Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Universal theme park and resort in Bedford

03 June 2026 · Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Proposed by Lisa Nandy Lab Wigan

Business & TradeEconomyTransport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The UK government has signed an agreement with Universal Destinations and Experiences to develop a world-class theme park and resort in Bedfordshire.
  • The Government has committed 1.3 billion for regional and local community infrastructure improvements.
  • A grant of 400 million through the Exceptional Regional Growth Fund and an additional 438 million from DCMS for public infrastructure will be provided, subject to parliamentary approval.

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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