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£45 million will be used to regenerate coastal resorts
A new 20,000 capacity performance space, a revitalised Napoleonic fort and improved facilities at a world class heritage site will all go ahead in England’s coastal towns following the award of over £10 million from the Government’s Sea Change programme.
Details of the projects to be funded in Blackpool, Dover and Torbay were announced by Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge. The scheme aims to boost regeneration in coastal areas through investment in culture and heritage.
These are the first grants to be awarded in the three year programme, which will give £45 million to coastal resorts and is being led by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
Margaret Hodge said: “The Sea Change scheme is all about kick starting regeneration through cultural investment in our seaside communities, helping to preserve their heritage and encouraging new and exciting projects.
"These three large grants are the first in this programme and I hope they will inspire other coastal resorts to dream up similar innovative and creative plans.”
CABE Chief Executive Richard Simmons said: “Blackpool, Dover and Torbay have all demonstrated a fresh approach to the use of design and culture to aid regeneration.
“What is important about these projects is that they embed good design and culture as a catalyst for quality place making to benefit the community and visitors alike.”
