Universal Unveils Name for UK Theme Park, $1.5 billion in Government Funding

Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Wed June 3, 2026
Universal U.K. Park Name Confirmed Amid Government Financial Pledge

The park is slated to open in 2031. (Source: Universal)

Plans are rapidly solidifying for Universal’s U.K. theme park, with the attraction now officially named Universal United Kingdom Resort, along with government funding of approximately $1.5 billion.

“The government’s contribution will go towards upgrading local infrastructure and transport links to help accommodate visitors from across the U.K. and overseas,” according to a BBC story.

For its part, Universal will invest approximately $5.8 billion to construct the resort, which is scheduled to debut in 2031, and an additional $1.1 billion during its first 10 years of operation.

In 2023, Universal’s parent company, Comcast NBCUniversal, purchased a 476-acre property outside of Bedford in the U.K., and in September 2025, it filed a trademark application for the name with the U.K.’s Intellectual Property Office.

Universal United Kingdom Resort is predicted to attract 8.5 million visitors annually at its debut, with the number rising to 12 million annually within its first 20 years of operation, said Comcast NBCUniversal, which owns Universal Studios.

The park will include a retail and entertainment area, which can be accessed with a ticket, in addition to “immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK,” said Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.

“This new theme park and resort will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond and allow us to share our distinct experiences with guests from around the world,” he said.


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