State investment announced for Universal United Kingdom Resort between Milton Keynes and Bedford

State investment has been announced for a new theme park run by Universal Studios between Milton Keynes and Bedford.

The theme park, which will officially be called the Universal United Kingdom Resort, is intended to open in 2031 on the outskirts of Bedford, adjacent to rail and road lines connecting the town to Milton Keynes.

Comcast NBCUniversal, who own the Universal Studios brand, has committed to invest over £5bn in the entertainment resort complex during the expected 5 years of construction, as well as an additional £1bn in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation. The deal is to set up Universal’s first theme park in Europe.

Meanwhile, the government announced that they will support the project with an investment of £1.3bn on regional and local community infrastructure to ensure the park can operate successfully, with improved transport links for local residents and visitors from across the UK and abroad.

As part of its total investment, the government will seek to provide a grant of £400 million through the exceptional Regional Growth Fund and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will provide a grant of £438 million to invest in new community infrastructure to maximise the benefits of the development and support growth across the region. These 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 adjacent A421 road and a new Wixams train station, which will provide wider resilience and improved connectivity within the region, at an expected cost of £474 million.

The funding announcement came as the Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site earlier today (03/06) where she met with Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, along with other senior executives from Universal Destinations & Experiences and new hires already based in Bedford.

Enabling works have begun on the project with construction soon to begin. The government previously granted planning permission by way of making a Special Development Order for the theme park and resort in December, which came into force in January.

Universal said that over 100 people in the UK have been employed to work on the project, with Universal receiving expressions of employment interest from over 33,000 individuals. The company says it expects approximately 80% of employees at the theme park and resort are expected to come from Bedfordshire and the surrounding regions.

It has not yet been confirmed what film franchises will be adapted into attractions as part of this project. In April 2025, a source told the BBC that the park could include rides and attractions themed around James Bond, The Lord of the Rings, Paddington, Jurassic Park, Despicable Me and Back to the Future among others.

The government’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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.”

Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, added, “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.”