activity signalled a major step toward Universal breaking ground on the park itself, the truth is a bit of a letdown.
All signs point to the current works being preparatory tasks that should have been carried out long ago: essential slope stabilisation, ground remediation, and site preparation. These projects need to be completed before any major construction can safely begin.
Universal’s stated timeline suggests true construction won’t kick off until 2026, and this week’s activity aligns with that schedule — not an acceleration of it.
The Upside: Progress Is Still Progress
While it’s not the dramatic start of theme park construction many hoped for, this is still meaningful movement. Stabilising the land and preparing the site properly is crucial for the long-term success of the project. Every load of fill, every broken-up slab, and every haul truck is one small step toward the foundations of what could become a major resort destination.
The work may not look glamorous, but it’s necessary — and it means the site is finally being brought up to the condition required for Universal to move forward.
