Channel 4 to showcase the renovation of Jesus Green Lock House in Cambridge on Renovation Nation
A project to restore the Jesus Green Lock House in Cambridge to its former glory is to appear on the new Channel 4 property show Renovation Nation.
Jesus Green Lock House is an iconic grade II-listed building located on Jesus Green along the banks of the River Cam. Dating from 1836, and originally built by the Conservators of the river for their lock-keeper, it has fallen into disrepair in recent times after being left empty for a number of years.
Mother and daughter Victoria Li and Elizabeth Huang are renovating the lock house with the dream of restoring it as a family home. They also hope to use it to host community events, or even local artists by providing studio and exhibition space.
Victoria said: “We’ve loved Cambridge since we first came in the mid-80s and noticed the lock house even back then. We fell in love with the lock house then but never thought we could afford to live there. It was sad to see it on the market looking so alone and unloved. We want to show it the tender loving care it deserves.”
Elizabeth added: “Despite lots of challenges, stress and sweat, we’re determined to turn this ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. We hope that everyone can be proud of this magnificent local building once again. We can’t wait to share more about the building’s history with everyone.”
After keeping filming secret for months, the pair have now announced that the project will feature on Renovation Nation, a new series airing on C4 following renovators as they tackle crumbling period properties across the UK.
Starting on Monday (October 3), the programme is on Channel 4 every weekday at 4pm and will also be available on All 4. The episodes featuring the lock house will be shown on Monday, October 17, and Tuesday, October 18. The project is being followed by more than 2,000 people – most of them local to Cambridgeshire – on the @uglyduckling_reno Instagram page.
Jo Haddock, executive producer of the programme, said: “When we set out to film Renovation Nation we wanted to make a series that felt relevant in current times. Contrary to what Instagram would make you believe, most people don’t have the budget to renovate their entire house in one go.
“We loved finding couples and families who are renovating their houses piece by piece, knowing that for many of them this will be a lifelong passion project. The Lock House is such a unique project – its setting on the banks of the Cam and the fascinating history behind the building, but also the challenges of renovating a building in a public space.
“Elizabeth and Victoria’s passion for the Lock House is just so obvious – we are privileged to be able to include them in the series.”
