Lone Resident Defies Eviction for UK's Universal Theme Park
A single homeowner remains in his rented cottage as his street is cleared for the planned 2031 opening of a major Universal Studios resort near Bedford.
A 55-year-old resident is the last person refusing to leave his home on Manor Road, a street slated for demolition to make way for Universal Studios' new theme park in Kempston Hardwick, near Bedford. The park is scheduled to open in 2031.
Ritchie Wood, who has rented his three-bedroom cottage for 11 years, is waiting to be evicted by bailiffs, despite having received a possession order from the court on September 19. He has been served with a Section 21 eviction notice and is struggling to find alternative housing.
All 12 homes on Manor Road are part of the 480-acre site planned for the theme park. Six homes have already been vacated, and five others have reportedly been sold to Universal under non-disclosure agreements, with demolition anticipated around Christmas. Mr. Wood claims Universal has been pressuring his neighbors to sell their properties.
"It’s been really hard to watch almost everyone move out of this street," Wood stated. "It’s heartbreaking. Out of 70 million people in the country, I'm the only person facing homelessness out of this."
Wood, who cares for his elderly parents living nearby, said he feels ignored by the council and Universal. He received his eviction notice on April 28, shortly before the Renters' Rights Act 2025 was enacted. His landlord sold the property to Universal, subject to his removal as a tenant. Wood believes this was done to circumvent the new renters' rights legislation. He has been advised by the council to remain in his home to avoid being classified as voluntarily homeless.
The planned £50 billion theme park is expected to feature some of Europe's tallest rides, reaching 377 feet (115 meters), and will include themed lands, a 500-room hotel, and retail and dining facilities. It is projected to create 20,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million visitors in its first year, potentially making it the UK's most visited theme park.
Construction work on the project began this summer. In August, drone footage showed early development at Broadmead Farm, the designated site for the resort. Early signs of construction were also observed in June. Part of Manor Road has been closed since July for "site stabilization and enabling works." In a September letter to residents regarding the roadworks, Universal expressed commitment to being a "good neighbor."
Wood has sent approximately 70 emails and two tracked letters to Universal, including correspondence to its headquarters in Orlando, seeking dialogue. He claims that initially, residents were told their homes were not part of the development, only to be contacted later with proposals for sale and demolition. He also stated that Universal's contractor initially suggested a meeting between him and the studio, but later indicated they would only deal with the landlord.
Developers secured a 'Special Development Order' in December 2025, granting them powers to bypass local planning and submit directly to the government. This order could enable compulsory purchase of land.
Wood expressed sadness over the displacement of wildlife due to the development, noting an increase in water voles and a grass snake in his garden as animals are forced from their habitats. He feels that while Universal is acting within legal bounds, their approach is morally questionable.
Universal Destinations and Experiences, known for franchises like Fast & Furious and Jurassic Park, operates theme parks and resorts globally.