Work to protect Cambridge’s River Cam is nearing completion

Work to protect Cambridge’s River Cam is nearing completion

Urgent work to stabilise Baits Bite Lock and protect the future of the iconic River Cam in Cambridge is nearing completion. 

Funding led by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow will see £500,000 go to the Conservators of the River Cam to make major repairs to the lock. The Mayor visited the lock to see how the repair work was progressing.  

A hotspot for recreational activities such as punting and rowing, the River Cam is a major part of Cambridge’s international tourism offer.   

Money to help fund the works came from part of the Combined Authority’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation from Government, approved by the Combined Authority’s Board in September.   

The poor condition of Baits Bite and Jesus Green Lock puts them at high risk of failure. If not urgently addressed, this could lead to the potential collapse of the structure, threatening safety and water levels and the future of the river as a heritage and tourism asset.  

The project work has reinforced the lock island by filling large voids, installing tie rods to stabilise the bowing walls, and repairing major cracks and brickwork. These essential works will restore the lock’s safe operation for navigation and protect its structural integrity.  

This is just one step in kickstarting action to protect the River Cam. The exact amount of service life this work will create will depend on external factors including structural, mechanical and environment. Similar work will need to be done at Jesus Green Lock to stabilise the structure, ahead of further longer-term work to fully rebuild and restore the locks. 

Paul Bristow said: “The work being done at Baits Bite Lock is an urgent and a positive step in saving the River Cam.  

“I put forward this funding bid to my Board because the Cam is an integral part of life in Cambridge and its collapse would be catastrophic for the city. It’s great to help get these repairs moving.  

“I’m working to boost tourism right across the region, including through an upcoming Local Visitor Economy Partnership, and the River Cam is a critical part of making our region a desirable place to visit, supporting our businesses and creating jobs.   

“I will continue to work with the Cam Conservators to find a long-term solution for saving the River Cam and ensuring it can be enjoyed by all for years to come.” 

David Goode, Chair of the Conservators of the River Cam, said: “We have had to use all our available funds to stabilise Baits Bite Lock and get the navigation reopen, and this grant from the Mayor has been a lifeline for us, offsetting almost one third of the cost, and allowing us to invest in improving operations on the Cam.”