The Government has pledged £1.3 billion towards transport and community infrastructure to support the development of the newly named Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedfordshire.
The investment forms part of a wider agreement with Comcast NBCUniversal, which has committed more than £5bn to build the theme park and resort complex, alongside a further £1bn of capital investment during its first decade of operation.
The attraction, which will be Universal’s first major destination in Europe, is expected to open in 2031 and is being described as one of the largest-ever investments in the UK tourism sector.
The Government said its funding will support improvements to local roads, rail links and community infrastructure to ensure the resort can operate successfully while benefiting local residents and businesses. This includes upgrades to the A421 and a new railway station at Wixams.
Universal United Kingdom Resort is expected to create around 28,000 jobs, including 20,000 during construction and a further 8,000 once operational. The development is forecast to generate almost £50bn in economic benefits for the UK by 2055 and attract millions of visitors each year, including more than one million additional overseas tourists.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock visited the Bedfordshire site this week and met with Universal Destinations and Experiences Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury and other senior executives from Universal.
The Chancellor and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy also hosted Comcast Corporation Chairman Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corporation, and Mr Woodbury at 11 Downing Street to unveil the name and logo for the theme park and resort.
The Chancellor said: “This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.
“Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit – improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world.”
Ms Nandy described the project as ‘a huge vote of confidence in the UK’.
More than 100 people have already been employed to work on the project, with around 80% of future employees expected to come from Bedfordshire and surrounding areas. Universal said it has already received expressions of interest from more than 33,000 potential recruits.
