Comcast NBCUniversal have today announced the official name of their UK theme park resort as Universal United Kingdom Resort.
Located in Bedford, Universal United Kingdom Resort will include a world-class theme park featuring several immersive lands with innovative attractions and story-driven experiences, alongside a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining, and entertainment complex. Comcast NBCUniversal 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 following its planned opening in 2031. The project will be developed by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment and is the brand’s first major destination in the UK and Europe. Details about the attractions and experiences that will be on offer at Universal United Kingdom Resort will be shared over time as the resort takes shape.
Brian Roberts and Mike Cavanagh, Co-CEOs of Comcast Corporation said:
“This is a proud moment for our company as we bring the first Universal theme park and resort to Europe. The United Kingdom is a highly attractive market and builds on the significant investments we’ve made elsewhere around the globe to create extraordinary experiences for millions of guests that are rooted in the stories and worlds only Universal can deliver.”
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences said:
“We have a bold ambition to bring Universal’s innovative and immersive experiences to new audiences. Universal United Kingdom Resort reflects that long-term strategy focused on key markets while continuing to enhance our existing parks and strengthen our position as a destination of choice for guests.”
The UK Government have reiterated their support for the project, noted to be one of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector, 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 £1.3 billion investment, the government will 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 A421 and at Wixams station, which will provide wider resilience and improved connectivity within the region, at an expected cost of £474 million.
With enabling works on the site now in progress and construction soon to begin, today marks a significant milestone for the project. 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. Universal United Kingdom Resort is expected to bring nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 jobs when it opens in 2031, with Universal expecting the site to generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the economy by 2055.
To mark this milestone, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy hosted Brian Roberts and Mark Woodbury at 11 Downing Street to unveil the name and logo for the theme park and resort. Additionally the Chancellor visited the site where she met with Mr Woodbury and other senior executives from Universal Destinations & Experiences, as well as many of Universal’s new hires already based in Bedford.
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.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:
“This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.
“Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit — improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world.
“We have the right economic plan — working with global investors and local leaders so we can deliver jobs, opportunity and long‑term prosperity for Britain.”
Brian Roberts, Chairman of Comcast Corporation, 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 United Kingdom 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.”
Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO 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.”
Today’s announcement follows more than two years of due diligence and engagement evaluating the UK by Comcast NBCUniversal since the company’s purchase of the land forming the 540-acre site was announced in December 2023. Following confirmation of their intent to proceed with building the first Universal branded theme park and resort in Europe last April, the company submitted a Special Development Order which was approved by the Government in December 2025.
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