The UK’s only Grade 1 listed pier is one of 8 projects to receive a cash boost to create jobs and training places, and help seaside towns attract visitors all-year round.
Clevedon Pier is one of 8 projects to receive a share of an additional £800,000 from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund.
The projects are to be given the extra funding to help continue work that will create jobs, attract investment and boost the local economy.
Other projects include one of the oldest charter markets in the country, the restoration of an historic passenger ship, and the repair of a much-used rambler’s coastal path following recent damage.
Communities Minister Mark Francois said: “We’re determined to unlock the enormous potential of our Great British Coast.
“Over the past 3 years we’ve already funded more than 200 projects along the shorefront – from piers and promenades to shop-fronts and sailing centres – to attract tourists, boost jobs and create vibrant local economies.
“Now this extra £800,000 will help put another 8 coastal communities back on the map and kick-start their own exciting regeneration plans.”
The other projects receiving funding are:
- Kirkleatham Catering Academy in Redcar and Cleveland who will receive an extra £200,000 to provide training places and apprenticeships for the community and deliver 96 jobs.
- Gravesend Borough Charter Market Hall, Gravesend, Kent – will get an extra £50,000 to revitalise one of the oldest charter markets in England.
- Bettheshanger County Park visitor centre, Kent will receive an extra £175,000 to create a sustainable energy visitor centre which will showcase sustainable technologies and products and promotes east Kent’s coal mining heritage.
- South West Coast Path, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset – will receive over £130,000 to repair, improve and promote the South West Coastal Path. It will deliver 500 jobs across the south west by the end of the year.
- Waldringfield flood defence group, Suffolk – will receive almost £100,000 to regenerate and cultivate the local salt marsh – a biologically diverse environment – protecting 70 jobs and adding another line of important sea defence.
- The coastal cruise vessel MV Balmoral, Bristol – will receive an additional £52,000 to ready the ship for its return to service in May. The Balmoral, which can take up to 600 people around the south west coast, was originally built in 1949 to ferry passengers between Southampton and the Isle of Wight.
- The Goodwin Development Trust, Hull – will receive an extra £34,000 for business start-up support which will create 70 new businesses supporting 115 new jobs.
- Clevedon Pier Heritage Trust Ltd, Somerset – will receive an extra £75,000 for essential renovation works to reinstate the UK’s only Grade 1 listed pier and enhance the visitor experience.
