Universal Studios Bedford: One of the UK’s largest EV charging facilities among infrastructure planned

ESP will work closely with Universal Destinations & Experiences, Bedford Borough Council and key providers to deliver it.

And if you’ve got an electric car, it’s especially good news as key infrastructure upgrades include:

• Low-carbon transport: ESP will deliver one of the UK’s largest EV charging facilities for visitors to the Universal resort. A fleet of electric or other low-carbon transportation will also transfer guests from local railway stations to the resort

• A substantial new water treatment facility: Located on Universal’s Bedford site and designed to re-use and recycle water, this significant investment follows its requirements for water sustainability and will provide greater resilience to Bedford’s regional infrastructure, safeguarding it from the demands generated by the resort. The new facility, to be adopted by ESP and designed and built by Veolia, will significantly reduce the volume of water used on-site and the volume of sewerage needing to be discharged locally

• Enhanced water management: In addition, surface water drainage will be designed to maximise the capture of rainwater within new dedicated habitat areas on Universal’s site, reducing the risk of surface flooding locally

• A new electricity substation: It will be adopted and operated by ESP, with capacity to power both the Universal development and surrounding local developments

• An all-electric central energy plant: Contributing to Universal’s commitment to align the outcomes of the project with the UK’s trajectory towards net zero by 2050, ESP will design and deliver alongside Veolia an all-electric plant to provide low carbon heating and cooling to the resort, with the potential to expand to serve surrounding communities as well

Kevin O’Connor, chief executive officer, 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, Universal Destinations & Experiences vice-president of external affairs, said: “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.”