coastal towns

This is the Government Response to the Communities and Local Government Committee Report on Coastal Towns (an important contribution to the issue of how these places could be best supported at a national, regional and local level). This response is being distributed to local, regional and national bodies, including coastal local authorities in England to help further understanding of what is being done across Government and through its agencies to help secure improved social, economic and environmental outcomes for coastal communities.

We all love to be by the seaside, but these days sunseekers are more likely to opt for Greece or Spain, rather than Bognor or Morcambe. What do we need to do to turn the tide and bring people and prosperity back to our coastal resorts? Some believe that the creation of a new iconic building, such as the Tate St Ives, or an artistic landmark, such as the Angel of the North, provides the magic ingredient(s) to help kick start a revival. On the other hand, some suggest the rush to create new artistic icons could be a waste of money, and instead what is needed is good urban design and a revival of placemaking skills.

The newly restored De La Warr Pavilion provided the setting for the third annual South Coast Towns Conference: choosing a future – finding a role. Can an artistic magnet such as this magnificent building act as a spur to regeneration? What roles can tourism, the arts and education play in driving an economic revival? These issues were among the many debates that took place at the conference held in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.