Dover To Benefit From New Funding Programme For Economic Regeneration

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham today named Dover as one of the first three seaside towns to benefit from Sea Change, a new multi million pound funding programme which aims to kick start wider economic regeneration in coastal resorts through good design and investment in culture and heritage.

Blackpool, Dover and Torbay will each receive up to £4 million for cultural and heritage projects aimed at breathing new life into the towns and recapturing the special appeal they held for previous generations. It was initiated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sports, and is led by CABE.

The money will be used for projects such as improving high streets, promenades, harbours or gardens; constructing new buildings or converting existing ones for use as cultural centres; or enhancing existing galleries, concert halls, dance spaces, theatres and arts centres.

Inspiring and innovative buildings, spaces and places can provide a new cultural heart and renewed pride for residents - and bring in new visitors and revenue. High-quality buildings and open spaces can make a huge difference to the way that historic seaside resorts develop, change and reinvent themselves.

Funding is subject to formal application and proposals are currently being developed by Dover District Council, Kent County Council, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and English Heritage, along with the Dover Pride Partnership.

There are suggestions that the Dover money will be used on a cable car project to link Dover Castle and the Western Heights with the town, as well as improving the transport network within the town, and improvements to Dover Castle.

Blackpool, Dover and Torbay were chosen by a partnership headed by CABE, and up to 12 other seaside towns will also receive smaller grants this year. The main criterion in selecting the resorts is social and economic deprivation. The local authorities will put forward projects to CABE and funding will be dependent on match funding of at least 100 per cent.

Sea Change will run for three years, with £15 million allocated each year. By 2011 many of England's much-loved seaside towns around the country should be well on the way to becoming the delightful, attractive and thriving places they once were.

Dover MP Gwyn Prosser, said: "I welcome Labour's announcement of £45 million for seaside resorts and I will be working closely with Dover District Council to apply for a grant of up to £4 million.

"This is an opportunity to kickstart investment and regeneration in Dover and Deal and help improve the quality of life for residents and attract new visitors to the area. I am proud of our rich heritage, castles and ancient monuments and look forward to seeing what opportunities there are to futher regenerate Dover and Deal."

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of DDC said: "These are formative, progressive times for Dover. A wealth of major development proposals coming together can deliver a world class future. These state of the art proposals will provide vital linkage between the town, port and heritage, adding further significance to the arrival of the high speed rail link in 2009. The direction of travel is forward to very exciting times. Bold initiatives and a sense of place will deliver change and prosperity if the players stay at the table and hold their nerve. Dover is a District on the move."

Oona Muirhead, SEEDA Executive Director for Sustainable Prosperity, also commented: "We welcome the Sea Change funding for cultural regeneration of seaside resorts and will work with Dover District Council and partners on a bid to deliver some fantastic projects for Dover. The Sea Change Programme and funds are important to achieve the town's potential as an attractive tourist and leisure destination, and increase the quality of life for residents."