22 August 2015
•fund secures jobs, prosperity and opportunities for young people
•regenerating seaside towns to attract visitors and become year-round success stories
•unlocking the economic potential of seaside towns remains priority for UK
Job prospects are brightening for Britain’s seaside communities as the number of jobs, apprenticeships and training places has passed the 10,000 milestone thanks to UK Coastal Communities Fund, Coastal Communities Minister Mark Francois announces today (22 August 2015).
New figures show over 10,000 working opportunities have been delivered as local people drive forward their plans for seaside regeneration supported by the government’s Coastal Communities Fund.
The latest figures show there have been almost 3,000 jobs created, 860 sustained and 6,800 new training places and apprenticeships across the UK.
Over the past 3 years, the government has invested some £120 million in projects across the UK to help seaside communities unlock their economic potential, create business opportunities and ensure their long-term future.
The projects are also expected to attract more than £213 million in private sector investment.
Mr Francois this week saw how the Coastal Communities Fund has transformed the seaside town of Bognor Regis when he opened the reinvigorated town centre which has already boosted visitor numbers and the local economy.
This is the first part of a wider regeneration for the area which has a new dedicated Coastal Community Team to develop a long term strategy.
UK minister said:
“Few things beat a day at the seaside which is why our Coastal Communities Fund is investing millions in regenerating cherished seaside towns so they can be year-round success stories.
“Our One Nation government is determined to kick-start local economic growth, build infrastructure and create the business opportunities so seaside towns can thrive.
“We are now seeing coastal towns pick up pace; create thousands of jobs, apprentices and training places which is great news for the community and economy.”
Statistics from VisitEngland show a rise in the numbers of holiday trips being taken in the UK for the first quarter of the year – the highest number in almost a decade. Visits were up 18% on 2014 in England.
The Coastal Communities Fund gives residents, councils and local businesses the chance to bid for funding to take forward their vision for improving their seaside town.
The Budget announced the fund will be extended for another 5 years with a pot of £90 million which will give communities another chance to bid for funding.
The government also recently announced the creation of 116 coastal community teams which encourages local businesses, local leaders and volunteers to create a long-term strategy for their area.
Applications are also open for communities to bid for a new £3 million Coastal Revival Fund to support or restore local heritage and facilities which benefits the wider community and surrounding economy.