The deal and the name

Universal Destinations & Experiences has formally named its first European resort Universal United Kingdom Resort, unveiling the logo alongside a combined £7.3 billion investment package with the UK government. The 476-acre site, a former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick near Bedford, was purchased by Comcast in 2023 and received planning approval in December. Enabling works are already under way, with full construction expected to begin soon and a five-year build programme targeting a 2031 opening.

“This historic partnership is a special moment for our company as we bring our first Universal theme park and resort to Europe.”

Who is paying what

Comcast NBCUniversal will invest more than £5 billion during the construction period and a further £1 billion in capital investment over the resort's first decade of operation. The UK government is contributing £1.3 billion for regional and local infrastructure, including £474 million from the Department for Transport for strategic road and rail projects, £400 million through the regional growth fund, and a £438 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for community infrastructure. The total combined commitment reaches £7.3 billion.

Comcast construction (5 years)5

Comcast first 10 years operation1

UK govt infrastructure1.3

Comcast construction (5 years)

5 £bn

Comcast first 10 years operation

1 £bn

UK govt infrastructure

1.3 £bn

Data from the article text

Jobs and economic projections

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the project would support nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 roles once the resort opens, for a total of 28,000 jobs. Universal projects the resort will generate nearly £50 billion in economic benefit for the UK by 2055 and attract 8.5 million visitors annually in its first year, including more than a million additional overseas tourists. The government described the deal as one of the largest-ever investments in the UK tourism sector.

“This landmark 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.”

Political backing and site visit

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the Bedfordshire site on Wednesday morning, wearing a hi-vis jacket and hard hat, and met some of the first workers employed on the project. She was greeted by Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also met Comcast chair Brian Roberts and Woodbury at 11 Downing Street, where the name and logo were unveiled.

“We are ready to break ground and make this the most spectacular theme park in all of Europe, if not the world.”

What the resort will include

The resort is expected to feature a theme park, hotel accommodation, restaurants, shops and entertainment spaces. Universal promised "immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation." The company's existing parks feature rides based on franchises including Jurassic Park, Minions, ET, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Fast & Furious, though details of the themed areas planned for the UK resort have not yet been announced. More than 100 people in the UK are already employed on the project.

“This unparalleled investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and puts rocket boosters under our entertainment industry.”