The announcement of building Europe’s first Universal theme park, set to rise on the grounds of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks near Bedford, has ignited mixed reactions in the community. While many anticipate the economic opportunities it might bring, local charities and residents have voiced deep concerns regarding the impact on the housing market, specifically the potential risk to affordable living spaces.
Helen Mulroy, reporting for BBC News, highlighted these apprehensions, noting that the charity Generation Rent has publicly stated that private renters in the area are right to be apprehensive about the influx of thousands of workers who would be drawn to the site for its construction. This rise in population could dramatically increase demand for housing, leading to potential rent hikes that could displace existing residents. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the park’s development in April, advocating for economic growth in the region. However, the local community’s feelings are mixed, characterized by fear of losing homes as property prices rise.
According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics, as of June 2025, the average rental price in Bedford surged to £1,125 per month—a significant 8.7% increase from the previous year. The consistent hike in rental prices reflects regional trends, where rent increases were noted at 7.9% across East England. Nye Jones, a representative of Generation Rent, voiced concerns regarding the burden many residents already face due to higher rents. He highlighted that a sudden spike in rental prices would leave many renters with no option but to seek more affordable living situations elsewhere.
In mitigation efforts, the Bedford Borough Council has committed to monitoring the usage of temporary housing as the project progresses. The Ministry of Housing has also indicated that steps are being taken to provide renters with more substantial legal support to contest excessive rent increases. However, in the face of growth and potential development, some community members remain optimistic about the prospect of the Universal theme park.
Julie Ford, a property commentator, stated that while property investors may see an opportunity in the park’s development due to increasing demand for accommodations, the surge of serviced housing could subsequently remove options from the conventional rental market. She emphasized potential benefits, such as the need for workers to reside nearby during the park’s construction. Contrarily, David Burns, a new resident in Kempston, expressed a more favorable outlook on the upcoming theme park, believing it would increase the rental potential of his Grade II listed home.
Despite the excitement among some residents regarding possible opportunities, there is also a persistent reminder that the character of Kempston must be preserved. Burns, who is also involved in the local community group, The Addison Centre, underscored the importance of maintaining the spirit of the community, expressing desire for long-standing residents, many of whom have lived in Kempston for decades, to remain integrated in the area.
Generation Rent emphasizes that while the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, which is expected to pass by early 2026, may offer some protections, there are still significant gaps that need addressing. Advocating for limiting rent hikes and imposing quotas on short-term rentals, the organization urges the government to implement measures that would stave off displacement in the burgeoning housing market.
The Bedford Borough Council remains committed to working with both local and national authorities to ensure that the development of the Universal theme park does not negatively impact the area’s long-standing residents. They possess the authority to regulate the proliferation of multi-occupancy houses if necessary.
Now that Universal has officially submitted a planning request, they aim for the park’s opening by 2031, which could potentially attract approximately 8.5 million visitors annually and create around 28,000 jobs. However, the ongoing discussions on property management and local initiatives depict a community grappling with the challenge of balancing growth with the imperative to maintain affordable housing for its residents. The question remains: Can Bedford navigate the complexities of change without sacrificing its longstanding community values?
