Projects · Bedfordshire ·
Universal's Bedford resort: what the build means for local housing
Universal is building its first European theme park resort on the former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick, about three miles south of Bedford. The Special Development Order that grants permission came into force on 12 January 2026, enabling works are under way, and Universal named its first contractors in September 2026. The resort is planned to open in 2031.
The numbers
- A 476-acre site between Bedford, Wixams and Marston Vale.
- Around 20,000 jobs over the construction period.
- 8,000 permanent jobs and a 500-room hotel once it opens.
Why housing is the pinch point
The villages and suburbs closest to the site, including Wootton, Kempston, Wixams, Stewartby and Marston Moretaine, are family housing with very little furnished accommodation and almost nothing set up for working crews. A build of this size brings trades in waves over several years, and each wave needs somewhere to live within a sensible drive.
How far is sensible
Six to ten minutes covers the villages around the site and Bedford town centre. Ampthill, Flitwick and Cranfield are 15 to 20 minutes away. Milton Keynes, Biggleswade and St Neots are 20 to 30 minutes, and will take the overflow once the nearer towns fill.
What we are doing about it
Our nearest homes today are 17 one-bedroom apartments in Milton Keynes, about twenty minutes from the site, with more in Deanshanger and St Neots. We are actively taking on three and four bedroom houses in Bedfordshire, on guaranteed rent or full management. If you are a contractor planning for the build, send us your headcount and dates. If you own a house within half an hour of Kempston Hardwick, we would like to talk.
Renovest Properties is an independent accommodation operator and is not affiliated with Universal.
