The agreement will enable Kier, the contractor appointed to deliver the new hospital, to use the land for construction compound facilities, materials storage, temporary groundworks storage, construction logistics and contractor parking. This is intended to ensure the project can be delivered safely and efficiently while hospital services continue to operate, minimising disruption to local residents.
Safe pedestrian and cycle routes across Views Common will remain open throughout construction. Maintaining access for local residents, school pupils, hospital visitors, and those accessing Hinchingbrooke Country Park has been a key consideration in the plans.
Deborah Lee, Senior Responsible Officer for the Hinchingbrooke Hospital Redevelopment Programme, expressed gratitude to the Freemen's Trust for recognising the wider public benefit and agreeing to the temporary change of use, highlighting the project as a 'once-in-a-generation investment'.
David Hollywood, Operations Director at Kier Construction, also thanked the Huntingdon Freemen's Trust for the temporary arrangement, emphasising the commitment to maintaining public access and engaging with local stakeholders.
Karen Bean, Chief Executive for the Huntingdon Freemen's Trust, stated their pleasure in supporting the new hospital's delivery by making the land available, ensuring the arrangement supports the project while safeguarding public access and the community's long-term interests.
Ownership of the land will remain with Huntingdon Freemen's Trust. The arrangement is a temporary lease solely for construction, with no permanent transfer of ownership. Once complete, the land will be restored to grazing land and returned to the Trust.
The new Hinchingbrooke Hospital aims to provide modern healthcare facilities designed to meet future needs, offering improved patient facilities, better working environments for staff, and greater flexibility.
The Trust will continue to inform residents and stakeholders through community engagement events, public meetings, its website, social media, and other communications.
