Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is pleased to announce that planning approval for the investment in Hinchingbrooke Country Park was granted at last night’s Development Management Committee meeting.
This ambitious redevelopment project sees £2.9 million of investment to enhance the park’s natural environment, improve visitor facilities, and secure its future as a cherished green space for generations to come.
The funding, sourced through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and capital budgets, will enable a range of improvements across the park’s 150 acres of open grasslands, mature woodlands and lakes. The investment aims to protect and enrich habitats for local wildlife while ensuring the park remains welcoming and accessible for all visitors.
Key project highlights include:
-
Enhanced natural habitats
Comprehensive habitat management and protection measures will be implemented to support and enrich the park’s biodiversity. These initiatives aim to safeguard and enhance the wellbeing of the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
-
Expanded car parking
To better accommodate visitors during peak times, the car park will be redesigned and expanded. The new layout will offer an additional 94 standard parking spaces, 24 designated bays for disabled users and 19 electric vehicle charging points.
-
Improved accessibility
Pathways throughout the park will be resurfaced to ensure year-round access for a wider range of visitors, including those with mobility challenges. In response to the increasing demand for active travel, non-motorised pathways will be widened to better accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians.
-
Upgraded amenities
The existing Countryside Centre will be extended to include a new, relocated cafe offering with increased indoor and outdoor seating. The extension will also house a dedicated community space and a modernised kitchen to support events and activities.
-
New toilet facilities
Modern, inclusive toilet facilities will be installed, including fully accessible disabled toilets, baby-changing stations, and a Changing Places facility.
The project schedule has been updated with an expected completion date of Summer 2026.
Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Julie Kerr: "This investment represents a huge step forward for Hinchingbrooke Country Park and the wider community. It’s about enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of the park while providing better facilities for all who enjoy this incredible green space. We are committed to making Hinchingbrooke a place where people and wildlife can thrive together."
Nick Kilner, chairman of the Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park, said, "We very much welcome the approval of the planning application and look forward to the enhancement works taking place. There will obviously be a certain amount of disruption during building works, but we hope the end result will be well worth it, and the Park will continue to be a welcoming location for a wide range of people and activities, whilst still maintaining its country park character and varied wildlife habitats."
We look forward to working closely with local stakeholders, residents, and visitors as the redevelopment progresses. The full planning application, reference 25/00577/FUL, is available for public viewing on our planning portal.