Nearly £70million Awarded To Sussex For 'Levelling Up'

Bids for money from the Government's 'levelling up' fund have secured nearly £70million for five areas in Sussex.

Hove, Newhaven, Eastbourne, Bognor and Littlehampton, will all benefit from large cash injections for regeneration projects.

The Government made the announcement in the Autumn Budget Statement yesterday (Oct 27).

Plans to improve Hove seafront were given a boost yesterday (Oct 27) when the 'Kingsway to the Sea' project was awarded £9.5 million to regenerate the underused and run-down spaces on the seafront in West Hove.

A press release from Brighton & Hove City Council said improvements would be made to the area for residents as well as 'providing attractive space and opportunities for visitors of all ages'. 

Residents and users of the seafront area between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Hove Lagoon have been taking part in a consultation to give their views on what they would like to see.

Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chair of the city’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said:

“We’re delighted to receive this funding which will help us realise some of the ambitions our residents, businesses and local clubs have for this part of the seafront.

“We are working to improve our seafront for everyone to explore and enjoy and will continue to take advantage of funding opportunities to continue the regeneration.”

Newhaven council has secured £12.68 million for the ‘fantastic’ Newhaven maritime scheme. 

Lewes District Council made a bid for funding to 'help re-establish the town as a maritime centre of excellence and ensure Newhaven’s fishing industry receives the immediate support it needs'.

The council’s scheme ‘Capturing the Value of the Catch’ will:  

• Provide two new fish landing stages to accommodate 16 small vessels from the Newhaven fishing fleet
• Build a new Centre of Excellence for seafood processing in the town including an auction room and marketplace
• Create a new restaurant and community destination on the promenade area by West Beach to retain spending in Newhaven for longer and stimulate a local market for fish

 Councillor James MacCleary, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Prosperity, and local councillor for Newhaven, said: 
 
“I am delighted that our town is finally getting some of the funding it needs after years of neglect. Our local fishing fleet here in the town is a key part of our community and has been let down too often. The British fishing industry is on its knees with fishing boats going out of business around the country.  That is why that council has worked with partners to prioritise Newhaven fishing.
 
“As a local resident I can’t wait to see our waterfront revitalised and further investment building on the work we’ve been doing with the port to bring the promenade area behind the West Beach back to life.
 
“My thanks to everyone involved in putting this fantastic bid together, creating yet another exciting project for Newhaven and more investment in the town following our Town Deal and Future High Streets successes. With their different focuses, these three schemes will integrate perfectly and bring huge benefits for people living and working in Newhaven, as well as visitors.” 
 
 

Meanwhile in Eastbourne, MP Caroline Ansell has said she's "delighted" that the Government will be investing £19million in "new life chances" there. She said:

I am excited about the apprenticeship opportunities in the creative and digital fields, construction and land management. The new jobs envisaged are vitally important too, both direct and indirect. Likewise the opportunities for new start-ups.

Elements of the bid have real potential to bring transformation to our town by linking the downland to the seafront and the seafront to the town centre - three major moving parts of the Eastbourne engine.

We may also now finally secure our identity as Eastern Gateway Town to the South Downs National Park and harness the national and international attraction this inspires. 

Importantly, the investment to come in Victoria Place extends the season, promotes the night time economy and will be a springboard for the important developments to come at the strategic sites of the former TG Hughes and Debenhams.

Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, said:

“This is fantastic news and kickstarts a long-held ambition to extend the start of the South Downs Way right into the heart of Eastbourne town centre outside the Towner.

“The South Downs Way is an internationally-renowned 100-mile trail that connects people with one of the most beautiful landscapes in Britain and I’m thrilled that more people than ever will be able to enjoy this millennia-old route by starting their journey in Eastbourne town centre.

“This exciting announcement will significantly strengthen Eastbourne as a key gateway to the National Park and all the South Downs has to offer for both local residents and visitors.

“This will match the considerable work we have done at the western end of the National Park in the centre of Winchester, meaning that both ends of the National Park will be connected to major urban centres.”

Finally, Arun District Council is celebrating its successful bid for £19.4million in funding for several projects in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton

They say improvement projects will focus on The Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis and the seafront and riverside area in Littlehampton.

Cllr Shaun Gunner, Leader of the Council said:

"This is fantastic news for Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and all of Arun. When I became Leader, I said I would focus on regeneration and economic investment, and that I would deliver for the district. This welcome announcement today is the Government investing in our future, to support the residents and businesses of this district to leave healthier and wealthier lives. 

"Make no mistake, this will have a transformational impact on our district. This is levelling up in action. This isn't just about improving the area we live in, this is about improving the lives and livelihoods of the people of this district. I could not be prouder that the Government are giving us £19.4 million for the benefit of our towns."