DEPARTMENT FOR
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (082/2008) issued by The
Government News Network on 1 August 2008
A new 20,000
capacity performance space, a revitalised Napoleonic fort and
improved facilities at a world class heritage site will all go
ahead in England's coastal towns following the award of over
£10 million from the Government's Sea Change programme.
Details of the projects to be funded in Blackpool, Dover and
Torbay were announced today by Culture and Tourism Minister
Margaret Hodge. The DCMS scheme aims to boost regeneration in
coastal areas through investment in culture and heritage. These
are the first grants to be awarded in the three year programme,
which will give £45 million to coastal resorts and is being led by
the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
Margaret Hodge, Culture and Tourism Minister, said:
"The Sea Change scheme is all about kick starting
regeneration through cultural investment in our seaside
communities, helping to preserve their heritage and encouraging
new and exciting projects. I'm delighted these fantastic
plans for Blackpool, Torbay and Dover are now going ahead. Not
only will they encourage new visitors to the area but they will
also help support and enrich the community.
"These three large grants are the first in this programme
and I hope they will inspire other coastal resorts to dream up
similar innovative and creative plans."
Blackpool will receive £4 million to create a 20,000 capacity
outdoor performance space to showcase cultural events on the
central seafront, enhancing its reputation as the capital of
dance. In addition, the streetscape from the Tower to the Headland
will be redesigned and enhanced.
Plans for a possible cable car at a heritage site in Dover from
the Western Dock to the Castle will be developed after just over
£3.8 million was awarded to the city. Improvements around the
historic castle, including updating the secret wartime tunnels,
will allow new presentations of its history and heritage. The
Bleriot Monument, which commemorates the first cross channel
flight will also be refurbished.
Torbay is the third seaside resort to benefit from a large grant
with just over £2.2 million being awarded to develop two projects
in their English Riviera Geopark. Artistic regeneration is at the
heart of the plans with the creation of ten new studios as well as
gallery space and a refurbished visitor centre. The funding also
means people will have better access to the amazing heritage and
natural environment of the landscape of Berry Head on the Edge,
which is home to a Napoleonic fort and the largest guillemot
colony on the Channel coast.
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said:
"English coastal towns can look forward to the summer trade
that comes with more and more people rediscovering all that these
places have to offer for a great holiday or weekend break.
"So I am delighted that Blackpool, Dover and Torbay are
going to benefit from £10 million funding. This will help these
towns prosper further, as more attractions become available for
both tourists and residents to enjoy.
"Like others, these three towns have been working hard to
secure their economic futures, in improving all their local
industries, including tourism. I am sure this funding will be
welcome support for their continuing efforts."
CABE Chief Executive Richard Simmons, commenting on behalf of the
partners said:
"Blackpool, Devon and Torbay have all demonstrated a fresh
approach to the use of design and culture to aid regeneration.
"What is important about these projects is that they embed
good design and culture as a catalyst for quality place making to
benefit the community and visitors alike."
Notes to editors:
1. The Sea Change programme runs for three
years from 2008 to 2011, giving £15 million each year to seaside
resorts. It is led by CABE working with the Regional Development
Agencies, English Heritage, the Museums, Libraries and Archives
Council, Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the
Big Lottery Fund. It was announced in November 2007. DCMS press
notice 147 which refers to this can be found at http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/media_releases/2155.aspx .
2. For further details and how to apply for the open application
grants please visit the CABE website. http://www.cabe.org.uk/ The
deadline for year one applications has now passed. Decisions on
those projects which will receive funding will be taken later this year.
3. The exact amounts awarded in this first wave are as
follows:
Blackpool- £4 million, Dover - £3,850,000, Torbay -
£2,247,532.
The local authorities representing the three areas
had to submit their business and project management plans to CABE
along with proof they were able to match funding of at least 100
per cent.
4. For further information about the specific plans and or photos
and images please contact the relevant RDA or local authority.
5. For general seaside images please email kheaton@cabe.org.uk
with your request details.
Public enquiries 020 7211 6200
http://www.culture.gov.uk
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
http://www.culture.gov.uk