Government to plough £1.3bn into UK Universal theme park

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The government has agreed to support a new Universal theme park in the UK with a £1.3 billion investment on regional and local community infrastructure.

The £5 billion project on a former brickworks in Bedford is being forecast to generate nearly £50 billion of longer term economic benefit for the UK and become the country’s most popular tourist attraction when it opens in 2031.

The aim is to ensure the Universal United Kingdom Resort can operate successfully, with improved transport links for local residents and visitors from across the UK and abroad, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The development will create 28,000 jobs between construction and operation across a range of industries, including sectors such as creative, technology, hospitality and construction.

As part of its £1.3 billion commitment, the government will provide a grant of £400 million through a Regional Growth Fund and the DCMS will provide £438 million to invest in new community infrastructure to maximise the benefits of the development and support growth across the region.

The grants will only be paid once Universal has completed the community infrastructure - in the case of the DCMS grant - and officially opened the theme park and resort.

The Department for Transport is also going ahead with plans to upgrade the strategic road and rail network, on the A421 and at Wixams station, which will provide improved connectivity within the region, at an expected cost of £474 million.

Hailed as “one of the largest ever” investments in the UK tourism sector, the project will bring nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 when it opens.

Universal expects the site to generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the economy by 2055.

The theme park and resort is expected to attract millions of visitors each year including more than a million additional overseas visitors.

Construction is soon to begin after planning permission was granted in December.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This unparalleled investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and puts rocket boosters under our entertainment industry.

“When it comes to creating world class experiences, the UK 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.”

Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Today marks a significant milestone on our journey to bring Universal United Kingdom Resort, featuring immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK.

“This new theme park and resort will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond and allow us to share our distinct experiences with guests from around the world.”