Universal has confirmed that its long-awaited UK theme park development in Bedfordshire will be called Universal United Kingdom Resort, with the project set to receive £1.3bn in government support.

The £5bn resort, planned for Kempston Hardwick, is expected to open in 2031 and attract around 8.5 million visitors annually, with ambitions to become Europe's most-visited theme park.

Universal owner Comcast NBCUniversal also plans to invest a further £1bn into the destination during its first decade of operation.

The government believes the project could generate significant economic benefits, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves stating the development will help unlock almost £50bn in economic growth while supporting thousands of jobs and major infrastructure improvements in the region.

More than 100 people have already been hired to work on the project, with Universal expecting to create 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 permanent roles once the resort opens. Around 80% of those operational jobs are expected to be filled by people from Bedfordshire and neighbouring areas.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said the resort would create new opportunities for local communities while bringing the company's entertainment experiences to visitors from across the globe.

The 268-hectare development is set to feature a year-round theme park, a free-to-access entertainment and retail district, and could include some of the tallest rides in Europe.