May 2024: In May, we conducted ecological assessments across the park, including a biodiversity net gain survey to evaluate the impact of our projects on biodiversity. These surveys can only be conducted from May to September when flora is at its peak.
We also applied for a district-level licence to protect the great crested newt during construction.
October 2023: The decision to pull the planning application was made. The project will likely resubmit the planning application in the summer of 2024 for committee consideration in October 2024. There will then be a tender period and appointment of contractors. The expected completion date is to be extended from Winter 2024 to Spring 2026.
July 2023: All the associated reports and surveys have been collated and the final plans drawn based on those findings and the feedback from the consultation in 2022
February 2023: We have now finished the installation of new benches around the recently completed and popular play features. The new benches will allow parents, grandparents, and other carers to take a seat and watch their children enjoy playing in the new play areas. The benches, which are made of recycled plastic that requires much less maintenance and should last longer than wooden ones, have been funded by the Friends of Hinchingbrooke Country Park. There’s also a new picnic table with space for a wheelchair that has been funded by Field Lodge Care Home of St Ives.
October/November 2022: We held several stakeholder and resident sessions at the Countryside Centre to exhibit the proposals for the wider investment in the park. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive for the future of the park, with residents and stakeholders contributing some excellent suggestions and recommendations to be considered.
These plans are available on our Public Exhibition page and were also available in Pathfinder House, Huntingdon.
September/October 2022: Specialist accessibility equipment was delivered and installed as the final pieces for the new play areas. The new specialist accessibility equipment includes: a wheelchair swing, integrated roundabout, climbing frame and integrated seesaw.
June 2022: We're delighted to announce that following safety checks, the first phase of work to install four new play areas within the park is now complete!
May 2022: Work began on the installation of four brand new, nature themed play areas. Positioned around the park and able to accommodate up to 120 children, the existing play area, cafe and footpaths will be unaffected by the construction work and remain open.
Funded by Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and designed to complement the park's own range of different habitats, together the new play areas will increase the opportunities for active, physical play as part of a healthier lifestyle for local children.
Designed to be truly accessible, children of all ages ‐ from toddlers to early teens ‐ will be able to enjoy a wealth of interactive and imaginative play, social interaction, while exploring the natural world.
New Play Areas
If you visit the new play areas, we'd love to hear what you think! Email investinginhinchingbrooke@huntingdonshire.gov.uk
Introducing the four new play areas
