Five coastal communities to share £10m pot

Five coastal projects will share £10m to promote growth and improve tourism.

Projects in Cumbria, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Kent and Suffolk will receive the latest round of Coastal Communities Fund money, which has supported over 350 projects across the country since its launch in 2012.

The government says the five projects will support nearly 1,000 jobs and attract up to £7.9m in additional investment from public and private sector sources.

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry, said: ‘Ensuring our coastal towns have the support they need to thrive is at the heart of this Government’s plan to level up every part of the UK.

‘Building on our £228m investment into coastal communities, the projects receiving funding today were designed by local people who know best what will bring the biggest benefit to their community.

‘Their fantastic ideas demonstrate the raw potential of our coastal towns and will help create good jobs, boost economic growth and improve people’s lives as we leave the EU on 31 October.’

Dover will receive £2.44m to improve its market square and old town to ‘re-establish’ it as a leisure destination. Funding will be also spent on improved pedestrian and public transport access, a water feature and green spaces.

Cllr Keith Morris, leader of Dover District Council said: ‘This is fantastic news that will provide a major boost to Dover Town Centre.  We are delighted to work with our partners on this transformational project that is bringing key investment into the area.

‘This will complement the range of exciting regeneration that is being delivered for the future of the town and district.

Other projects to receive funding are:

£2.45m for Cumbria Coastal Activities Centre – a community and arts centre based around water sports.

£995,000 for Southwold Enterprise Hub – a co-working hub for local businesses.

£2.39m for Environmental Innovation Hub at Bournemouth and Poole Seafront – an eco-tourism hub.

£2.1m for Destination Lydney Harbour, Gloucestershire – improved transport routes to the harbour.

Photo Credit – Pixabay