08.05.08
Seaside resorts to see change
Blackpool, Dover and Torbay will be the first towns to benefit from up to £4 million each for cultural and heritage projects
The grants are the first to be made as part of Sea Change, a new funding programme which aims to kick start wider economic regeneration in coastal areas through specific investment in culture and heritage. Sea Change is a three year programme that will give £45 million to coastal resorts, and is being led by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
By attracting additional funding, Sea Change projects will act as catalysts for further economic regeneration in the towns - bringing in new visitors and revenue, giving the local residents a new cultural heart and a renewed pride in the community. The key criterion in choosing the resorts is that they are areas of social and economic deprivation in need of regeneration.
The three major grants in the first year will be awarded to resorts around the coast. Blackpool, Dover and Torbay were identified by CABE in partnership with the regional development agencies as priority areas for regeneration with projects in development.
In addition, the Sea Change programme includes up to 12 smaller grants of £200,000 to £1,000,000 via an open application programme. Any coastal resort with a cultural project that would be a catalyst for regeneration can apply for this funding. The deadline for applications for 2008 is June.
Local authorities will put forward projects to CABE along with their business and project management plans. The project leaders must find match funding of at least 100 per cent to qualify for funding. The money will be used for work on cultural infrastructure – improving historic public spaces such as high streets, promenades, harbours or gardens; constructing new buildings or converting existing ones for use as cultural centres; enhancing existing galleries, concert halls, dance spaces, theatres and arts centres.
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