Seaside towns given chance to receive multi-million pound government funding
Revealed as part of George Osborne’s budget this week, seaside towns in the UK will have the opportunity to bid for £90m of government funding.
This boost comes as part of the Coastal Communities Fund, which started in 2012 and has been extended through to 2020. The aim of the fund is to rejuvenate seaside towns in the UK and unlock their economic potential.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark, said: “Britain has a proud seaside tradition which this government is determined to revived. Unlocking the economic potential of our seaside towns will create jobs and boost local economic growth.”
Since its inception the scheme has already seen £119m invest in 211 coastal projects and has helped to create almost 14,000 jobs, as well as training places and apprenticeships.
Coastal Communities Minister Mark Francois, said: “I’m delighted our Coastal Communities fund will continue. The government investment ensures areas can create skilled workers and year round jobs that will build strong communities and strong local economies.”
Bournemouth is just one of the towns that has received backing, with £2m provided to create Europe’s first National Coastal Tourism Academy, as well as a Coastal Activity Park.
As part of the extension, Plymouth and Blackpool have been added as prospective coastal enterprise zones, which means they could offer incentives to businesses such as Business Rates relief, superfast broadband and simplified planning.
Plymouth’s addition comes as no surprise following our recent interview with Plymouth Council, who outlined the benefits of relocating a business to the seaside town.
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