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Multimillion pound boost for
seaside Towns to create jobs, boost the economy and create local growth
MINISTERS welcomed the extension of
Coastal Communities Fund to 2020 as part of the government’s long term economic
plan to revitalise seaside towns and unlock their economic potential.
Launched in 2012, the Coastal Communities Fund has already invested nearly £119
million on 211 projects local infrastructure and economic projects across the
UK. This is helping to create almost 13,700 jobs and provide more than 10,280
training places and apprenticeships.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said:- "Britain has a proud seaside
tradition which this One Nation Government is determined to revive so they can
be year-round success stories. Unlocking the economic potential of our seaside
towns will create jobs, build infrastructure and boost local economic growth. We
know our multi million Coastal Communities Fund is already having a big impact
on communities and local seaside economies, and the extension of the fund will
mean other areas will have the chance to bid for funding."
Coastal Communities Minister Mark Francois said:- "I’m delighted our
Coastal Communities Fund will continue. This Government investment ensures areas
can create skilled workers and year round jobs that will build stronger
communities and stronger local economies. This fund, together with the
creation of our Coastal Community Teams, will be an important catalyst for
change and help secure the long term future of our seaside towns so communities
can drive forward their vision, unleash business opportunities and thrive."
19 of the 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are in coastal areas and as
part of the government’s growth deals, more than £700 million has been committed
to projects in these areas to improve transport infrastructure, broadband
connectivity, improving flood defences and improving opportunities for local
people.
8 out of the 24 enterprise zones are in coastal areas which offer incentives for
businesses to start up or expand including Business Rates relief, superfast
broadband and simplified planning; with a further two prospective coastal
enterprise zones in Blackpool and Plymouth announced in the March 2015 Budget.
Coastal enterprise zones have delivered more than 5,300 jobs to date and helped
to secure nearly £275 million of private sector investment to coastal areas.
Case studies...
► National Coastal Tourism Academy, Bournemouth, £2m
In 2012, this project received £2m to create Europe's first National Coastal
Tourism Academy. The Academy delivers training support to coastal tourism
businesses through virtual and personal business guidance and on-line resources,
coastal tourism research and development.
It has also created a new attraction; a Coastal Activity Park; in Bournemouth,
and delivered a Visitor Experience programme which includes events in and around
Bournemouth.
To date the project has created 10 direct jobs and its support for 218
businesses to date is expected to deliver over 150 additional jobs. Nearly 100
vocational trainees and over 2,000 non vocational trainees have benefitted from
training provided by the project.
►
National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, Cornwall, £150,000
In 2012, this project received funding to enhance its stock of commercial
species of European lobsters and undertake research and education programmes. It
also runs a visitor centre on Padstow quayside which promotes the importance of
sustainability and responsible marine management. Since receiving the grant, the
Lobster Hatchery has attracted an additional 3,500 visitors taking total visitor
numbers to over 8,000 a year. It also created 5 direct jobs and boosted
employment within the local area with an increase in tourism expenditure
creating over 16 indirect jobs. |
