How Will Universal Studios in Bedfordshire Impact the Construction Sector?
When Universal Studios UK plans for Bedfordshire first hit the headlines, most of us in construction pricked up our ears. A project of this size doesn’t come around that often. We’re not just talking about a handful of rides and a car park, this is a full-blown international theme park on a scale the UK’s rarely seen before. The opening is planned for 2031, and there’s an estimated five years of building ahead, so we thought it was worth taking a proper look at what the Universal Studios construction might mean for our sector.
The Scale of the Universal Studios UK Plans
The site earmarked is at Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford, and it’s big. The primary phase alone covers more than 30 hectares, and there’s room set aside for future expansion stretching out for decades.
The early plans at a glance:
- A full theme park, designed for around 8.5 million visitors a year.
- A 500-room hotel.
- Parking for over 7,000 cars, plus coaches and cycles.
- Dining, entertainment and support facilities.
That’s a serious amount of work by any measure.
There are estimates of around 20,000 construction jobs in Bedfordshire during the build phase, so it’s pretty clear that this isn’t a project where a single tier-one contractor will quietly handle everything. It’s likely to spread out across civils, M&E, fit-out, landscaping and more.
The Infrastructure Needs
One of the biggest early jobs will be on the roads. The Universal Studios construction programme involves a brand-new grade-separated junction on the A421, as well as a dual-carriageway link road straight into the park. When you add in a proposed bridge over the Marston Vale rail line, then we’re looking at civils packages on a major scale.
The rail network needs to be considered too.
The long-delayed Wixams station (which was originally due to open with just two platforms) is now expected to expand to four platforms to support the Universal Studios UK plans. A shuttle bus link between the station and the park is already on the cards, which means big opportunities for those in rail-related construction and the supply chain around transport hubs.
Utilities, water and energy.
Behind the new rides and hotel is a serious amount of kit and paperwork. The Environmental Statement for the scheme points to new utility generation, water treatment, storage, and energy facilities all being needed on-site. Water and wastewater capacity have been flagged by some locals as a concern, so that means upgrades will have to be built into the programme early on.
Contractors in power distribution, substations, water infrastructure, and district energy will likely see procurement opportunities. Given the complexity and long lead times of some of these systems, those with proven delivery records in regulated environments will be the best placed.
Employment Opportunities
Headlines have already talked about the promise of construction jobs in Bedfordshire hitting the 20,000 mark over the build period. That covers everything from groundwork and highways through to finishing trades and specialist themed construction.
Once the doors open, it’s estimated there will be around 8,000 permanent jobs in hospitality, operations and maintenance. But for those of us looking at the build phase, the sheer labour demand over a sustained five-year window is what really matters. In a sector already battling skills shortages, Universal Studios in Bedfordshire could put real pressure on recruitment and retention.
So which trades are most likely to be stretched?
Based on the scope, we’d expect:
- Civils and structures: earthworks, remediation, bridges, retaining walls, drainage, car parks
- Highways and rail: junction tie-ins, station expansion, transport management
- M&E and utilities: energy systems, substations, water and wastewater facilities
- Landscaping: lakeside works, planting, public spaces
- Specialist attraction builds: ride buildings, show infrastructure, themed façades
A Long Programme with a Long Pipeline
The Environmental Statement estimates five years to deliver the primary phase. Beyond that, the site could keep expanding for up to 20 years. That means a pipeline of procurement packages rolling out over decades. For many firms, that will mean a steady stream of frameworks, call-offs and subcontract opportunities well into the 2040s.
Ready to Tackle the Universal Studios Construction Wave?
If you’re looking at the scale of Universal Studios in Bedfordshire and wondering how to get your workforce, recruitment and staffing lined up for the demand, that’s where we can help. We specialise in supplying the skilled people needed for civils, rail, M&E and finishing trades.
We can help you source everything from project managers for highways packages to electricians for M&E installations, or site labour for groundworks. We’ve got the reach and experience to support you through a build of this scale and, because we understand the strain a five-year primary phase will place on your teams, we’re set up to help you handle it.
Talk to us today about how we can help you meet demand for construction jobs in Bedfordshire and keep your projects moving.
FAQs
When is Universal Studios in Bedfordshire expected to open?
Current estimates suggest an opening in 2031, but this depends on planning approval and construction timelines.
How many construction jobs in Bedfordshire will be created?
Roughly 20,000 during the build, plus around 8,000 permanent jobs once the park is running.
What kind of infrastructure work is included?
A new A421 junction, rail station expansion, utilities, landscaping, and a large-scale car park network.
Will the Universal Studios project run in phases?
Yes. The main build is expected to take five years, with further expansions phased over 20 years.
