Local people in Shoeburyness have today set out plans for how they intend to drive growth, jobs and prosperity.
They are part of over 100 coastal communities across the country taking control of their futures through the Government’s Coastal Community Team (CCT) initiative.
The plans lay out practical steps under a number of Key Themes through which the CCT it will take forward or support a number of projects locally.
Key Theme 1: Develop the Coastal Park Brand and Destination Management Plan
Key Theme 2: Develop the heritage, cultural and environmental offer of Shoeburyness
Key Theme 3: Enhancements to Green and Open Spaces
Key Theme 4: Support local businesses initiatives
Key Theme 5: Develop a strategic approach to Transport
Key Theme 6: Engage in major infrastructure and planning challenges
Key Theme 7: Shoeburyness CCT Governance, Strategy Management and Partnerships
Cllr Mary Betson, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Member for Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, said: “The draft Economic Plan for the Shoeburyness coastal area sets out an excellent vision with some great projects that local partners can work on with the Council and other partners. This is the first time that a local strategy has been produced for Shoeburyness and I’m very pleased with the level of local collaboration which provides a great foundation for success.”
The CCT first success was securing £39,000 from the Coastal Revival Fund for a business plan and internal design for the proposed Heritage Centre at Gunners Park – the former Battery Gun Shed. The work when completed in March 2016 will enable the Council and the CCT to present a well-developed businesses case to funders, outlining capital and revenue requirements that will enable the Heritage Centre to be run on a sustainable financial basis.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark said that the work of the Shoeburyness CCT is “proof coastal communities are ready for economic lift off”.
He said: “Our Great British Coast has enormous economic potential and we are determined to see it thrive all year round – not just in the summer months.
“The huge number of plans submitted, demonstrate the wave of optimism, and wealth of creative and practical ideas to boost economic lift-off.
“I now want to see their hard work and enthusiasm come to fruition by helping to deliver their ideas through the Coastal Community teams.”
More than 11 million people live in coastal communities, from major cities to seaside villages. The tourism industry alone accounts for the employment of 250,000 people across 150 seaside resorts, and contributes £4 billion to the UK economy.
Now the Government is supporting ‘local coastal community teams’ to help revive towns and deliver their plans for future economic growth.
Local people involved in the teams have been given £10,000 to kick-start work and given expert guidance to help shape their own towns’ future prosperity.
The Shoeburyness CCT includes representatives from Southend Borough Council, Garrison Residents Association, Shoeburyness Residents Association, Hinguar Primary School, Shoebury Society, Shoeburyness Archives, Royal Artillery Association, Hinguar Old School Group, QinetiQ, MoD, Essex Wildlife Trust, Friends of Shoebury Common, Uncle Tom’s Cabin and local Councillors.