'Heartbreaking': The man driven out by the UK's £5bn theme park
Summary
Ritchie Wood, who has lived for 11 years in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, faces losing his home due to the construction of a new £5 billion Universal theme park. Demolition of nearby homes has begun, and Wood expects to be evicted soon without affordable alternative housing options. The theme park aims to be the UK's largest tourist attraction, expected to open in 2031.Key Facts
- Ritchie Wood lives in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, where houses are being demolished for Universal’s new theme park.
- The theme park project is worth £5 billion and will cover 476 acres.
- Demolition has started on 12 houses in Manor Road, including around Wood’s home.
- Wood expects to be homeless within two months after eviction by his landlord.
- The theme park is predicted to attract 8.5 million visitors a year and add £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055.
- Construction includes a 500-room hotel and shuttle bus services from nearby Milton Keynes.
- Some residents say they were not legally forced but felt pressured to leave their homes.
- Universal says 80% of the park’s workers will come from Bedfordshire and nearby areas and promises to be a "good neighbour" during construction.
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