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The UK government has committed £500m for infrastructure and transport upgrades to support the development of Universal’s proposed Bedford theme park
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 27 Jun 2025
Construction on Universal’s UK resort is expected to start in 2026 pending planning permission Credit: Universal
The UK government has pledged almost £500m (US$687m, €586m) in financial backing for infrastructure and transport upgrades to support Universal’s proposed UK theme park project in Bedford.
According to several sources close to the project, the package includes an estimated £270m (US$371m, €316m) for rail network upgrades, including plans for a new train station in the nearby town of Wixams to improve transportation links. Approximately £200m (US$275m, €234m) has been earmarked for road works, the Financial Times reports.
Comcast – Universal’s parent company – is currently negotiating the support package with the UK government, however, it is possible that costs may be higher than the projected £500m, as the final terms of the package have yet to be agreed, the sources told the publication.
The news comes after Central Bedfordshire Council leader Adam Zerny told the BBC that significant infrastructure improvements were required for the areas surrounding the site of multi-billion-pound development if it is approved.
“Universal is well aware of the infrastructure needs that we have continually put forward on behalf of residents,” Zerny said.
“We will be pushing the government for solutions. We want a lot for this area, and we’re going to demand a lot. Don’t ask, don’t get.”
The theme park will be located on the site of a former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire CREDIT: UNIVERSAL
Plans for the theme park were first announced in late 2023, after Universal Destinations & Experiences acquired a 476-acre former brickworks in Kempston Hardwick in Bedfordshire, UK.
In April this year, the theme park giant signed a landmark agreement in principle with the UK government for the development.
If approved, the project could become “one of the largest and most technologically advanced” theme parks in Europe, offering a major theme park with state-of-the-art rides, immersive zones, and live entertainment, as well as a retail, dining, and entertainment complex, and a 500-room hotel.
An economic impact analysis commissioned by Universal Destinations & Experiences projects the resort will attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year and could contribute nearly £50bn (US$64bn, €58bn) to the UK economy in its first 20 years.
Although Universal has yet to submit a formal planning application for the destination, construction could begin as early as 2026, with the resort’s opening slated for 2031.
Earlier this month, the company issued a call for UK businesses to register their interest in becoming suppliers for the project, which is expected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs during construction and around 8,000 permanent positions once operational, with Universal emphasising the involvement of regional businesses in the park’s delivery.
“Should the project receive planning consent, it is expected that there will be a significant number of opportunities for businesses created across a range of different sectors. We’re committed to advertising these to local businesses and will engage with the community at the appropriate time,” Universal stated.
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