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Universal theme park and resort in Bedford

03 June 2026

Proposing MP
Lisa Nandy Lab
Wigan
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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TAGS
Business & Trade Economy Transport

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement is about the formal agreement signed by the UK government with Universal Destinations and Experiences to develop a world-class theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, known as 'Universal United Kingdom Resort'.

Action Requested

The Government has committed £1.3 billion for regional and local community infrastructure, including transport improvements, and will provide a grant of £400 million through the Exceptional Regional Growth Fund and an additional £438 million from DCMS for public infrastructure. These grants are subject to parliamentary approval and compliance with subsidy control regulations.

Key Facts

  • The Government has signed an agreement with Universal Destinations and Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal.
  • Comcast NBCUniversal will invest over £5 billion during the construction period and an additional £1 billion in capital investment over ten years.
  • The project is expected to deliver over £50 billion for the UK economy by 2055 and create 8,000 jobs in its first year, rising to 10,000 by the twentieth year of operation.
  • Over 20,000 jobs will be created during construction, with a peak of 5,000 workers on site at the busiest time.
  • The Government will provide £400 million through the Exceptional Regional Growth Fund and an additional £438 million from DCMS for public infrastructure.
  • Department for Transport plans to upgrade road and rail networks costing £474 million.
  • This project supports the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy (2025) ambition to increase business investment in creative industries to £31 billion by 2035.
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