Two projects could get grant millions

Two major projects could see millions of pounds in grant money flood into Redcar and Cleveland.

The Redcar Gateway Project and the Loftus Community Heritage Group have both cleared the first hurdle in potentially gaining millions of Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) grant funding.

The Redcar Gateway Project’s focus is on improving Redcar’s Central Railway Station, with some further works encompassing Station Road including the Coatham Memorial Hall and development of the Regent Cinema building.

The Redcar Gateway Project’s application to CCF for £2.5m with a further £4m being sought from elsewhere encompasses several key elements of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Area Growth plans to bring in more visitors and increase trade in the town.

Meanwhile the Loftus Community Heritage Group would use the cash to support the Arlington Innovation Centre which will see business units developed on the site of Loftus’ Arlington Church to support small businesses.

The application to CCF is for £435,000 with the council committing a further £100,000 should the application be successful to create new business units.

Both expressions of interest have been assessed by CCF and progressed to the second round.

Formal applications for funding must be submitted by 21 January 2019 with a decision on the funding announced at an unspecified time in the future.

But Redcar and Cleveland Council is reminding people there is still a long way to go before any celebrations can take place.

Cllr Bob Norton, Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “This is promising news, but it is only the first step. We’re a long way from securing the funding.

“The council will now begin work on submitting the very best application we can for the Redcar Gateway Project and support the Loftus Community Heritage Group in their application for the Arlington Innovation Centre.

“We’ll ensure the applications are as strong as they can possibly be.

“Increasing visitors and opportunities for local businesses is incredibly important and I’m encouraged that the Coastal Communities Fund has recognised this by agreeing both expressions of interest warrant further consideration.

“It’s early days but this is a very positive step forward.”

Round Five of the Coastal Communities Fund in England is administered by Groundwork on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government