ESP Utilities Group has been appointed as the utilities infrastructure partner for the proposed entertainment resort being developed by Universal Destinations & Experiences in Bedford, marking a significant step forward in bringing the landmark project to life.
Under the appointment, ESP will work in close collaboration with Universal, Bedford Borough Council and regional network providers to design, construct and operate essential utility infrastructure for the site. The programme is designed not only to meet the needs of the new resort but also to enhance distribution capacity and resilience for neighbouring communities, supporting long-term growth across the area.
A key component of the plans is the delivery of a major on-site water treatment and recycling facility. The plant will prioritise water reuse and efficiency, substantially reducing demand on local supplies and limiting wastewater discharge. The facility will be adopted and operated by ESP and delivered in partnership with Veolia.
By integrating advanced treatment technology, the project aims to strengthen the resilience of Bedford’s wider water network while embedding sustainable water management at the heart of the resort’s operations.
In addition, comprehensive surface water drainage systems will be incorporated throughout the development. Designed to capture and retain rainfall within newly created habitat and landscaped areas, the approach will reduce runoff and help mitigate the risk of surface water flooding in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Energy infrastructure will also form a central pillar of the early works. ESP will deliver and operate a new primary electricity substation with sufficient capacity to supply both the resort and adjacent local developments. Alongside this, an all-electric central energy centre will be designed and constructed by ESP in partnership with Veolia to provide low-carbon heating and cooling across the site. The facility is being designed with scalability in mind, offering the potential to connect to and benefit nearby communities in the future.
Sustainable transport solutions are also embedded within the infrastructure strategy. Plans include one of the largest electric vehicle charging installations in the UK, enabling visitors to charge electric cars on site. A fleet of electric or other low-emission vehicles will also be introduced to transfer guests between local railway stations and the resort, supporting low-carbon travel options.
The infrastructure programme aligns with the UK’s statutory commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reflects Universal’s ambition to deliver a destination that operates sustainably from day one. Company representatives have emphasised that the investment in utilities will not only enable construction and long-term operation of the resort but will also leave a lasting legacy by increasing network capacity and resilience for the wider Bedford area.
The appointment follows planning approval granted in December 2025 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through a Special Development Order, providing the framework for early-phase infrastructure works to commence.
The proposed resort will feature a major theme park comprising multiple immersive lands, alongside hotels and a diverse mix of retail, dining and entertainment offerings. The development is expected to generate close to £50 billion in economic benefit to the UK, create approximately 20,000 jobs during construction and around 8,000 permanent roles once operational, while acting as a catalyst for long-awaited transport and infrastructure improvements across the region.
