Universal park officially named as government pledges £1.3bn

The UK government has pledged £1.3bn to support the construction of Universal United Kingdom Resort, a £5bn theme park in Bedfordshire expected to open in 2031 and attract 8.5 million visitors annually [1]. Comcast NBCUniversal’s investment marks the first Universal Studios resort in Europe since the company sold Universal Mediterranea in 2004 [2]. The government funding is earmarked for upgrading local infrastructure, including a £474m project to improve the A421 road and expand Wixams station on the Thameslink line [1]. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated the investment would “unlock nearly £50bn of economic growth” [1]. Construction, which began on 12 January 2026 [2], is projected to create 20,000 jobs during the build phase and a further 8,000 once the park opens [1]. The 268-hectare site will include a theme park and a free-to-access retail and entertainment district [1]. Universal Destinations & Experiences, the theme park unit of NBCUniversal [5], plans to apply its signature approach to immersive storytelling and attractions [2]. Chairman and CEO Mark Woodbury said the resort “will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond” [1]. The park’s scale is significant within Universal’s global portfolio. Its initial phase will occupy approximately 476 acres (193 hectares), with provisions for future expansion [2]. The company aims for the resort to eventually host 12 million visitors a year, which would place it among the world’s most popular parks [1]. For context, Universal Studios Hollywood hosted 8.7 million guests in 2024 [7], while the recently opened Universal Epic Universe in Florida features five themed lands [6]. The UK project represents a major long-term commitment, with the company having bought additional land nearby for potential future development as part of a century-long plan [1].