Statement from Caroline Ansell MP regarding Eastbourne's successful £19 million Levelling Up Fund bid.
I am delighted that the Government is looking to directly invest in Eastbourne to open up new life chances here.
It very much shows coastal towns like ours are in the thoughts of ministers and it is yet another boost as we recover from the pandemic.
The Government pledged to level up and here is an important commitment. Our local plans need to be rolled out by Spring 2025 so we should see results in a relatively short space of time.
When I gave my endorsement to the bid, the council gave me a commitment that should we be successful, this Levelling Up bid money would be invested in ways which will reach those in our town who need new opportunities, skills and jobs to open up to them.
I am excited about the apprenticeship opportunities in the creative and digital fields, construction and land management. The new jobs envisaged are vitally important too, both direct and indirect. Likewise the opportunities for new start-ups.
Elements of the bid have real potential to bring transformation to our town by linking the downland to the seafront and the seafront to the town centre - three major moving parts of the Eastbourne engine.
We may also now finally secure our identity as Eastern Gateway Town to the South Downs National Park and harness the national and international attraction this inspires.
Importantly, the investment to come in Victoria Place extends the season, promotes the night time economy and will be a springboard for the important developments to come at the strategic sites of the former TG Hughes and Debenhams.
I have extended my thanks to the minister and will be keeping him up to date on our progress.
