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 , 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 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The Cathedral's failing and outdated lighting is proposed to be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.
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.”
Notes to editors
- In our previous press release we said the funding committee
would have the final decision to approve the funding. The final
decision is in fact with the Combined Authority Board, scheduled
to be heard by them on September 24.
- Read the report to the Funding Committee: https://democracy.cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/documents/s5074/SAF
Approvals - Funding Committee Decisions.pdf
