Ritchie Wood, a tenant in Kempston Hardwick, says he may be homeless within two months when his landlord evicts him; his home of 11 years is due to be demolished for Universal’s £5bn theme park, where demolition work has begun.
Contractors plan to demolish 12 homes on Manor Road and several others; the road is closed until 28 November. Wood says he cannot afford similar rent locally. Residents were not subject to compulsory purchase orders, but some told the BBC they felt forced to leave. Universal was contacted about Wood’s concerns; in a letter dated 18 September, it said it was “committed to being a good neighbour.”
The 476-acre resort was approved by the government in December, bypassing local planning procedures, and is due to open in 2031. It is expected to attract 8.5 million visitors a year and contribute £50bn to the UK economy by 2055. A 500-room hotel is also planned.
