Government to pump millions into ‘faded’ seaside resorts

The Government has earmarked £45 million to be pumped into the regeneration of “faded” English seaside resorts over three years.

Blackpool, Dover and Torbay will be the first towns to receive up to £4 million each for cultural and heritage projects.

The grants are the first to be made as part of a new funding programme which aims to kick start wider economic regeneration in coastal areas through investment in culture and heritage.

Local authorities will put forward projects along with business and project management plans.

Project leaders must find match funding of at least 100 per cent to qualify for grants.

The money will be used for work on cultural infrastructure – improving historic public spaces such as high streets, promenades, harbours or gardens; constructing new buildings or converting existing ones for use as cultural centres; enhancing existing galleries, concert halls, dance spaces, theatres and arts centres.

The Sea Change initiative will give £45 million to coastal resorts over three years. It is being led by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Blackpool, Dover and Torbay were identified by CABE in partnership with Regional Development Agencies as priority areas for regeneration with projects in development.

In addition, the Sea Change programme includes up to 12 smaller grants of £200,000 to £1 million via an open application programme.

Any coastal resort with a cultural project that would be a catalyst for regeneration can apply for this funding based on a June deadline, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

DCMS hopes that by attracting additional funding, Sea Change projects will act as catalysts for further economic regeneration in the towns – bringing in new visitors and revenue, giving local residents a new cultural heart and a renewed pride in the community.

The key criterion in choosing the resorts is that they are areas of social and economic deprivation in need of regeneration.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said: “Our seaside resorts are much loved and an integral part of English culture. But some of them are looking a bit faded and no longer attract as many visitors as they did.

“Many hold hidden treasures and this money provides a much needed boost to the resorts.

“This year Blackpool, Torbay and Dover and a dozen other towns will benefit, and by the end of the programme in 2011 the regeneration of many of our coastal resorts will be firmly underway.”

Tourism minister Margaret Hodge said: “Cultural projects can play an enormous role in kick starting regeneration in communities.

“Not only do they attract new visitors to the area, bringing  in money for local businesses, but they also enhance the environment for local residents and give a sense of pride to the community.

“Our objective is to have a spread across all coastal areas. There have been discussions with a number east coast resorts including Great Yarmouth, who have some exciting proposals which we hope will develop into projects the programme can support.”

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears added: “English seaside towns have seen some real improvements in recent years. They have worked hard to develop alternative attractions such as conferences, invested in new coastal defences and promenades, and more people are thinking seriously about taking their holidays or weekend breaks in the UK.

“But there is more we can do to help our seaside towns prosper, so I am especially pleased that people in Blackpool, Dover and Torbay are set to benefit from investment of up to £4m each. I think the English seaside is
set for a renaissance.”

CABE chairmain Sir John Sorrell, commented: “CABE believes that investment in design and culture can trigger the regeneration that England’s much-loved seaside resorts need.

“We want to see exciting and innovative projects which build on the strong identity these towns enjoy and give them the best opportunity to recapture their original flair.

“Sea Change will be a catalyst for a brighter future through well-designed buildings, spaces and places.”

By: Phil Davies

Related News Stories: