Credit: iStock – maanson
An On the wire story
Universal has begun the first phase of work on its planned resort near Bedford and, alongside that milestone, has published a preliminary list of contractors and consultants chosen to help deliver what it describes as a multi-billion-pound development.
Among the construction firms named are Bovis Construction, Galliford Try, Sir Robert McAlpine, Wates, Winvic and Morgan Sindall. Engineering and consultancy work is to be supported by Arcadis, Mott MacDonald, Arup, Buro Happold, AtkinsRéalis and Gleeds, while design and landscape practices named in the update include Gensler Europe and Gillespies.
The list also includes specialist contractors and advisers such as P.J. Carey Contractors, Wilson James, Pinsent Masons and Oxford Archaeology.
According to the company’s update, the roster spans construction, engineering, architecture, planning, legal and specialist advisory services, marking the clearest sign yet that the project is moving from planning into delivery. The Bedford scheme is being positioned as the first Universal-branded theme park and resort in the UK and continental Europe.
The development, planned for land at Kempston Hardwick and former brickworks near Bedford, is expected to include several themed lands, a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
Bedford Borough Council says the wider project is forecast to generate nearly £50bn of economic benefit, support 20,000 construction jobs and create 8,000 permanent roles once open in 2031. The council also says the scheme will deliver a major visitor attraction with accommodation and leisure uses built around the theme park.
The start of enabling works is a significant step for a project that has attracted strong political and economic backing. Bedford Borough Council has described the resort as a transformational investment for the area, while the council and local leaders have welcomed the commencement of site activity.
Universal says the development will be supported by infrastructure changes across the surrounding area, with government investment already committed to some of those works. In that context, the newly named firms represent only the opening line-up for a project that will require a much broader industrial coalition before it can open its gates.
References
Main reference: New Civil Engineer [1]
• This On the wire article was created using Noahwire AI and reviewed by CIBSE Journal’s editorial team
