DEPARTMENT FOR
CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (035/09) issued by COI News
Distribution Service on 26 March 2009
Nine more seaside
towns will benefit in the latest round of funding from the
Government's Sea Change programme, which is reinvigorating
England's coastal resorts through investment in culture and
heritage. From the northern borders to the south coast nearly £2.7
million will be handed out across four different regions.
Highlights of the projects receiving funding include:
* £1 million for year round cultural activities in South Shields
including a theatre space and performance arts;
* £1 million for a new maritime heritage centre on Newbiggin
seafront, along with a new cinema and exhibition space; and
* £500,000 to regenerate the eastern end of Worthing seafront
with a new cultural area and Speakers' Corner.
Barbara Follett, Culture and Tourism Minister, said:
"Our seaside towns have fascinating histories and unique
cultural traditions which we must preserve and strengthen so they
can be enjoyed for hundreds of years to come. The
Government's Sea Change programme is trying to do just this
and, so far, has given over £29 million to fund regeneration
projects in 28 resorts around England.
"These projects will help to restore people's pride in
their towns and help families of the future to enjoy great seaside
holidays like the ones so many of us remember from our youth.
"This funding brings hope to our coastal towns in tough
economic times. I hope that this wave of Sea Change funding will
inspire other coastal towns to do the same."
CABE Chief Executive Richard Simmons, commenting on behalf of the
Sea Change partnership, said:
"What all these projects share is the ambition to get the
English seaside holiday back in fashion and for resorts to
recapture the flair we know they once had. These nine resorts have
all shown that they want to use culture and high-quality design to
encourage people to not only live and work there, but also to
visit. One such example is a new maritime and heritage centre in
Newbiggin - a project that clearly shares the objectives of the
Sea Change programme."
A range of smaller grants have been made to fund feasibility
studies for major projects. These include developing a Grade II
listed building in Wells, North Norfolk with the potential for a
theatre, new museum, art exhibitions and workshops; exploring
plans for a centre of creativity in Jaywick in Essex; and looking
at creating sites of special protection in Leysdown, Kent around
the area's aviation history.
Notes for 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
2. Wave 3 of the open programme commenced in January 2009. For
further details and how to apply for the open application grants
please visit the CABE website: http://www.cabe.org.uk
3. The exact amounts awarded in this round of funding are as follows:
South Tyneside Council - Foreshore, South Shields
£1,000,000
Funding will be used to extend the current summer
programme into a year round group of activities. There will be
space for theatre, and performance artists along with outdoor
spaces for educational visits.
Wansbeck District Council - Newbiggin £1,000,000
A new
maritime heritage centre will be created on the seafront which
will explore the fishing and sea rescue heritage of the town. A
cinema and new education and exhibition space will also be created.
Worthing Borough Council - Worthing £500,000
The eastern end
of the seafront will be regenerated with a cultural area for
public art and the town's Speakers' Corner will also be reinstated.
Kent County Council - Whitstable & Margate £30,000
The
funding will be used to explore the potential of an off road route
linking the Crab & Winkle route from Canterbury to Whitstable,
with the Viking Coastal Trail and the towns of Margate, Ramsgate
and Broadstairs.
Penwith District Council - Penzance £30,000
This money
will be used to develop a design guide for the promenade which
will support events including public performances and themed markets.
Essex County Council - Jaywick £30,000
A study will look at
developing the land around Jaywick Martello Tower, which will
become a centre for creativity.
Teignbridge District Council - Dawlish £26,500
This
funding will be used to explore creating an Arts Cafe venue on the
site of an old bandstand.
North Norfolk District Council - Wells £25,000
A study
will look at developing a Grade II listed building with potential
for a theatre, new museum and other exhibition and workshop space.
Swale Borough Council - Leysdown £24,000
Funding will be
used to look at developing sites of special protection and
interest connected to the area's aviation industry.
Public enquiries: 020 7211 6020
http://www.culture.gov.uk
2-4 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5DH
http://www.culture.gov.uk