Ridge has been appointed to support the Universal United Kingdom Resort development
The Universal United Kingdom Resort will transform a former brickworks site at Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, into what is set to become Europe’s largest theme park and resort destination.
The £5 billion development will be Universal’s first theme park in Europe, building on the company’s successful resorts across the United States and Asia. Spanning almost 500 acres, the destination is expected to attract visitors from across the UK and around the world, creating long-term economic opportunities for the region and beyond.
The project is forecast to generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and create around 20,000 jobs during construction. At peak delivery, up to 5,000 people are expected to be working on site. Once operational, the resort will support a further 8,000 permanent jobs, helping to drive investment, skills development and growth across Bedfordshire.
Alongside the resort itself, the UK Government has committed £1.3 billion towards regional and local infrastructure improvements. The investment will support transport upgrades and wider community infrastructure, ensuring the resort is well connected for residents, employees and visitors.
Opening in 2031, the Universal United Kingdom Resort represents a major vote of confidence in the UK’s visitor economy and a once-in-a-generation development for the region. We look forward to playing our part in helping deliver a project that will leave a lasting legacy for Bedford, the wider region and the UK as a whole.
