Ritchie Wood, 55, is the last remaining resident on a Bedfordshire street set to be demolished to make way for the £5 billion Universal United Kingdom Resort. His rented three-bedroom cottage on Manor Road in Kempston Hardwick is one of 12 properties earmarked for demolition, with six already emptied and five more reportedly sold to Universal under non-disclosure agreements.
Wood has lived in the cottage for 11 years and received a Section 21 eviction notice on April 28, days before the Renters' Rights Act 2025 took effect. He was given until July 1 to vacate but challenged the notice in court, where a possession order was granted on September 19. He now awaits bailiffs to change the locks after difficulties securing alternative accommodation.
Legal battle and council response
Wood, who previously worked in construction before ill health forced him to stop, sought legal counsel and contacted his local authority, which he says advised him to remain in the property to avoid being classified as intentionally homeless. He claims his landlord sold the property to Universal on the condition of his eviction, which he suspects was designed to circumvent the new Renters' Rights Act.
Wood said: "I've lived here for 11 years - this is my home and I have a life here. My parents are in their 80s and they live five minutes down the road. I want to stay close to them but I could end up anywhere." He added that the council has told him he is at the bottom of the list for housing.
Demolition and development plans
Demolition began this month to clear space for the 476-acre park, which could feature Europe's tallest rides at 377ft (115m) and is scheduled for completion in 2031. The development will include several themed lands, a 500-room hotel, retail, dining and entertainment, generating 20,000 jobs. Plans involve demolishing 12 homes to make way for the park and a new dual carriageway.
Universal Destinations and Experiences, known for franchises such as Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me, was granted a 'Special Development Order' in December 2025, allowing the park to submit directly to the government and bypass local planning. Part of Manor Road has been closed since July for 'site stabilisation and enabling works'.
Resident's appeals ignored
Wood says he has sent roughly 70 emails to Universal begging for discussions and dispatched two letters via tracked delivery to their headquarters in Orlando, but received no response. He said: "I've emailed them between 50 to 70 times and I've never even had an acknowledgement of receipt. As last resort, I sent two letters recorded delivery to their headquarters in Orlando with full tracking for £32. They were signed for but, again, no response."
Wood, who lives in a historic cottage once used to house brickworkers, said he feels like a "trespasser" on his own street and has seen wildlife such as water voles and a grass snake forced out by the works. He added: "I think they've [my neighbours] accepted the inevitable that the houses will be demolished. It's sad." Universal Studios UK were contacted for comment.
