23 firms have been confirmed for work on Universal’s £5bn UK resort, which is set to become one of Europe’s largest theme parks
As detailed in the Universal Destinations & Experiences September 2026 update, 23 firms will be involved in developing the Universal UK resort in Bedfordshire, following planning approval for the project in December last year.
The update describes the project as already having had “a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy, generating £50bn of economic benefit, 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 jobs once operational.”
The theme park will span 476 acres and is currently scheduled to open in 2031.
Full list of firms appointed:
- Arcadis Consulting (UK): Universal Beijing Resort
- AtkinsRéalis UK: London Resort / Paramount Park (geo-environmental & geotechnical studies)
- Blumano
- Bovis Construction (Europe)
- Brindle & Green Construction
- Buro Happold
- Galliford Try Construction
- Gensler Europe
- Gillespies
- Gleeds
- Mace Consult
- Morgan Sindall
- Mott MacDonald
- Ove Arup & Partners
- Oxford Archaeology
- Pinsent Masons
- P.J. Carey Contractors
- Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)
- Ridge and Partners
- Sir Robert McAlpine
- Wates Construction
- Wilson James
- Winvic Construction
Of these, Arcadis and Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) have worked with Universal before, having both worked on Universal Beijing in some capacity.
AtkinsRéalis and Buro Happold have both worked on the London resort, the original planned Universal park that was eventually abandoned.
Gensler has also had experience working on theme parks outside of Universal.
No further details have been provided on the specific roles each firm will play as of yet.
Further vendor and supplier updates
The current list of firms working on the construction of the theme park should also not be treated as an exhaustive list, as the company states that further vendor and supplier updates will be shared periodically, and as the shape of the project changes, other firms may well be brought onboard.
The full vendor and supplier update for September 2026 can be read here.
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