Whitehaven to receive £450K in coastal funding creating 15 jobs

Whitehaven is among three coastal towns in England to be awarded new funding to create jobs and boost the local economy, the government has announced today.

The town will receive £450K from the Coastal Communities Fund to renovate the Rosehill Theatre and create a new contemporary arts centre and restaurant.

This project will include the creation of a contemporary front of house area, exhibition space, café and an enlarged foyer. The theatre’s auditorium, foyer and dressing-rooms will also be renovated.

A new theatre entrance will also be created, and the building will be made fully accessible for disabled people.

The project will create 15 direct jobs, safeguard five jobs and create 16 indirect jobs.

The latest round of funding will also be used to restore a derelict Grade II Art Deco Cinema in Margate and rejuvenate Littlehampton’s riverbank to attract business investment and opportunities.

The government is committed to helping seaside towns create vibrant economies as part of the long-term economic plan to boost jobs, infrastructure and businesses around the country.

The Coastal Communities Fund has to date already spent £62 million on supporting local enterprises and infrastructure, and is set to create 8,600 jobs around the UK, and safeguard 2,100. The fund will provide 4,000 training places and apprenticeships for young people and also attract over £100m of public and private finance.

Coastal Communities Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “Revitalising our seaside towns to be vibrant economies year-round is part of the government’s long-term economic plan.

“The project to build a new contemporary arts centre in Whitehaven will bring new business opportunities that create local jobs, boost the local economy and attract visitors to the area.

“Our multi-million pound Coastal Communities Fund is helping over 100 innovative projects across the country fulfill their potential and stimulate the local economy, as well as supporting over 10,000 jobs and almost 4,000 training places for young people.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →