Member Article

Government announces around £2 million to be spent on Yorkshire coastal tourism

The government has announced a total of £2.15 million will go towards 4 Yorkshire projects as part of an £8.5 million package to create jobs and repair winter damage in coastal towns and resorts.

The intiial money is being made available from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund and will attract a further £6.2 million from other private and public bodies.

The Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne also announced an extra £3 million for the fund to encourage growth and create jobs in coastal towns.

Yorkshire projects include:

• RSPB Nature Reserve, Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire - £452k. The project will extend and upgrade the coastal nature reserve’s facilities to attract a further 10,000 visitors per year. It will safeguard and create around 14 jobs and 30 volunteer places according to the government.
• Yorkshire WildlifeTrust, Spurn Point, Humberside - £498k. The lighthouse will be restored and converted into a heritage/visitor centre providing accommodation over 6 floors telling the story of Spurn’s maritime heritage, strategic defence role and military history. The project will create and safeguard around 77 jobs.
• Historic Fruit Market – Kingston upon Hull - £800k. The area has been identified as a growth opportunity for independent businesses working in the creative industries and will support and safeguard around 100 jobs.
• Youth Hostels – Brighton, East Sussex and Robin Hoods Bay, Yorkshire - £401k. Funding will help establish a new hostel in Brighton and redevelop an existing youth hostel in on the North Yorkshire coast. This project will create and support around 76 jobs.

Coastal Communities Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “Our Coastal Communities Fund is bringing about some really innovative projects around the country and schemes that will make a big difference to those towns affected by the winter storms.

“Seaside towns are a strong part of this country’s heritage and have huge potential to create new businesses that provide jobs.

“They are an important part of the government’s long-term economic plan and we are determined to help these communities reach their true potential.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander said: “The Coastal Communities Fund is already making a real difference to our coastal towns and helping communities regenerate their local economy.

“So far the scheme has already supported over 7,500 jobs and 1,400 training places up and down the country.

“I am delighted to announce an additional £8.5 million for coastal projects across the country, this will help communities build a sustainable future for themselves and also benefit visitors to these seaside towns over the years to come.”

The Coastal Communities Fund was launched in 2012 to invest in seaside towns and villages, helping them achieve their economic potential, reduce unemployment and create new opportunities for young people in their local area.

It is helping seaside towns make the most of their potential by diversifying their economies and industries so they become year-round success stories. The fund has to date already spent £54 million, supporting around 7,500 jobs around the UK, more than 300 new bu

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .