One Resident Holds Out Against Demolition for UK Universal Theme Park

Ritchie Wood, 55, remains the sole resident on Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, as his neighbors have vacated their homes to make way for the construction of the United Kingdom's new Universal theme park. The 480-acre development, one of Europe's largest, is scheduled to open in 2031.

All 12 homes on Manor Road were slated for demolition to accommodate the park. While six homes have already been vacated and five others reportedly sold to Universal under non-disclosure agreements, with demolition planned for Christmas, Wood is refusing to leave his three-bedroom cottage, which he has rented for 11 years. Universal's development plans include the construction of Europe's tallest rides, reaching 377 feet (115 meters), along with themed lands, a 500-room hotel, and retail and entertainment facilities, aiming to create 20,000 jobs and attract an estimated 8.5 million visitors in its first year.

Wood has been served with an eviction notice by his landlord and a possession order from the court. Despite these legal actions, he is waiting for bailiffs to arrive before vacating, citing difficulties in finding new housing. He reports that his council has placed him at the bottom of the housing list. Wood believes his landlord sold the property to Universal subject to his removal as a tenant, a move he suspects is intended to circumvent the new Renters' Rights Act 2025, which was set to come into force shortly after he received his initial Section 21 eviction notice on April 28.

He has described Universal's approach as "bullying" his neighbors and expressed feelings of isolation and being disregarded. Wood stated, "It’s heartbreaking. Out of 70 million people in the country, I'm the only person facing homelessness out of this." He has also noted the increased traffic on Manor Road, with vehicles associated with the development, making him feel like an "alien, intruding or trespassing."

Wood cares for his elderly parents, who live nearby, and wishes to remain in the area to be close to them. He has attempted to communicate with Universal Studios, sending an estimated 70 emails and two tracked letters to their headquarters in Orlando, Florida, but has received no response. He noted that while Universal has acted within legal parameters, their conduct has been "belligerent."

Construction work for the project, dubbed 'Project Universal,' began this summer, with early signs of activity observed in June and drone footage of the Broadmead Farm site in August. Demolition on Manor Road commenced in September as part of the initial enabling works. A letter sent to residents in September by Universal stated their commitment to being "a good neighbor," but Wood feels ignored. He also observed that wildlife, such as water voles and grass snakes, are being displaced as construction progresses on the surrounding land.