Theme park raises fears locals could lose homes

Universal building its first theme park in Europe could put people at risk of losing their homes, a charity has warned. The Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer confirmed earlier this year that the attraction will be constructed on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford.

But according to charity Generation Rent, private renters were “right to be concerned” over the thousands of workers moving to the region to build it. This would cause a boost in demand for property in the area.

Bedford Borough Council said it will continue to monitor the use of temporary accommodation. The Ministry of Housing said it will work on giving tenants “stronger powers to challenge excessive rent hikes.”

Data from the Office for National Statistics has found that the average private rent in Bedford was £1,125 a month in June 2025. That is 8.7% more than it was the previous year. The East of England as a whole saw a 7.9% increase over the same period.

“We know a lot of people are already paying the real limit of what they can afford, and a sudden rent hike often leaves renters with no choice but to find somewhere new,” Nye Jones from Generation Rent. “This would be our fear, as the park builds and property prices go up, landlords will look to cash in on that and force renters out.”

Universal says the planned theme park would boost the local economy, creating around 28,000 jobs before it opens in 2031 and bringing 8.5 million visitors annually.

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