Introduction
Hinchingbrooke Country Park is undergoing a major £2.9 million redevelopment to secure its future as a much-loved green space for generations to come.
Funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and capital budgets, the investment will deliver wide-ranging improvements to the park's 150 acres of open grassland, woodlands and lakes.
The project is focused on enhancing biodiversity, improving accessibility, and delivering better visitor facilities – all while preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the site.
The planning application was approved in June 2025, you can view the full planning application on the Huntingdonshire District Council’s planning portal reference 25/00577/FUL.
Works are anticipated to begin in Autumn 2025 and complete by Summer 2026.
Background and context
The investment is part of Huntingdonshire District Council's wider ambition to create a better Huntingdonshire for people to visit and live in, and aligns with the HDC Corporate Plan and Place Strategy.
Key features and benefits
1. Enhanced natural habitats
- Comprehensive habitat management and protection measures that support, enrich and safeguard the park’s biodiversity
- 10.59% Biodiversity Net Gain target
- Newt-friendly habitats, hibernacula, wildflower bunds
- Mitigation measures during construction.
2. Expanded car parking
- Greater capacity, including more accessible parking, designed with features that enhance and protect the park’s habits and wildlife
- 94 additional spaces including 24 designated bays for disabled users and 19 electric vehicle charging points.
3. Improved Accessibility
- Pathway improvements that deliver ensure year-round access for a wider range of visitors, including those with mobility challenges
- Footpaths resurfaced to improve access for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and less mobile visitors
- Wider, non-motorised routes for shared cyclist and pedestrian use.
4. Upgraded amenities
- An extended Countryside Centre that provides a new social and community heart for the park
- Relocated cafe offering with increased indoor and outdoor seating
- Dedicated community space
- Modernised kitchen to support events and activities
- Event and hire space to support community use and generate park income
- Building design that includes renewable materials, green roof, and grey water recycling.
5. New Toilets and Changing Places Facility
- Modern, inclusive toilet facilities
- Changing Places toilet, baby changing and fully accessible loos
- Integrated within new café and countryside centre.