According to Building magazine, the first four major contractors have now been appointed to help deliver the £5 billion Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedford. The companies named are Bovis, Sir Robert McAlpine, John Sisk & Son and Winvic.
This is another significant milestone for the project. While much of what we're seeing on site today is still archaeology, enabling works and infrastructure, appointing major contractors is a clear sign that Universal is continuing to build the team that will eventually deliver one of the UK's biggest ever construction projects.
One name that immediately stood out to me was Bovis. They have a long history of delivering some of the UK's most recognisable buildings and were also involved in the construction of Disneyland Paris, so they certainly know what goes into building a world-class visitor destination.
Sir Robert McAlpine is another huge name, with an incredible portfolio including Wembley Stadium, the London Olympic Stadium and Battersea Power Station.
John Sisk & Son has decades of experience delivering major infrastructure and complex developments across the UK and Ireland, while Winvic has become one of the country's leading contractors for large-scale industrial, commercial and logistics projects.
It'll be fascinating to see exactly which parts of the resort each contractor is responsible for. With construction expected to continue over the next five years, there will undoubtedly be many more specialist companies joining the project as work ramps up.
Another exciting step forward for Universal United Kingdom Resort! Have you worked with any of these companies, or do you recognise the names?
