The Welsh Government is urging Coastal Communities to apply for the Coastal Communities Fund which has a reported £3m available (July, 2016) for regeneration projects. Due to this, construction North Wales will have increased building and renovating opportunities around the coastline.
The Coastal Communities Fund delivered by Big Lottery Fund on behalf of UK Government aims to support economic development projects in coastal areas across the UK. Since its establishment in 2012, the fund has awarded grants totalling £125 million to 218 organisations across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The awarded funding is estimated to have created around 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, and has helped to attract over £240 million of additional funds to coastal areas.
‘CCF Round four’ in Wales will have around £3.4 million available for spending before December 2019 and the Welsh Government is urging coastal communities to make the most of this fund.
Who can apply?
According to the CCF, ‘any coastal settlement within a local authority area whose boundaries, including local authorities whose boundaries only include estuarine foreshore’ can apply for the fund. Coastal settlements include seaside towns, ports and other areas which have a clear connection to the coastal economy. A wide range of organisations and projects can apply for awards between £50,000 and £300,000.
Who has already benefitted?
Since its establishment, some Welsh communities have already benefitted. Halen Mon - Anglesey Sea Salt Company secured £191,817 to be put towards its £1.25m bespoke Tyˆ Halen Anglesey Saltcote and Visitor Centre. Since, the funding, Halen Mon has been recognised as one of the most highly accredited food producers in the UK.
In the leisure industry, Plas Heli Cyf Welsh National Sailing academy in Pwllheli was awarded £120,000 in round 2 of the funding. This award was given in efforts to promote the seaside town ‘as the heart of Welsh Sailing’. New visitor berths and regatta facilities have been set up to increase the number of visiting yachts, cruises and events in the area.
We are lucky to have such a magnificent coastline with outstanding views. This fund will help local communities to strengthen their offering and build a stronger economy on top of what we already have. What’s more, it is hoped that the funds will benefit some of Wales oldest seaside buildings, restoring them to their former glory.
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