Stories

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 Universal park officially named as government pledges £1.3bn

The government's contribution is going towards upgrading local infrastructure and transport links.

* Universal's UK theme park will be named Universal United Kingdom Resort and receive £1.3bn in government funding.
* The resort, located in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, is expected to attract 8.5 million visitors per year when it opens in 2031.
* Comcast NBCUniversal will invest £5bn in building the resort, with a further £1bn planned over its first 10 years.
* The government's contribution will go towards upgrading local infrastructure and transport links.
* The investment is expected to "unlock nearly £50bn of economic growth" and create thousands of jobs.
* Part of the government's funding will be used to upgrade Wixams station and improve the A421, costing £474m.
* Over 100 people are already employed on the project, with a total of 20,000 jobs expected during construction.
* Once open, the resort is expected to create a further 8,000 jobs, with around 80% going to local residents.
* The resort will include a year-round theme park and entertainment district, as well as free-to-access areas for visitors.