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Two Kent seaside towns are set to receive more than £25 million in investment as part of a major regeneration scheme.
The government has today announced the huge cash injection for Thanet - with more than £19.8m earmarked for a new project in Ramsgate and a further £6.3m for a scheme in Margate - as part of a drive to boost employment and learning opportunities.
The first project - dubbed Ramsgate Future - will aim to redevelop the town's port as a "green port" for the Thames Estuary.
Meanwhile, the Royal Harbour will be developed with a hotel and restaurant, while two new "community access points" will provide training kitchens and community teaching space.
The plans are hoped to create "significant" training, education and employment opportunities to help address persisting deprivation in the Thanet area.
The other project unveiled today is Margate Digital, which will see 2,000sq m of cutting-edge, industry-relevant training space created in Margate.
It is hoped the scheme will help boost the local digital and creative economy, bringing together employers, residents and students together to create employment opportunities and the chance for people to develop skills.
The funding for the two projects has been announced today as part of the Autumn Spending Review, and will come from the government's £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund.
Administered over four years, the fund will invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets.
South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay, has welcomed the announcement that Ramsgate is among those named in the first round for successful Levelling Up bids to government.
He said: “It’s fantastic news that the full Levelling Up Fund bid for £19.8m for Ramsgate has been agreed by the Treasury.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve many of our important historic buildings, renew commercial fishing facilities and provide wide ranging community improvements with new jobs at the heart.
“There’s also the opportunity to finally secure a new, permanent future for the commercial port.
“By working with our Thanet District Council councillors, together, we can make lasting economic improvements to the local economy.
“Great news for Ramsgate.”
