Sea Change for coastal Dover and beyond
Exciting multi million pound proposals for Dover are being taken forward following major news from the Government confirming a £3.8m Sea Change grant - and partnership agencies are welcoming this major boost for the future.
Plans include an appraisal of a cable car from the Western Docks to Dover Castle; landscaping and artworks on the Esplanade in Dover; improvements around the historic castle, including updating the secret wartime tunnels, to allow new presentations of its history and heritage; and the refurbishment of the Bleriot Monument, which commemorates the first cross channel flight, which is due to be completed by July 2009.
Richard Barron, Kent Manager for Marine South East commented "with nearly £1billion of development planned for the next few years Dover will become one of the most attractive coastal towns to live and work in. Its natural beauty, proximity to the continent and high speed rail links to London will not only create opportunities for businesses from all sectors including marine but also offer a standard of living that is hard to beat. Dover District Council is committed to developing the marine sector and is currently working closely with Marine South East and Kent County Council to develop a Marine Skills Strategy which will ensure that there is a well trained and motivated work force available to fulfill the needs of the developing marine supply chain."
The grant has been made as part of the Government's Sea Change funding programme, which aims to support economic regeneration in coastal areas through investment in culture and heritage. Dover is one of three towns to benefit from over £10m in the first wave of Sea Change grants. The funding has been secured following a successful KCC-led bid. The County Council will also act as the accountable body for the distribution of the money.
Dover District Council, Kent County Council, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), English Heritage and the Dover Harbour Board, all part of the Dover Pride Partnership, are developing major proposals. The proposals would ensure Dover's cultural assets play a central part in the regeneration of the town, and provide better access and connectivity for visitors and residents.
Other resorts around the South East coast to benefit from the scheme include Bexhill-on-Sea, Littlehampton and Margate. To find out more about these schemes go to http://www.seeda.co.uk/news_&_events/press_releases/2008/20081027.asp
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