East Kent Partnership's 2006 Boost for East Kent

The East Kent Partnership (EKP) has announced the projects that will be receiving funding of £1.65 million during 2006/07.

This year the Partnership is supporting a wide range projects throughout east Kent that will have a major impact in improvements to infrastructure, business prospects and communities in the area. The selected projects will receive funding through the EKP from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).

The 27 projects in Canterbury, Thanet and Dover range in duration from 6 months to 3 years.

Highlights of this year's funding in the Canterbury area include contributions to the design and development fees for the new Marlowe Theatre, improvements to Lower William Street in Herne Bay and provision of funding for a dedicated project manager to ensure maximum benefits are gained throughout east Kent for the Tour de France visit.

In Dover, there are a number of projects being supported by the EKP, many already underway. EKP will continue to provide funding for the Dover Pride Initiative and a number of other projects that support the regeneration of the area. Dover Sea Sports, an iconic sports facility on the seafront will be a major boost to Dover and construction will begin later this year. Dover will also benefit from establishing the Aylesham Food for Thought enterprise.

Thanet will enjoy a number of important projects, including the funding of a dedicated delivery team for the Margate Renewal project. This will establish itself as a key medium for regeneration in the area, coordinating activity and driving the project forward. EKP will be funding a programme of improvements to public areas and facilities in Margate Old Town, and identifying and establishing the business and economic case for investment in the Offshore Wind Project, which aims to secure Ramsgate Port as the key hub for the manufacture and assembling of wind turbines.

Projects cover a wide spectrum and are specifically aimed at helping East Kent to progress as an area where people want to live, work and visit.

In line with this, EKP is also making progress with its lottery bid for the development of a Natural Park in East Kent. The project will link places of historical interest in the East Kent area and aims to reconnect people with the environment, attracting visitors to previously isolated features and attractions within the region.

EKP Director, Janet Waghorn said, "These projects will bring positive direction to the areas of East Kent that need it most, building on existing opportunities and creating new ones. The next year promises to be an exciting time for East Kent."

The East Kent Partnership has over 400 active members and works to pool resources and coordinate efforts from public authorities, businesses and voluntary and community sectors. Precedence is given to initiatives that help attract new inward investment supported by a skilled and creative workforce, introduce improved integrated transport arrangements and enhance the quality of life for all.

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