One of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector has been agreed between the government and Comcast NBCUniversal to build an entertainment resort complex, the Universal United Kingdom Resort, in Bedfordshire that will employ thousands and entertain millions of people. The resort is expected to open in 2031.
Featuring a world-class theme park and resort, the project will be developed by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment and is the brand’s first major destination in the UK and Europe.
To mark this milestone, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy hosted Brian Roberts, Chairman of Comcast Corporation, and Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, at 11 Downing Street to unveil the name andlogo for the theme park and resort.
Major investments
Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest over £5bn in an entertainment resort complex named ‘Universal United Kingdom Resort’, during the expected five years of construction, as well as an additional £1bn in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation.
The UK Government will support the project with an investment of £1.3bn on regional and local community infrastructure to ensure the park can operate successfully, with improved transport links for local residents.
Job Creation
The Development will create 28,000 jobs between construction and operation across a range of industries, including in Industrial Strategy growth driving sectors like creative, technology, hospitality and construction, and is estimated to generate nearly £50billion of economic benefit for the UK.
Construction work will soon to begin. Over 100 people in the UK have been employed to work on the project, with Universal receiving expressions of employment interest from over 33,000 individuals. Approximately 80% of employees at the theme park and resort are expected to come from Bedfordshire and the surrounding regions.
Transport and infrastructure improvements
The government’s investment unlocks regional transport and infrastructure improvements that will maximise the benefits of the development and enable wider growth across the region. The theme park and resort is expected to attract millions of visitors each year, including more than a million additional overseas visitors.
The Department for Transport is also going ahead with plans to upgrade the strategic road and rail network, on the A421 and at Wixams station, which will provide wider resilience and improved connectivity within the region, at an expected cost of £474 million.
World-class training opportunities
Universal and the UK government are also cooperating to maximise benefits to local colleges and universities. For example, Universal has committed to world-class training opportunities for the next generation of its workforce, including through a range of apprenticeships and internships. This aligns with the government’s ongoing work to unleash the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and lay the foundations for Bedford to become an innovation hub.
