Universal Destinations & Experiences has announced early phase work to improve infrastructure in and around its new theme park complex in the United Kingdom. This critical early work will support the construction of a brand-new theme park and resort complex, along with the surrounding Bedford community. Here’s the latest on what is expected to be the first phase of work to bring the new theme park to life.
Early Work Begins Soon for Universal UK Theme Park Project
Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) announced the appointment of two companies to create and expand infrastructure in Bedford to support the construction of a new theme park and resort complex. The goal of this phase of work is to “deliver additional infrastructure and distribution capacity that can serve communities in the area of Universal’s planned development and support future growth”.
As outlined by Universal, key in an update to residents, key infrastructure upgrades include:
- A substantial new water treatment facility: Located on Universal’s Bedford site and designed to re-use and recycle water, this significant investment follows its requirements for water sustainability and will provide greater resilience to Bedford’s regional infrastructure, safeguarding it from the demands generated by the resort. The new facility, to be adopted by ESP and designed and built by Veolia, will significantly reduce the volume of water used on-site and the volume of sewerage needing to be discharged locally.
- Enhanced water management: In addition, surface water drainage will be designed to maximize the capture of rainwater within new dedicated habitat areas on Universal’s site, reducing the risk of surface flooding locally.
- A new primary substation: A new electricity substation will be adopted and operated by ESP, with capacity to power both the Universal development and the surrounding local developments.
- An all-electric central energy plant: Contributing to Universal’s commitment to align the outcomes of the project with the UK’s trajectory towards net zero by 2050, ESP will design and deliver alongside Veolia an all- electric plant to provide low carbon heating and cooling to the resort, with the potential to expand to serve surrounding communities as well.
- Low-carbon transport: ESP will deliver one of the UK’s largest EV charging facilities for visitors to the Universal resort. A fleet of electric or other low- carbon transportation will also transfer guests from local railway stations to the resort.
“ESP’s appointment as our utilities partner reflects our commitment to unlocking the long-term transformational benefits of this project”, said Gidon Freeman, UDX VP of External Affairs. “Across water, wastewater and energy we will be ensuring the resort can be built and operated sustainably, with additional distribution capacity added to the local network to benefit neighbouring communities and developments.”
In December 2025, planning permission for the project was approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO).
The new entertainment resort complex in Bedford will feature a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, and a range of retail, dining, and entertainment uses. The development will have a significant impact on Bedford and the UK economy; it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit, create 20,000 jobs during construction, a further 8,000 jobs once operational, and help deliver several long-sought-after transportation upgrades.
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