Plans to develop the seafront in Withernsea have been given a major boost.

A grant of £30,000 from the Department for Culture Media and Sport’s 'Sea Change' programme to support proposals for a cultural and enterprise centre has been matched by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, as well as £15,000 from Yorkshire Forward, meaning a total of £75,000.

The £30,000 provided by East Riding Of Yorkshire Council is to develop the plans for a new fishing compound, clearing the way to apply for European money to construct the new facility.

The focus for these developments is the land around the existing boat compound which is owned by Withernsea Town Council. The town council plans to own and manage the facilities, which will greatly enhance the seafront through a high quality design and links to the town centre.

Although this is very good news, the initial funding is only one step forward. There is still much work to be done by the partnership to ensure that both facilities will be viable and then to secure the funding to build and manage the buildings.

Withernsea town councillor Gordon Hodgson said "This is very good news for Withernsea and surrounding area and shows that progress is being made.”

Arthur Hodgson, chairman of the Withernsea and South East Holderness Regeneration Partnership, said "I feel that this is a good start to the regeneration of Withernsea and South East Holderness. It is the optimum time for a resurgence of the area once the economic upturn begins, and shows the good faith and support that is being given by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.”

Links:

• Withernsea Town Council website.
• East Riding of Yorkshire Council website.
• Yorkshire Forward Development Agency website.
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport website.