BEDFORD — The UK government announced a £1.3 billion funding package to support construction of Universal Studios’ first European theme park near Bedford, scheduled to open in 2031. The resort will be built on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks and is expected to create 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 operational roles.
Comcast, the US media company that owns NBCUniversal and Sky, will invest more than £5 billion during the five-year construction period and an additional £1 billion in capital over the first decade of operations. The company purchased a 476-acre parcel of land in 2023 for the Universal United Kingdom Resort, and construction is due to begin soon after the project received official approval in December. More than 100 people in the UK are already employed on the project.
The government’s £1.3 billion support includes £400 million through the regional growth fund, a £438 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for community infrastructure, and an estimated £474 million from the Department for Transport for strategic road and rail improvements in the region. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said, “This investment in the heart of the Oxford-to-Cambridge growth corridor will unlock nearly £50bn of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.”
Brian Roberts, Chair of Comcast, said, “This historic partnership is a special moment for our company as we bring our first Universal theme park and resort to Europe. We have a long and proud history in the UK through Sky and NBCUniversal and look forward to creating a spectacular destination that supports the UK creative industries and brings joy to millions for generations to come.”
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, added, “This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the U.K. and supports our entertainment industry. When it comes to creating world class experiences, the U.K. is second to none. We’re proud to be backing British industry, investing in local talent and partnering with powerhouses like Universal to create jobs, growth and opportunities across the UK.” The resort is projected to attract approximately 8.5 million visitors in its first year and generate nearly £50 billion in economic growth by 2055.