Universal Great Britain - Construction Updates

[masekwm]

Apparently thanks to a certain poster over in the PAW thread, Universal have gone cold on Universal UK. So i figure to show how 'cold' Universal are, I'll post the latest update from @ProjectUniversal .


The Dumpers have multiplied, we had 1 a few days back, now there's 3 of them.

Over £100m, planning approved and construction started, yep they’ve cooled

 

[LieutLaww]

Guys, its not happening clearly

 

[EllieB]

Of course they've gone cold - it's January. Everything is cold right now. They just need a big parka coat and some woolly hats and they'll be fine.

 

[xtpower]

Of course they've gone cold - it's January. Everything is cold right now. They just need a big parka coat and some woolly hats and they'll be fine.

At least it's not Orlando cold right now .

 

[EllieB]

At least it's not Orlando cold right now .

No, with their weather I can't believe anyone would want to build a park there. Surely no one would visit!

 

[xtpower]

Here we have the latest video from @ProjectUniversal . It looks like we've officially broken ground now, but I'm sure Universal would like to do an actual ground-breaking ceremony for it to be 'official'.



With more thanks to @ProjectUniversal we have a post showing the full-on archaeological works going on.

 

[xtpower]

@masekwm just posted a couple of maps on facebook that shows the areas and scale of the archaeological excavation required. I wouldn't worry about the 12 months, I expect the Lake Zone is the reason it'll take 12 months. They'll want the Core Zone expedited.



Thanks to @ProjectUniversal we have another 3 dumpers and a 40 tonner on site now.

 

[xtpower]

Big thanks to @masekwm with today's update. The large compound on the western side of the Core Zone now has 3 diggers, 6 dumpers and a dozer. The area being scraped is also huge.

 

[pbin]

Just attended an MP surgery (essentially a one-on-one meeting) where I discussed both Universal and East West Rail. I asked:
- What the government’s plans are for M1 Junction 13
- What the plans are for East West Rail (EWR) in terms of local connectivity (enhanced bus services, active travel)

He responded by saying that M1 Junction 13 will have to be upgraded but didn’t detail any plans so, even if the government and Universal are discussing it, there are currently no commitments. For EWR, he pointed towards councils gaining greater controls over buses (though I’m not entirely sure if it’s enough).

I’ll continue pushing for more information from local politicians. Funnily enough, he said that I should go into politics and even offered me a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

I have also written a series on EWR that relates to Universal, but an article detailing the transport infrastructure (and its constraints that need to be addressed) is coming later this month.

Mods: I understand that the link is to a personal site though I have chosen to include it as it’s a deep dive into infrastructure that will support the Universal development. If it’s inappropriate, please delete it.

 

[DOOMBOT]

Just attended an MP surgery (essentially a one-on-one meeting) where I discussed both Universal and East West Rail. I asked:
- What the government’s plans are for M1 Junction 13
- What the plans are for East West Rail (EWR) in terms of local connectivity (enhanced bus services, active travel)

He responded by saying that M1 Junction 13 will have to be upgraded but didn’t detail any plans so, even if the government and Universal are discussing it, there are currently no commitments. For EWR, he pointed towards councils gaining greater controls over buses (though I’m not entirely sure if it’s enough).

I’ll continue pushing for more information from local politicians. Funnily enough, he said that I should go into politics and even offered me a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

I have also written a series on EWR that relates to Universal, but an article detailing the transport infrastructure (and its constraints that need to be addressed) is coming later this month.

Well, just to be safe. Here's a link to the series regarding EWR they mentioned.

 

[yepthatguy]

Just attended an MP surgery (essentially a one-on-one meeting) where I discussed both Universal and East West Rail. I asked:
- What the government’s plans are for M1 Junction 13
- What the plans are for East West Rail (EWR) in terms of local connectivity (enhanced bus services, active travel)

He responded by saying that M1 Junction 13 will have to be upgraded but didn’t detail any plans so, even if the government and Universal are discussing it, there are currently no commitments. For EWR, he pointed towards councils gaining greater controls over buses (though I’m not entirely sure if it’s enough).

I’ll continue pushing for more information from local politicians. Funnily enough, he said that I should go into politics and even offered me a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

I have also written a series on EWR that relates to Universal, but an article detailing the transport infrastructure (and its constraints that need to be addressed) is coming later this month.

Mods: I understand that the link is to a personal site though I have chosen to include it as it’s a deep dive into infrastructure that will support the Universal development. If it’s inappropriate, please delete it.

You should go on the tour of the Houses of Parliament, it’s great.

There’s a cracking MP Riverside Bar and Terrace too.

The Mayor and council don’t seem to be getting any info from EWR according to local news sites, from what I’ve seen.

 

[pbin]

You should go on the tour of the Houses of Parliament, it’s great.

There’s a cracking MP Riverside Bar and Terrace too.

The Mayor and council don’t seem to be getting any info from EWR according to local news sites, from what I’ve seen.

I have a family member that works at the council and they’ve confirmed that they’ve taken over a floor in the building but don’t know much else. According to them, the staff wanted all new equipment (computers, desks, etc.) kitted out in the space a week before moving in… which they did because it’s Comcast asking but I don’t think they would do the same for anyone else. I will definitely update if I hear more.

The MP told me that he continues to have regular discussions with the Universal people (I don’t know their names so that’s the best stand in I could think of). The tour does sound like fun, and, admittedly, part of me does want to get into politics… though I don’t want to sell my soul.

———

In terms of road infrastructure, this video (from Jan 31st) shows the progress on the new dual carriageway between the A1 and A428 (the opposite end of the A421 from the M1). It seems like they’re starting to lower the ground for the A1 underpass. It’s on track to open in ~1 year and will be a very welcome addition to the road network.

 

[extrobeiuf]

- What the government’s plans are for M1 Junction 13

He responded by saying that M1 Junction 13 will have to be upgraded but didn’t detail any plans so, even if the government and Universal are discussing it, there are currently no commitments

As [part of the SDO grant, there was a Statement of Reasons document, which outlined concerns / objections raised by different organisations. It which specifically had a concern raised around J13, but the official response suggested the impact wasn't 'that bad' on J13, implying nothing was needed. Hope they do something, as it's a mess - but doesn't sounds like it's high on the list.

>> Concern
Central Bedfordshire Cranfield and Marston Ward Councillors, and the parish councils in the Cranfield and Marston Ward, jointly raised concerns on traffic impacts at Junction 13 of the M1 and on local road networks (alongside concerns about noise and landscape impacts). They requested further transport modelling and mitigation and an updated monitoring/management plan

>> Response
Schedule 2 to this Statement summarises the way that the Secretary of State integrated the ES analysis and consultee feedback in relation to the assessment of the impact on the Strategic Road Network, including Junction 13 of the M1, where effects were considered material but not severe.

 

[pbin]

As [part of the SDO grant, there was a Statement of Reasons document, which outlined concerns / objections raised by different organisations. It which specifically had a concern raised around J13, but the official response suggested the impact wasn't 'that bad' on J13, implying nothing was needed. Hope they do something, as it's a mess - but doesn't sounds like it's high on the list.

It’s hilarious that they say nothing is needed, the junction isn’t appropriate for the traffic volumes it sees today. They probably don’t want to touch it because it’ll have to be an extensive remodelling (and then the question arises of including passive provisions for the cancelled Oxford–Cambridge Expressway).

 

[extrobeiuf]

Phase 1a - Progress

I was reviewing the phasing document (For a post on another forum ), and found it interesting to compare what we were told to expect vs what we're seeing so far.

Please also help me fill in the blanks if I've suggested we've not seen something progress or mis-categorized progress.

So phase 1a was slated for a 9-12 month duration to run between Q3-2025 -> end Q2-2026. High level, it includes
"" Site Establishment in LakeZone, Vegetation Removal,Habitat Creation to EnableSpecies Relocation, SecurityMeasures, TemporaryAccess Works, Topsoil Strip,Archaeological Investigation. ""

Utility connections will be made for Temporary Building Supplies (site accommodation)

I don't think we've seen any specific activity in this regard, but we've seen a lot subcontractors on site in Lakezone / concrete pad, so no reason to think it's not progressed

An overhead UKPN 33kV line crossing Western Gateway Zone from the junction of Broadmead Road and Woburn Road, running northwest to the boundary of the site and then continuing north out of the site boundary before undergrounding at ManorRoad, will be diverted underground to accommodate proposed works

I don't think we've seen any specific activity in this regard - although is this the same general area we've seen a lot of activity in the Gateway zone, where we suspect they're planning the flyover abutments?

The initial works will begin by securing the site through installation of security fencing. Existing Public Rights of Way in the Lake Zone (Public Rights of Way A1and 8) and Core Zone (Public Rights of Way 1 and 2) will be temporarily closed prior to commencement of any construction work on the respective Public Right of Way.The Public Rights of Way in the Core Zone (Public Rights of Way 1 and 2) will be permanently stopped up prior to the temporary closure period expiring.

We've seen _a lot_ of security fencing go up, both in late 2025, but a lot more in early 2026. And we've seen the footpath closures.

Demolition will include Vine Cottages 1 and 2 and their respective outbuildings, as well as the derelict Gate House building located within the Lake Zone.

Are these the cottages where we started to see some of the yard area starting to be pulled down, and utility disconnection permits come up?

Archaeological works, vegetation removal, and protected species mitigation works(translocation of species and related local habitat removal), will take place. Notable species include badger, great crested newt, reptiles, roosting, foraging and commuting bats, breeding and wintering birds and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates.

We've seen those archeological works kicking off, and we've seen a lot of wildlife relocation work going on over the last 6 months, and likely continuing as UK comes out of Winter

The road upgrades and site entrances required for construction traffic on BroadmeadRoad and Manor Road are expected to take 4-6 months including all requiredagreements and licenses.

I don't think we've seen major road / site access upgrades start yet.


--


Overall, looks like we're in good shape - perhaps end Q2-26 is unlikely, as we didn't see most of this kick off util Q1-26 (which makes sense given the SDO was granted effect Jan).

On paper Phase 1a and 1b can overlap, though it looks like that last point on the road upgrades is a key objective to hit before starting 1b, which then covers full site grading.

▪ Phase 1b covers the period of works after completion of the road upgrades and site entrances required for construction traffic on Broadmead Road and Manor Road.▪ During this period, access to the site will be via Broadmead Road and Manor Road, with an alternative access formed from Ampthill Road into the northeast corner of the Lake Zone.

So seeing any work on the roads seems to be 'the one to watch'.

 

[masekwm]

1. Utility connections will be made for Temporary Building Supplies (site accommodation)

We've seen works on Manor Road for electrical supply which ended just outside the concrete pad but no connection into the site, they're currently using the trailers that give hot water/power on site.

2. An overhead UKPN 33kV line crossing Western Gateway Zone from the junction of Broadmead Road and Woburn Road

Nothing obvious has been done with this yet.

3. Vine Cottages 1 and 2

These are the buildings on the corner of Manor Road that have stood empty for sometime now, they have huge gardens full of sheds and a double garage. They'll be disconnected from supply this month.

4. Major road / site access upgrades

There have been various permits on Broadmead Road which don't seem to have been used, nothing has changed on either Broadmead or Manor Road.

 

[masekwm]

Lot's of forthcoming roadworks, looks like the new access routes, utility surveys and either power connections to the compound or disconnection of Manor Road houses.

 

[Clouday]

Contractors appointed for water treatment facilities, substation, central energy plant and EV charging facilities.

 

[Alicia]

Press Release Text, from Universal UK Project |:

ESP Utilities Group has been appointed to design, build and operate significant new community infrastructure in Bedford.

Following appointment by Universal Destinations & Experiences, ESP will work closely with the company, Bedford Borough Council and key local providers to deliver additional infrastructure and distribution capacity that can serve communities in the area of Universal’s planned development and support future growth.

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 maximise 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 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.

Kevin O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, ESP Utilities Group, said:
“The ESP collaboration with Universal Destinations & Experiences strengthens our position at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure. With the support of our partners in Veolia, we are immensely proud to be able to deliver a pioneering water, power and energy strategy for the Entertainment Resort Complex and surrounding areas. Our model of long-term ownership, combined with Veolia’s outstanding operational capability, creates a complete solution that provides resilience for years to come, reduces energy demands, and supports Universal to meet its goal of world class sustainable infrastructure that can serve both the project and surrounding communities.”

Gidon Freeman, Universal Destinations & Experiences Vice-President of External Affairs, said:
“ESP’s appointment as our utilities partner reflects our commitment to unlocking the long-term transformational benefits of this project. 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.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:
About Universal Destinations & Experiences and the project:
Universal Destinations & Experiences offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences. There are five Universal-branded theme parks and resorts around the world, with new developments including Universal Horror Unleashed Las Vegas recently opened in August 2025, and Universal Kids Resort (Frisco, Texas) set to open in 2026.
The new entertainment resort complex in Bedford will feature a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses. The development will have a transformative 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.
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). Further information about the project can be found at Universal UK Project |

About ESP Utilities Group:
With 25 years’ experience and over 1.1 million Residential and Industrial & Commercial connections, ESP Utilities Group adopts and maintains heat, electricity, gas, water, and wastewater, across the UK. As a leader in independent adoption, we deliver cost-effective solutions with flexible design standards, transparent assets values, rapid approvals, and unparalleled expertise across regulated utilities. ESP Utilities Group | UK Multi-Utility Network Utilities Provider

About Veolia:
Veolia group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with 215,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2024, the Veolia group provided 111 million inhabitants with drinking water and 98 million with sanitation, produced 42 million megawatt hours of energy and treated 65 million tonnes of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 44.7 billion euros in 2024. Homepage

For Media Enquiries
Amy Kent
pressenquiries@espug.com
For more information, please visit www.espug.com.
ENDS

 

[xtpower]

They're really keeping the name of the Resort/Park under wraps. Seeing them call it the Entertainment Resort Complex in these big press releases does make me smile.