Maritime UK, an industry body, has welcomed the second round of ‘Levelling Up’ funding from the UK Government, which includes a number of projects aimed at the maritime sector and coastal communities. The maritime sector is worth £116 billion and supports over a million jobs, and is vital to the country’s economy. Research from Maritime UK shows that nearly half of the country’s coastal communities are losing their young population due to a lack of jobs. Maritime UK has been encouraging its network of regional cluster organisations to engage with partners to ensure maritime-related infrastructure projects are part of the mix when bids are submitted.
Maritime UK has also developed and launched a “Coastal Powerhouse Manifesto” in 2021, which gives practical and realistic suggestions to the government on how to address the systemic economic challenges that coastal communities face. The organisation’s focus on the coast is just as important as the Northern Powerhouse or Midlands Engine initiatives. Maritime UK regularly engages with government ministers and other political stakeholders to discuss how the maritime sector can help accelerate economic growth in coastal towns and cities.
Maritime UK will soon meet with the Levelling-Up Minister, Dehenna Davison, to discuss how they can work together to improve the economy in coastal areas. The organisation is ready to help maximise funding opportunities across the whole sector and country, especially as local funding becomes increasingly important to support the transition to net zero. In conclusion, Maritime UK is committed to supporting the government’s efforts to level up the country and bring investment to the coastal regions.
What is The Levelling Up Fund?
The Coastal Powerhouse Manifesto is a policy document launched by Maritime UK and the Local Government Association Coastal Special Interest Group (LGA Coastal SIG). The manifesto’s goal is to revitalise coastal communities and stem the brain drain from these areas. The manifesto highlights the opportunity of offshore energy growth in coastal areas and their unique position to play a leading role in the UK’s transition to net zero. It aims to build on the success of the UK’s vibrant maritime sector, which includes shipping, ports, engineering, science, professional services, and leisure marine industries.
Where Are The Funds Going?
Yorkshire and The Humber
- Cleethorpes seafront in North East Lincolnshire will receive over £18 million for a revitalisation project. The funds will be used to bring new life to Cleethorpes’ historic market square and regenerate Pier Gardens.
South West (England)
- Bournemouth and Poole seafront will receive £18.2 million for a renovation project that aims to provide updated facilities along the promenade, including a community water sports hub.
- A direct train service connecting Newquay, St Austell, Truro, and Falmouth is set to receive nearly £50 million, along with enhanced walking and cycling access to stations.
- Dinan Way and the Exmouth Gateway transport hub will be improved with £16 million, aiming to reduce congestion and improve journey times through the extension of Dinan Way and better cycling routes and footpaths.
- Weymouth harbour side will receive £19 million for preparatory works to make way for nearly 400 new homes and a new waterfront leisure complex.
- Weston-super-Mare will be transformed with £20 million, which will create new tourist attractions at heritage sites and enhance the town centre with better retail options for local businesses.
- The Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre in North Devon will receive £15.6 million to research green technology, work with universities and private companies, bring in investment and create nearly 100 high-skilled jobs.
South East (England)
- Dover will receive £45 million to enhance the flow of traffic from the UK to the EU, adding more border control points and a new exit route to reduce congestion on local roads and improve the port’s efficiency.
- Bexhill will be regenerated with over £19 million, with improved access to the De La Warr Pavilion and the creation of a community hub in Sidley.
- Sheerness town centre will receive £20 million to transform the Beachfields seafront into a bustling community hub with a new café, outdoor gym, soft play and adventure golf areas. The funding will also be used to expand the local college and provide new offices and studios for small businesses.
Scotland
- Peterhead’s Arbuthnot House will be transformed into a museum, library, and cultural hub with £20 million in Aberdeenshire, while the popular marine aquarium in Macduff will be modernised and expanded.
- Riverside Park in Fife will be regenerated with more than £19.4 million to improve access to the River Leven with new walking routes.
- A new roll-on, roll-off ferry for Fair Isle will receive nearly £27 million, which is a lifeline for the island, supporting its residents, visitors, and supply chains.
Northern Ireland
- Bangor will see a £9.8 million transformation to develop waterfront gardens with event and activity spaces and aid in the wider area’s regeneration.
- Thanks to a £9 million grant, Maghera will have new green spaces and recreational facilities. The funds will also be used to convert the former Maghera High School into an industrial park to support local businesses.
North West (England)
- A £10 million investment will improve Workington’s highways and cycle routes to better connect the town to the Port and enhance access for local workers.
- Blackpool will have a new carbon-neutral university campus with a £40 million investment, positioning Talbot Gateway as a leader in Artificial Intelligence and robotics education.
- Cumbria’s £18 million allocation will upgrade 30 km of the highway network and repair 21 bridges along the Irish Sea coast, bringing communities closer together.
- Morecambe’s seafront will be transformed into an “Eden by the Bay” with £50 million investment, promoting a sense of wonder for the natural world and attracting thousands of visitors to the seaside resort annually.
North East (England)
- The £20 million investment in the Newham Grange highway scheme will unlock 800 homes in Middlesbrough and improve pedestrian and cycle tracks connecting Guisborough town centre to Teesworks and the North York Moors National Park.
East
- The North Quay in Great Yarmouth will receive £20 million in regeneration funds to improve pedestrian and cycle links for local residents in the heart of the coastal community.
- Tendring will receive almost £20 million to construct 28 new affordable homes, reviving a derelict brownfield site with a new library and adult learning space led by the University of Essex Centre for Coastal Communities.
