Government gives £36m boost to UK’s coastal communities

The government has awarded a total of £36m to the UK’s coastal communities to help revive their tourist attractions and boost socio-economic growth.

70 projects from all over the UK will benefit from the funding, which will go towards supporting businesses, building museums, protecting historic buildings, and restoring coastal heritage sites.

26 of the awards come from the fifth round of the Coastal Communities Fund, while 44 come from the third phase of this year’s Coastal Revival Fund.

The 26 Coastal Communities Fund projects funded are forecast to support over 15,000 jobs and attract up to £40m in public and private sector investment for their communities.

Announcing the funding, the communities secretary James Brokenshire MP said: ‘I am determined to support investment and development of our coastal communities and create an economy that works for everyone as we prepare for Brexit and beyond.

‘All of the ambitious projects receiving funding today were designed and developed by local people who know what will make the biggest difference to their areas.’

‘The sheer range of ideas demonstrate the potential of our coastal communities and will all create good jobs, boost growth and improve people’s lives now and in the future.’

Among the places set to benefit from funding is Watchet in North Somerset, which will receive £5m to go towards a community-led regeneration and social enterprise project.

Weymouth in Dorset will also receive £3.8m from the Fund to assist with the regeneration of Weymouth Quay.

In the North, Blackpool has been awarded £1.75m to help deliver the AMUSEUM, a museum which aims to tell the story of the famous seaside resort.

Coastal Communities Minister, Jake Berry said: ‘This is an investment in the future of our coastal communities which builds on their rich heritage and huge potential.

‘The world-class attractions and innovative businesses supported by the Coastal Communities Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund will increase tourism, encourage investment and ensure people thrive up and down the Great British Coast.’

The funding announced today follows over £180m which has already been invested by both funds in over 350 projects across the UK.

Earlier this month the government launched its £1.6bn Stronger Towns Fund which it says will create new jobs, train local people and boost economic activity after the UK leaves the European Union.