Coastal communities set to boost local economies with over 100 plans
Coastal communities unveil radical plans in a drive to boost growth, jobs and prosperity.
- Over 100 economic plans submitted from coastal areas
- Drive to boost growth, jobs and prosperity
- Minister signals a wave of optimism
Coastal communities across the country today (22 February 2016) unveiled over 100 radical plans in a drive to boost growth, jobs and prosperity - from building a new history centre in Plymouth to redesigning the high street in Scarborough.
More than 11 million people live in coastal communities, from major cities to seaside villages. The tourism industry alone accounts for the employment of 250,000 people across 150 seaside resorts, and contributes £4 billion to the UK economy.
Now the government is supporting ‘local coastal community teams’ to help revive towns and deliver their plans for future economic growth.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said:
Our Great British Coast has enormous economic potential and we are determined to see it thrive all year round – not just in the summer months.
The huge number of plans submitted, demonstrate the wave of optimism, and wealth of creative and practical ideas to boost economic lift-off.
I now want to see their hard work and enthusiasm come to fruition by helping to deliver their ideas through the Coastal Community teams.
Over 100 local economic plans have been submitted with ideas including:
- Plymouth – who will build a brand new history centre to mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage to America. They will also secure investment to kick start a number of projects, including new digital hot spots across the city, restructuring the waterfront and encouraging a cycling culture
- Folkestone – who will get local people’s views about what makes their town great and use that to work with marketing specialists in developing a new town brand. They will also enhance the living environment through public art and green space landscaping, and support start-ups through a new business hub; and
- Scarborough – who will restructure their high street, redeveloping derelict floor space and bringing good-quality new homes into the city centre
Further information
118 Coastal Community Teams were created last year and given a share of £1.18 million to help drive forward coastal areas growth.
The local economic plans submitted to government by the teams cover areas including housing, business opportunities, jobs and skills, health and civic pride.
See a full list of Coastal Community Teams.
Coastal Community Teams are just one of a number of initiatives launched by the government to boost the Great British coast.
The £120 million Coastal Communities Fund, established in 2012, has money going to projects in every region and country of the United Kingdom. So far it has created nearly 14,000 new jobs and over 10,000 training places.
In addition 77 projects ranging from theatres to piers and lidos to lighthouses, received an addition share of £3 million in December to help restore them to their former glory.
Due to the exceptional quality of the bids received, another £1 million coastal revival funding will be available in 2016 to 2017 for projects that narrowly missed out being selected. Further details will be announced in due course.
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