Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has been awarded a 99-year lease on Hinchingbrooke Country Park following a Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) Commercial and Investment Committee sitting.
The news compliments the £1.5 million of capital investment which HDC cabinet members approved in 2019 – subject to a suitable long-term lease to make Huntingdonshire a better place to live, improving health and wellbeing and supporting people to be the best they can.
The transfer of the lease forms part of the work to ensure the sustainability of all the strategic open spaces in Huntingdonshire, without subsidy, for the continued benefit of the community and other visitors.
Executive Councillor for Operations and Environment, Marge Beuttell, said: "This is fantastic news for the future and continued success of Hinchingbrooke Country Park, enhancing our investment plans and scope to deliver facilities that; improve visitor experience, expand the range of activities available and quality of this valued country park.
"We know how important investing in public space is for people and nature, with over 98% of people surveyed about our open spaces declaring they are happier because of Hinchingbrooke Country Park. We also know that 95% of people visit a local park at least once a year.
"The park is already an award-winning site with Green Flag status achieved in 2018, maintained in 2019 and over 100 active volunteers within the Friends Group, which the council set up and maintains, and many other successes all thanks to the sustained hard work of everyone involved."
Cllr Mark Goldsack, Chairman of the Commercial and Investment Committee at CCC, said: "Ensuring a positive future of Hinchingbrooke Country Park is incredibly important for the local community, especially at this time, when getting out and about is so vital for us all. I am sure that this decision taken will allow the continued success of the park and I am excited to see Huntingdonshire District Council’s plans for the park become a reality in the future."
There is a clear aim:
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a professionally managed and sustainable country park which encourages physical activity and community volunteering, making a real impact on people’s health and well-being
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a valued and protected natural asset that positively increases habitat and nature, increasing environmental awareness and community engagement with the site.
The investment will include a two-year delivery plan to:
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build a hub for outdoor leisure to increase outdoor sports participation and activity
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create more on-site pathways and cycling routes
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enhance natural environments to protect habitats and enhance nature
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continue community involvement through volunteer and outreach programmes
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provide a car park which can accommodate more visitors in line with the current design
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create additional play provision for all ages, including a natural amphitheatre
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upgrade facilities including an all-season café with greater capacity.
All detailed plans will be subject to planning processes and public consultation. Following this approval a detailed timeline will be developed.