Universal names 23 firms for £5bn Bedford resort development

Universal has unveiled an initial delivery team of 23 contractors and consultants for its planned £5bn Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford, as enabling works progress ahead of the main construction programme.

Major contractors named on the project include Sir Robert McAlpine, Wates Group, Morgan Sindall Construction, Galliford Try, Winvic Construction, Bovis and Careys.

The professional team also includes consultants such as Arup, Mace Consult, Gleeds and Mott MacDonald, although individual contract package values have not yet been disclosed.

The resort is planned for a 476-acre former brickworks site at Kempston Hardwick, with enabling works already underway.

The main construction programme is expected to run for around five years, targeting an opening in 2031.

Plans for the development include multiple themed lands and attractions, a 500-room hotel, entertainment facilities and associated infrastructure.

The project has also been supported by around £1.3bn of public infrastructure investment for road and rail improvements linked to the development.

At peak construction, the scheme is expected to support up to 20,000 jobs, making it one of the largest leisure construction programmes currently planned in the UK.