River Cam’s survival and Peterborough Cathedral’s future boosted by £800,000 from Combined Authority

River Cam’s survival and Peterborough Cathedral’s future boosted by £800,000 from Combined Authority

Two of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s most important heritage and tourism assets have been given a shot in the arm with approval of £800,000 in investment to help protect them. 

Paul Bristow on a visit to Peterborough Cathedral with from left Jan Armitage, COO, Anna Bentley, Head of Marketing, and Rev Canon Tim Alban Jones, Vice Dean. Picture: Combined Authority.

Funding proposals initiated by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow will see £500,000 go to stabilising the River Cam’s Baits Bite Lock and £299,432 on a new, modern lighting system at Peterborough Cathedral.  

The money, which had already gained approval by the Combined Authority’s Funding Committee earlier this month, was given by final sign off by Board today (September 24) 

Money for the projects will come from part of the Combined Authority’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation from Government. 

The projects are: 

• River Cam, Baits Bite Lock – £500,000 
  A recent survey revealed the lock is at risk of failure. Collapse would threaten safety, water levels, flood management and the enjoyment of all who use and enjoy the river daily. The stretch of river impacted would cover the stretch going into the heart of the city, and known for being a major part of Cambridge’s international tourism offer. The funding would be available for the Cam Conservators to pay for urgent work to stabilise the structure, safeguarding navigation and river safety for the coming years while longer-term solutions are found for both Baits Bite and the similarly at-risk Jesus Lock. 

• Peterborough Cathedral – £299,432 
  The Cathedral’s failing and outdated lighting is proposed to be replaced with a modern, energy-efficient system. This will improve safety, accessibility and the ability of the Cathedral to host a wide range of cultural events. It will unlock new revenue streams, enhance visitor experience, and secure the Cathedral’s role as a dynamic heritage, cultural and civic hub in the heart of Peterborough. 

Paul Bristow said: “This decision is about protecting two of our region’s greatest assets. Heritage and tourism are vital to our economy and identity, and we must make sure they are not left behind as our region grows. 

“So I want to kick-start saving the River Cam. Stabilising Baits Bite Lock is about protecting the river for the time being – we now need everyone with a stake in its future to come together, with the Conservators, to sort out the problem once and for all.  

“And in Peterborough, new Cathedral lighting will safeguard one of our most iconic landmarks. It will make the building safer and more welcoming, enabling it to expand its offer and bring in even more people to the city centre. 

“This is about doing fewer things but doing them really well – and making sure our investments truly count for local people and for generations to come.”