The name and logo of the UK’s Universal theme park have been unveiled, alongside a £7.3 billion investment in the project by the American company and the Government. The park will be called Universal United Kingdom Resort, with enabling works already underway on the Bedfordshire site and construction expected to begin shortly.
Universal expects the resort, its first in Europe, to generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefit for the UK by 2055. It is projected to attract millions of visitors annually, including over a million additional overseas tourists, making it the UK’s most popular attraction. Comcast NBCUniversal has committed over £5 billion during the five-year construction phase and an additional £1 billion in capital investment over the first decade of operation.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) described it as one of the largest-ever investments in UK tourism, creating nearly 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles when the resort opens in 2031. The Government will contribute £1.3 billion for regional and local infrastructure, including transport upgrades, to support the park’s success.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site on Wednesday, meeting workers and Universal executives. She said, 'Thank you for choosing the UK. We’re really thrilled you’re going to be here.' Mark Woodbury, chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences, stated the company is 'ready to break ground and make this the most spectacular theme park in all of Europe, if not the world.'
The Government’s investment includes a £400 million grant from the Exceptional Regional Growth Fund and £438 million from DCMS for community infrastructure, payable after the park opens. The Department for Transport will spend £474 million on road and rail upgrades, including the A421 and Wixams station. DCMS said Universal’s choice of Bedfordshire 'is a testament to the strength of the UK’s creative industries.'
