Universal park officially named as government pledges £1.3bn

Universal's planned UK theme park will be named Universal United Kingdom Resort, it has been revealed, and will be supported by £1.3bn in government funding.

Comcast NBCUniversal said it expected the attraction to draw 8.5 million visitors a year when it opens in 2031, with ambitions for it to become Europe's most-visited theme park.

The US entertainment giant said it would invest £5bn in building the resort, in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, with a further £1bn planned over its first 10 years.

The government's contribution will go towards upgrading local infrastructure and transport links to help accommodate visitors from across the UK and overseas.

Ahead of the announcement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site where site preparation works had already begun.

She said the investment would "unlock nearly £50bn of economic growth" and create thousands of jobs.

The Labour politician continued: "Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit - improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world."

Part of the government's investment will fund upgrades to Wixams station to create a four-platform stop, as well as improvements to the A421, which were expected to cost £474m.