ESP Utilities Group has been appointed to design, build and operate major new infrastructure to support Universal Destinations & Experiences’ planned entertainment resort in Bedford.
Following its appointment, ESP will work with Universal, Bedford Borough Council and local providers to deliver additional infrastructure and distribution capacity to serve the development and support future growth in the surrounding area.
Water treatment and drainage
Plans include a substantial new water-treatment facility on the Universal site. The plant will be designed to reuse and recycle water, will be adopted by ESP, and will be designed and built by Veolia.
Read: Universal water demand can be managed, say planning documents
According to the companies, the facility will significantly reduce on-site water use and limit sewerage discharge locally, while strengthening resilience in Bedford’s wider water infrastructure.
Surface water drainage across the site will also be designed to maximise rainwater capture within new habitat areas, aiming to reduce the risk of local surface flooding.
Power and low-carbon energy
A new primary electricity substation will also be delivered and operated by ESP, with capacity to power both the Universal development and nearby local developments.
An all-electric central energy plant is planned to provide low-carbon heating and cooling to the resort. Designed and delivered by ESP alongside Veolia, the plant has the potential to expand to serve surrounding communities.
The proposals are framed as supporting Universal’s aim to align the project with the UK’s target of reaching net zero by 2050.
Transport and EV charging
ESP will also deliver what is described as one of the UK’s largest electric vehicle charging facilities for visitors to the resort.
In addition, a fleet of electric or other low-carbon vehicles is planned to transfer guests between local railway stations and the site.
Kevin O’Connor, chief executive officer of 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, vice-president of external affairs at Universal Destinations & Experiences, added that the appointment shows their commitment to creating a sustainable project, both in its construction and operations.
“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,” he said.
Wider project
Universal’s planned entertainment resort in Bedford will include a theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation and a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.
The appointment of ESP Utilities Group marks the first major step in infrastructure delivery since the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government approved the development through a Special Development Order in December 2025.
Read: Green light given for Bedford Universal Studios theme park
Universal has previously said the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including thousands of construction jobs and operational roles, as well as transport and infrastructure upgrades.
Read: New report predicts Universal theme park to generate £50bn for the UK plus thousands of local jobs
The Bedford Independent has been the go-to source of ethical, fact-checked and regulated news for Universal Studios UK since we broke the news that Comcast was considering building a theme park in Bedford Borough.
To read our extensive coverage, including interviews with the people behind the project, head to our dedicated Universal Studios UK pages.
