New £45 million fund for regeneration of the UK's coastal towns

A £45 million funding boost will help culture and the arts regenerate some of our most run-down seaside resorts, Culture Secretary James Purnell has announced.

The investment will be targeted at disadvantaged coastal resorts around England and is intended to stimulate wider improvements and economic benefits in the area.

The programme, which will see £15 million invested in heritage and culture each year from 2008 – 2011, will be led by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). It will be responsible for identifying projects – such as historic high streets and public spaces, galleries or concert halls - where investment in the cultural and heritage infrastructure will help bring life back to run-down seaside resort.

CABE will also seek additional financial support for successful projects from both public and private sector investors, further stimulating improvements to the local environment and economy. The Big Lottery Fund, which already invests millions in seaside towns, will be an important partner.

Mr Purnell said: ‘England’s coastal resorts are a much-loved part of our heritage, but it’s a sad fact that many have been in decline in recent decades.

‘We know that public investment in cultural projects and public spaces can give a huge kick-start to local regeneration. It can unlock additional funding to help restore decaying infrastructure and act as a catalyst to stimulate economic growth. By increasing opportunity and enhancing the local environment it can significantly improve the quality of life for residents.

‘This £45 million fund will be targeted where it can make a real difference, investing in projects with distinct cultural or heritage merit in seaside resorts blighted by deprivation. And some of our finest, historical coastal resorts will be given a new lease of life.’

Money will be made available to projects of different sizes, and it is intended that alongside a small number of major schemes, smaller projects around the coast will be funded each year. Regional Development Agencies will help identify areas in particular need of investment.

CABE will lead the project, working with the Regional Development Agencies, English Heritage, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Arts Council England.

DCMS is working with the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) who are leading a review of cross-Government work to identify what more may be done to address the specific issues affecting coastal towns. CLG is also developing a Regeneration Framework to identify the kind of places, such as some coastal towns, where regeneration activity might best be focused.

The fund has been earmarked as part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Comprehensive Spending Review Settlement for 2008 – 2011.