Part of Views Common to be used during construction of new Hinchingbrooke Hospital

An area of Views Common in Huntingdon is set to be used temporarily to support construction of the new Hinchingbrooke Hospital, with assurances that public footpaths and cycle routes will remain open.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is planning to lease part of the land from Huntingdon Freemen's Trust, allowing construction contractor Kier to establish facilities needed for the hospital redevelopment.

The land, which is adjacent to the hospital, would be used for site offices, staff welfare facilities, equipment and materials storage, construction logistics and temporary contractor parking.

The NHS Trust says the arrangement will help construction work take place safely and efficiently while the existing hospital continues to operate, reducing disruption to nearby residents.

Public access to remain open

Views Common is regularly used by local residents, school pupils, hospital visitors and people travelling to Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

The Trust has confirmed that safe pedestrian and cycle routes across the Common will remain open throughout construction.

Deborah Lee, Senior Responsible Officer for the Hinchingbrooke Hospital Redevelopment Programme, said:

"The new Hinchingbrooke Hospital is a once-in-a-generation investment for our communities not only in healthcare but the wider economic opportunities it will bring to the town, and we are extremely grateful to the Freemen's Trust for recognising the wider public benefit and agreeing to this temporary change of use."

Karen Bean, Chief Executive of Huntingdon Freemen's Trust, said the organisation was pleased to support the redevelopment while protecting the long-term interests of the community.

Ownership of the land will remain with Huntingdon Freemen's Trust, with no permanent transfer involved.

Once construction is completed, Kier will leave the site and the land will be restored to grazing land before being returned to the Trust.

New hospital plans progress

Hinchingbrooke Hospital was added to the Government's New Hospital Programme in May 2023, as part of plans to replace hospital buildings affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Kier was appointed as the construction partner in July 2026.

The redevelopment, known as Hinchingbrooke Hospital: The Next Chapter, aims to provide modern facilities for patients and improved working environments for staff, while meeting future healthcare needs.

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust says it will continue to update residents through community engagement events, public meetings and online communications as the project progresses.