Newbiggin clinches regeneration cash

Posted by The Journal on Mar 26, 09 10:04 AM in News

An ambitious project aimed at regenerating Newbiggin-by-the-Sea has clinched £2m from a national programme to support the English seaside.

Plans to build a £3.4m maritime heritage centre at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland have been awarded £1m from the Government's Sea Change programme - meaning the scheme is now more than two-thirds of the way towards hitting its fundraising target.

South Tyneside Council has also landed £1m to enhance its summer activities programme on South Shields foreshore - including new space for theatre, performance artists and educational visits.

The two schemes are the biggest winners among nine seaside towns to receive cash in the latest £2.7m round of Sea Change funding, which is reinvigorating England's coastal resorts through investment in culture and heritage.

The proposed Newbiggin seafront centre will explore the town's fishing and sea rescue heritage, and also includes a small cinema and new education and exhibition space.

With Wansbeck Council funding of £750,000 and a Heritage Lottery contribution of £250,000 already pledged, the Newbiggin Heritage Partnership said last night the latest grant will ensure that the centre goes ahead.

Chairman Richard Martin said: "Being awarded this Sea Change funding is the news we were anxiously waiting for.

"We really believe it is the final push the project needed to go from being an aspiration to becoming a reality. We are confident we can now raise the rest of the funds we need to allow us to start construction work in order for us to open the centre next year.

"It has been a dream for so many local people to open a maritime centre to record the heritage of our village and the part the sea has played in the lives of generations of Newbiggin fisherfolk. Now that dream looks like it is coming true."

The centre will house the restored former Newbiggin lifeboat, the Mary Joicey, and a local fishing boat, the Girl Anne, as well as providing exhibition displays, educational space, a small cinema and bistro cafe.

The South Shields Foreshore project includes improvements to the promenade, new lighting and street furniture, public art, better access and additional work on the amphitheatre and elevated walkway.

It also involves employing seafront rangers and the creation of extra performance space for theatre, buskers, dancers and artists throughout the year. The facilities will provide outdoor classrooms for visiting schools and community groups.

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