Universal names first contractors for £5bn UK theme park

Conceptual artist rendering of proposed side
Image: Comcast

15 SEP 2026

UNIVERSAL NAMES FIRST CONTRACTORS FOR £5BN UK THEME PARK

Universal has named the firsts contractors and consultants to work on its new £5bn theme park and resort in Bedford.

The entertainment giant announced the multi-billion pound investment last year, with government granting planning permission at the start of 2026. The project is set to create around 20,0000 construction jobs along with a further 8,000 direct jobs.

Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest more than £5bn in the entertainment resort complex during the expected five years of construction, as well as an additional £1bn in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation. The site is set to open in 2031 and will generate around £50bn of direct and indirect economic benefit for the UK.

Universal has now appointed 23 companies to support development of the site, which is to be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site and attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year - becoming the largest visitor attraction in the UK.

It will be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex including a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.

Universal says this is the “first update” on the firms appointed to support development of Universal United Kingdom Resort. It added enabling works are underway and opportunities for regional and UK businesses will “continue to grow”.

Firms appointed are:

Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd
AtkinsRéalis UK Ltd
Blumano Ltd
Bovis Construction (Europe) Ltd
Brindle & Green Ltd
Buro Happold Ltd
Galliford Try Construction Ltd
Gensler Europe Ltd
Gillespies LLP
Gleeds LLP
Mace Consult Ltd
Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd
Mott MacDonald Ltd
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd
Oxford Archaeology Ltd
Pinsent Masons LLP
P.J. Carey Contractors Ltd
Rider Levett Bucknall UK Ltd
Ridge and Partners LLP
Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Wates Construction Ltd
Wilson James Ltd
Winvic Construction Ltd

Universal said many companies that have worked on the feasibility and planning stages of the project will also continue to be involved with the scheme. Those that have been involved with feasibility and planning to date are: