Coastal Communities Minister, Jake Berry, has announced that funding aimed at transforming coastal communities through investment in jobs, skills and local businesses, is open for bids
As a result of the government’s Coastal Communities Fund, 500 new businesses boasting 5,500+ jobs have been created.
The opening of the next £40m round of applications was announced by Berry while visiting Barrow-in-Furness to see first-hand how the fund has delivered major economic benefits for the Cumbrian town and wider coastal area.
Berry, said: “I’m delighted to announce that applications are now open for the next round of the Coastal Communities Fund.
“Coastal Communities up and down the country from Barrow-in-Furness to Brighton have been boosted by this funding which has spurred inward investment, sustainable growth, new jobs and exciting economic opportunities for local businesses.
“By 2020, we’ll have invested nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in our seaside areas, providing thousands of jobs, training places and opportunities along the Great British Coast.”
The Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) backs the economic renovation of UK coastal communities by giving funding to create sustainable economic growth and jobs.
Since 2012, the government’s CCF has awarded grants to 295 projects across the UK, totalling over £174m. Analysis has shown that this has been money well spent, with every £1 invested having the potential to create an up to £8 boost to our coastal economies. Successful projects have included:
- Cornwall council receiving a £1.95m grant in 2014 to repair and re-launch the Grade II Listed Art Deco ‘Jubilee Pool’ in Penzance to create an all year round visitor attraction sustaining existing jobs and creating new positions.
- In January 2015, Blackpool city council received a £2m CCF grant towards the ‘Lightpool’ project to deliver a radical transformation of the Blackpool Illuminations, creating a new visitor experience and a major boost to the local economy.
- The Tate St Ives was awarded a £3.87m grant in 2015 to refurbish and extend the Tate Gallery in St Ives.
- Amble – the seafood town – Northumberland. Northumberland county council was awarded a £1.8m CCF grant in 2014 to improve the economy of Amble through infrastructure works to transform the town into a visitor destination promoting seafood, attracting new visitors and creating jobs.
