DCMS support for Blackpool welcomed by NWDA and partners

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) welcomed the announcement today by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that will see £45 million invested in the UK’s seaside resorts over the next three years.

The announcement of the Sea Change programme was made by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham in London this morning. Blackpool is one of just three resorts across the UK that will benefit from a share of £15 million in the first year of the programme, which aims to stimulate economic growth through investment in heritage and culture. The other resorts are Torbay and Dover.

The three resorts to receive major grants of up to £4 million in the first year were identified by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) in partnership with the Regional Development Agencies as priority areas for regeneration with projects already in development.

Steve Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said:

“This is welcome news for Blackpool, and for the Northwest as a whole. Blackpool is well placed to maximise the benefits of a culture-led approach to regeneration, with a developing events programme and its heritage as Britain’s favourite seaside resort. This investment will complement the resort’s existing regeneration plans and help develop the distinctive sense of place that only Blackpool has.

“I am looking forward to seeing the benefits for both residents and the region’s visitor economy.”

Doug Garrett, Chief Executive of ReBlackpool said:

“The funding announcement is good news for Blackpool and we now need to work closely with our partners to provide a scheme which helps to regenerate the town, increase visitor numbers and attract back lapsed visitors.”

Cllr Maxine Callow, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism and Regeneration said:

“It is pleasing that the Government is recognising the unique issues relating to seaside resorts and we look forward to a close dialogue about Blackpool’s future plans.

We hope this support will enable us to add to Blackpool’s cultural appeal, particularly its celebrated heritage as an entertainment capital and we will be submitting a bid for an exciting project as part of the Sea Change Programme.”

The programme aims to demonstrate that investment in cultural projects can have a significant impact on the regeneration of seaside resorts. Projects such as public spaces, visitor attractions, galleries or concert halls will be identified for investment which could then act as a catalyst to stimulate economic growth.

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For further information please contact Helen Batte, Tourism Press Officer on 01925 400235 or 07764 239856 or Helen.Batte@nwda.co.uk

For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:

• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life

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