Universal theme park gets £1.3bn taxpayer support - as name is revealed

Europe's first Universal theme park, is being built in the UK with £1.3bn in taxpayer support, it has been announced.

The government explained where the money was coming from, and what it would be spent on, months after it granted the 500-acre site in Bedfordshire permission to begin the first phase of works.

Universal, which is owned by Sky News' US parent company Comcast, wants to open the attraction in 2031. It is to be called Universal United Kingdom Resort and include a 500-room hotel and retail and entertainment complex.

But local infrastructure, including transport, has to be brought up to scratch first.

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As part of the £1.3bn investment, the Department for Transport is to hand over an expected £474m for local road and rail improvements.

A further £838m, some of which is conditional on community works being completed by the developer, is due to be paid in the form of grants including through the Regional Growth Fund.

The company's total investment in the complex will top £5bn during the construction phase and £1bn in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation.

It is estimated the park, just south of Bedford, will generate nearly £50bn for the economy by 2055 with annual visitor numbers put at an estimated eight million plus.

The project is expected to create about 28,000 jobs - nearly 20,000 during the construction phase - and 8,000 more in hospitality and the creative industries when it opens.

Under its commitments, Universal is to work with local colleges and universities to train students for hospitality jobs.

The site is near the A421, a major road connecting Cambridge through Milton Keynes to Oxford. The road will be among those improved ahead of the park opening.

To help the area cope with increased footfall, upgrades will be made to Bedford station, and a new station built at nearby Wixams under the plans.

Speaking during a visit to the theme park site, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50bn 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."

The expansion of Luton Airport is expected to play a big role in bolstering ease of access.

No details have yet been released about the expected attractions.

Universal is known for franchises that lend themselves to themed rides, including Minions, Fast and the Furious and Jurassic World.

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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Universal theme park gets £1.3bn taxpayer support - as name is revealed