Funding Committee backs £800,000 plan to safeguard River Cam and boost Peterborough Cathedral

Funding Committee backs £800,000 plan to safeguard River Cam and boost Peterborough Cathedral

An important step in funding two of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s most important heritage and tourism assets has been taken after the Combined Authority’s Funding Committee backed £800,000 in investment to help protect them.

The funding proposals, kick-started by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow, would see £500,000 spent on stabilising the River Cam’s Baits Bite Lock near Cambridge and £299,432 on a new, modern lighting system at Peterborough Cathedral. Both projects are designed to protect heritage, attract visitors, and boost the local economy and would be funded through part of the Combined Authority’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation from Government.

On Monday (September 1) the Funding Committee approved recommending to the Combined Authority Board give final sign off to the funding when it meets on September 24.

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.  Funding for the Cam Conservators will 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 Bates 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  The Cathedral’s failing and outdated lighting is proposed to be replaced with a modern, energy-efficient system.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: “With a growing region, it’s vital our heritage and tourism assets are not left behind. In Cambridge, the River Cam is a big part of what makes the city. Stabilising Bates Bite Lock will protect the river for all who use and enjoy it. I hope this funding, if approved, will kickstart action, working with the Cam Conservators and others, to properly rebuild and restore the locks for future generations.

“And in Peterborough, new Cathedral lighting will make this iconic building safer, more welcoming and more flexible, helping to bring in more visitors and boost our city centre economy.

“This is about doing fewer things, but doing them really well and making sure the investments we make really count.”.  

Image credit: Bob Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0