Universal has appointed 23 companies to support construction of its planned resort development in Bedford, with major contractors including Galliford Try, Morgan Sindall, Sir Robert McAlpine, Wates and Winvic among the first firms selected.
Bovis Construction (Europe) and PJ Carey Contractors have also been appointed, alongside consultants including Arcadis, AtkinsRéalis, Arup, Gleeds, Mace Consult and Mott MacDonald.
Universal confirmed that enabling works are already underway but has not disclosed the individual roles, package values or the overall construction cost of the appointments.
The company said the resort is expected to generate £50bn in economic benefits, support around 20,000 construction jobs and create 8,000 permanent operational jobs once open.
Universal said: “With enabling works underway, opportunities for regional and UK businesses will continue to grow and we are pleased to share a first update on the companies that have been appointed to support our development.”
The first supplier list also includes Blumano, Brindle & Green, Buro Happold, Gensler Europe, Gillespies, Oxford Archaeology, Pinsent Masons, Rider Levett Bucknall, Ridge and Partners, and Wilson James.
In addition, Universal named 11 businesses that supported the project during its feasibility and planning stages, with many continuing to work on the development as it progresses.
Those companies include CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, DWD Property and Planning, Edelman Smithfield, Flint Global, LCA Communications, LDA Design Consulting, Saphira Group, SLR Consulting, Town Legal, Volterra Partners and WSP.
The developer has invited other businesses interested in working on the project to register through a supplier application form on the resort’s website.
Universal said further contractor, supplier and vendor appointments will be announced as the project moves through future construction phases.
Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest more than £5bn in the resort during an expected five-year construction programme, with the destination scheduled to open in 2031.
The company also plans to invest a further £1bn during the resort’s first decade of operation.
The 476-acre development at the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks will feature Universal’s first theme park in both the UK and Europe, alongside a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex.
Planning permission was granted through a special development order that came into force in January, while the UK government has committed £1.3bn towards supporting infrastructure, including upgrades to the A421 and the expansion of Wixams railway station.