Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Edited by John K Walton & Patrick Browne

Contents

Preface II Foreword III Introduction 1 Chapter 1 English seaside towns: past, present and future 12 Chapter 2 Coastal issues and the select committee inquiry into coastal towns 28 Chapter 3 Regeneration players and coastal networks 47 Chapter 4 Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 63 Chapter 5 The view from the beach 79 Chapter 6 Enterprising the coast 93 Chapter 7 Culture-led regeneration in seaside towns1 109 Chapter 8 Researching the coast 119 Chapter 9 Cultural regeneration in four South East coastal towns 132 Chapter 10 Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 142 Chapter 11 Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 159 Chapter 12 Ageing and coastal communities 175 Chapter 13 Light entertainment, fairgrounds, penny-arcades and beach huts 184 Chapter 14 The planning system and coastal regeneration 190 Chapter 15 In their own words…services for coastal regeneration 199 Chapter 16 The highlights, a checklist, and doing small things better 212 Notes to the chapters 229 Index 246

I Preface

This book is born of a desire now beginning a new academic We are also indebted to the by the Coastal Communities life as IKERBASQUE Research many local authorities, coastal Alliance (CCA) to maintain and Professor in the Department MPs and coastal networks extend the national debate on of Contemporary History at and organisations that have how to address the complex the University of the Basque provided articles and responded social and economic problems Country in Bilbao. John’s to our various questionnaires that are associated with English contribution has gone way and requests for follow-up coastal resorts. As such, it is beyond his modest retainer and information. very much work in progress, and his four chapters to embrace the debates that are generated a co-editing role, which gave The Coastal Communities here will be continued on practical weight to his love, Alliance would finally wish to the CCA website to create knowledge and enthusiasm for acknowledge the contribution a resource for organisations some of the most evocative of Lincolnshire County concerned about the future of settlements in England. Council, particularly the staff England’s seaside resorts. time of Nicola Precious and While the organisational for housing Jessica Ireland, The publication has been generosity provided the an admirable graduate intern made possible by the financial financial mortar for the book, during 2009. support of national and the bricks of words were, in regional organisations involved the main, provided free of John Walton would like to in varying aspects of coastal charge by a range of authors conclude this preface by resort regeneration. These from around the country. The emphasizing the indispensable include the Department CCA wishes to acknowledge nature of Patrick Browne’s for Communities and Local our deep gratitude to: contribution to this project. Government, the Improvement Jane Atherton, Newcastle Without his enthusiasm, and Development Agency, the University; Leigh Sear and commitment and expertise LGA Coastal Special Interest Jo Lee, WoodHolmeGroup; it is hard to imagine it having Group, and the South East, Fred Gray, Sussex University; got off the ground or arriving East and East Midlands Regional Chris Bamber, GONW; Lesa at this tangible and, we hope, Development Agencies. Dryburgh, Clore Fellow, Ivan successful birth. Annibal, Lincolnshire County The small budget that the CCA Council; Stephen Hayler, Patrick Browne, John Walton garnered, combined with the Canterbury Christ Church Lincoln and Lancaster, intrinsic interest and value of the University; David Powell, DPA; 11 January 2010 project, was sufficient to secure Ben Cave Associates Ltd., the services of Professor John and the Centre for Tourism K. Walton, formerly of Leeds and Cultural Change, Leeds Metropolitan University and Metropolitan University.

II Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Foreword

Britain’s coastline is rightly and problems are exacerbated Communities Alliance, which widely celebrated as one of our by the declining and seasonal has published this book. My national treasures. From steep nature of the coastal economy. fellow committee members and cliffs to flat salt marshes; from None of these characteristics I welcome the formation of this sandy beaches to rugged rocks; is unique to coastal towns; Alliance, which is open to all from fishing villages to bracing but the combination of them, coastal local authorities in the resorts and bustling ports – the together with the particular UK and to any public or private images of our coastal regions environmental challenges, sector organisation with an are a fundamental part of our led us to conclude that these interest in coastal communities. identity as an island nation. Yet, communities face significant and It focuses on socioeconomic as well as distinctive physical specific challenges that warrant and regeneration issues, and features and landscapes (which government action. works with the government’s themselves bring unique working group and the RDAs problems), Britain’s coastal The committee was very network without duplicating the towns and communities also disappointed with the core services they provide. share particular socioeconomic government’s initial response characteristics and concerns, to our report because it failed This authoritative handbook characteristics that are typically to recognise this need for is just one example of the quite different from those of specific measures for coastal contributions that the CCA has inland communities. communities. I wrote to the made, providing as it does a Secretary of State, asking for toolkit for coastal regeneration In 2007, the Communities a second, more considered practitioners. It encourages and Local Government Select response and that second new approaches to address Committee, which I chair, response in October 2007 long standing problems of launched an inquiry into coastal was much more positive. deprivation, shares knowledge towns. We concluded that It accepted many of our and best practice, and outlines many coastal towns share recommendations, including who is doing what in coastal common factors including the establishment of a cross- regeneration. physical isolation, significant departmental working group levels of deprivation and and a coastal areas network I wish the Coastal Communities transience, and low-waged, of Regional Development Alliance and all those working low-skilled, seasonally Agencies. towards coastal regeneration dependent economies. As every success in their efforts However, an inadvertent but older – and in some cases to revitalise these valuable positive additional outcome vulnerable – people move in, communities. young people tend to leave. of the initial response was There is a lack of affordable, that, because of the level of Dr Phyllis Starkey, MP suitable housing, with large dissatisfaction amongst various Chair, Communities and Local former hotels and guest concerned organisations and Government Committee houses often converted for groups, they independently multiple occupancy. All these formed the Coastal

Coastal Regeneration III Introduction by John K. Walton

out the groundwork. A new optimism about the state of British seaside resorts was becoming apparent at the start of the school summer holidays in 2009. A full-page feature in the Guardian on 18 July captured the tone, referring to a new pattern of ‘staycation’ holidays and to the British seaside as the ‘Costa Fraction’. This Handbook responds to also diverse and sometimes Good early summer weather, the growing awareness at the contradictory proposals for the fall of the pound against beginning of the twenty-first solutions, especially where the euro, evidence of buoyant century that British seaside the contested terrain of seasonal employment in resorts towns, and especially the ‘regeneration’ is at issue. And (at least in parts of the south seaside tourism industry, there is a continuing need to and south-west), and indications are in difficulties. Those convince central government that ‘towns that have spent difficulties, though real, are of the need to develop a cash on making themselves not as severe as they are national policy framework for better able to compete with often painted, and are far coastal towns, and to recognise European destinations seem from being terminal. the distinctive nature of the to be thriving’, were strung problems they present. together to produce an There is scope for positive optimistic interpretation. It was intervention by all levels What follows is intended as qualified by suggestions that of government in seaside a map to guide practitioners ‘people are downsizing from economies, societies and through this minefield, while the middle’, creating problems environments; and there is offering them suggestions about in the upper and middle levels every reason to provide and ways forward, best practice and of the holiday industry, while support such intervention. encouraging a broad outlook heavy demand for pasties in This will not be easy, because and joined-up thinking. We Cornwall was thought to reflect local and regional experiences need to avoid silo mentalities, a preference for cheaper picnics are many and various (though whether they are thematic over restaurant meals. strong shared themes are (looking at particular issues in But that was a remarkably apparent, setting the seaside isolated depth) or administrative up-beat presentation of the apart as a ‘special case’), and (looking at one’s own district prospects for the new season, because the nature of their in isolation, or rejecting reflecting a widespread geography and of shapes and evidence and experience perception that the recession structures of local government because it comes from outside marked an opportunity for makes it more difficult to an established framework of traditional British holiday ‘see’ and analyse the nature expectation). We begin by locations to compete effectively of the problems. There are elucidating the issues and laying with Mediterranean and long-

1 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 haul destinations. An imagined terms of a £140,000 project to from changing patterns of ‘Europe’, sophisticated and provide new flowerbeds and holidaymaking and the decline modern, was clearly being picnic benches: not exactly the of old mining and manufacturing used as the key comparator stuff of social transformation. industries, together with their and experience to aspire to. She also referred to recession long-established town holidays As journalist Helen Carter put ‘forcing’ the British ‘to return to associated with ‘wakes’, ‘fairs’ 3 it, ‘British seaside towns are our seaside resorts’. Already in and ‘tides’.6 enjoying a renaissance not September 2007, Allan Brodie seen for decades as the credit of English Heritage, interviewed Negative media assumptions crunch bites and staycations by Mary O’Hara, was passing and stereotypes about become appealing’.1 By mid- on his awareness that change coastal resorts are particularly August another full-page feature was not the same thing as confirmed a decline in overseas inexorable decline, that resorts important in the light of current package tours, and especially had diverse characteristics as governmental sensitivities British visits to North America, well as common problems, to media perceptions and as Peter Walker claimed that and that there was plenty of coverage. They are palliated but ‘the British tourist industry’s scope for encouraging revival, not overcome by occasional fervent hope has come to pass even at that favourite symbol positive coverage in colour – that a combination of the of seaside economic collapse, supplements, by the early recession and the feeble pound Margate.4 All commentaries on twenty-first century fashion would see millions of families tourism in Britain, however, for beach huts, and by the abandoning their villa on the whether at the seaside or emergence of up-market Algarve for a ... cost-conscious elsewhere, highlight one outlets such as Coast magazine. domestic alternative’.2 Nor universal problem when The highly successful Coast were these the first journalistic Britain is compared with rival TV series has, significantly, offerings to detect or anticipate destinations: the weather.5 With given relatively little attention an upturn: in April, Laura all its unease and equivocation, Barton found a ‘sense of this frame of mind was in to coastal resorts as such, resilience’ in Skegness, recently striking contrast to the default although a recent programme named as ‘the country’s most media position on the British has included assessments of traditionally British town, seaside that had evolved over the current state of Rhyl and where Britishness is measured the previous forty years and Blackpool.7 in tearooms, cricket clubs, more (it was already evident pubs, chip shops, holiday a decade earlier in films like Dominant representations camps, stately homes and The Entertainer, The Punch and of British seaside resorts in theatres’ – perhaps this should Judy Man and the Cliff Richard the later twentieth century be Englishness. Admittedly, vehicle Summer Holiday). pulled together a devastating she spoke of Skegness as one This was almost unremittingly combination of nostalgia and of ‘a cluster of fading seaside negative, especially with regard mockery. The ‘traditional’ resorts’, and thought it was to the old provincial popular seaside holiday was viewed near Scarborough, while resorts that suffered particularly as part of ‘all our yesterdays’, referring to ‘regeneration’ in from the 1970s onwards

Coastal Regeneration Introduction 2 but therefore of nobody’s shown that the picture was defining a ‘seaside town’ with tomorrows.8 The British never as black as painted.10 substantial tourism elements seaside was portrayed as if it Nor, of course, was it uniform. in its economy, and consulted were uniformly ‘tired’ (a label British seaside towns are of the British Resorts and that became as big a cliché as all shapes and most sizes (up Destinations Association in its apparent opposite ‘vibrant’), to around a third of a million marginal cases. It also noted residents, depending on how the problems arising from outdated and self-evidently we define the boundaries of resort areas being embedded unable to compete with the individual settlements, especially in larger administrative districts, guaranteed sunshine, packaged in coastal conurbations). They and made use of pre-1974 exoticism or contemporary do have in common, of course, local government boundaries fantasy of the various that their coastal location gives to focus on the distinguishing incarnations of ‘abroad’ – them a 180-degree (at best) features of the coastal districts whose inroads into core British catchment area, (although too themselves. We shall return holiday markets were assumed much is probably made of this), to the problems of defining to have begun in earnest in the most of them are peripheral ‘seaside town’ and ‘seaside 1960s or even the 1950s as in terms of distance from resort’ in Chapter 1. opposed to (as it happened) the motorways and they are ‘end- later 1970s and early 1980s.9 It of-the-line’ destinations. The 2003 report by Beatty and was treated, in fact, as if it were Fothergill forms the basis for as far beyond resuscitation as The role of tourism in local the best studies we have, but it economies varies markedly focused only on the 43 largest the coalfield and manufacturing between coastal settlements, British or 37 largest English industries that had also met from insignificance to resorts. The threshold figure their end at about the same dominance, and attempts to of 8,000 residents at the spring time. quantify it are complicated census of 1971 may seem by seasonal variations and small, but it excludes scores of We know that this has never by complex personal and smaller seaside settlements. To been the case, although we household economies, which check on whether this might be shall have to reserve judgement often combine different sources distorting, an additional study of on the euphoric response to of income from different 37 seaside places with resident the early summer of 2009. The imagined sectors. This makes it populations of between 1500 weather, and perceptions of it, difficult to define a ‘resort’ (or and 10,000 was undertaken remains crucial. But the work more broadly a ‘seaside town’) in 2009; but although the of Steve Fothergill, Christina for practical purposes, which in smaller places contained Beatty and their colleagues at turn makes the collection and a larger proportion of the Sheffield Hallam University presentation of statistics all the elderly, they were otherwise on trends in employment, more problematic. little different from their larger migration flows and social counterparts. The most problems at the larger British The Sheffield Hallam project interesting development, in resorts since 1971 – to which recognised the element fact, was the uncovering of very we shall keep returning – has of subjectivity entailed in high proportions of incapacity

3 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 benefit recipients in the little tell only part of the story, as a by-product of a study Lincolnshire settlements qualitative as well as quantitative of unemployment in former of Mablethorpe, Chapel St issues need to be weighed coalfield communities. We Leonard’s and Sutton-on-Sea; in the balance, and values need to pass from diagnosis and it is tempting to associate can be conflicted as well as of the current situation and this local effect with the area’s consensual. Moreover, it is one recent trends to the pursuit close relationship with the thing to describe the extent and of solutions, ameliorations former coal mining industry of distribution of the problems of and effective innovations. the East Midlands. seaside towns; it is another to We must move beyond the attempt to prescribe solutions, existing firm, necessary and In emphasizing coastal especially for such a complex valuable grounding in economic employment growth, array of contrasting cases, each and demographic indicators moreover, Beatty and Fothergill with its own history and identity, to incorporate culture and may be glossing over the extent but each having significant traditions. But first we need to to which a lot of the work characteristics in common investigate the context in which on offer has been low-paid with all the others.12 As Beatty official interest in the problems and part-time. Their focus and Fothergill point out, the of British seaside towns began on quantifiable economic aggregate census population of to develop with gathering and demographic indicators the British resorts in their 2003 momentum from 2003 provides a basic framework that survey amounts to 3.1 million onwards, and to introduce was previously lacking, and they in 2001 (2.9 million in their the obstacles to that emergent have performed the essential later work on England). This is interest being translated into services of demonstrating that more than the whole of Wales, intervention, especially of a the British seaside remains and as many as a small English joined-up and coordinated kind. important, that there is plenty region such as the North East, of life in it, and therefore that it or even such a strongly defined Dissemination of the first is a worthy recipient of policy ‘nation without a state’ on the findings of the Sheffield Hallam initiatives. But they are unable European map as the Basque team coincided with the English to explain apparent anomalies Country. On this basis alone, Heritage report, ‘Shifting like the curious case of Whitby, coastal towns would merit Sands’, which drew attention which was closely anchored further examination. to seaside heritage and the to the bottom of their original importance of the architectural performance indicator tables, We need then, to discuss and place-centred dimensions even as it began to win awards ways of building on the of regeneration, and the for the quality of its amenities ‘Fothergill project’ in its various development from December as a particularly attractive resort incarnations (there have been 2004 of the Coastal Action for weekenders and longer-stay local studies of particular Zone project, a Lincolnshire visitors. We shall return to this resorts, and further pieces of County Council initiative which example.11 research commissioned since drew support from European 2003, as well as the original rural development funds and Clearly there is more to all this report) – noting in passing the East Midlands Development than meets the eye: statistics that, significantly, it started Agency, and originally focused

Coastal Regeneration Introduction 4 particularly on the territory of which contained a coal port educational attainment and East Lindsey District Council. in process of regeneration) limited opportunities for young Significantly, this grew out of and Plymouth Devonport people; issues arising from the issues that were identified as (a coastal constituency, but placement of vulnerable adults ‘rural’, and in April 2006 David unusual in being dominated by and children in coastal settings Lloyd of East Lindsey argued a naval dockyard) constituting at a long distance from their that the existing rural/urban a small minority of the dozen places of origin; high levels of categories in policy formulation in attendance. Nevertheless houses in multiple occupation; needed to be augmented by this did not temper the level teenage pregnancies and other a third category – ‘coastal’ of interest shown. Dr Phyllis indicators of social instability; – which exhibited generic Starkey, MP for the decidedly and problems of service characteristics and problems un-coastal constituency of provision and the recruitment that did not fit into existing Milton Keynes South West, of high-quality professionals structures.13 proved to be an assertive and and officials. Parts of some well-informed defender of its resorts scored highly on indices Meanwhile, the Select work. of multiple deprivation, and Committee on Coastal Towns there were environmental for the Office of the Deputy The committee assembled an issues around the maintenance Prime Minister: Housing, Local extensive array of evidence and enhancement of coastal Government, Planning and from coastal locations across defences and the decay of the Regions, was set up after England, with an additional the public realm and built sustained prompting from input from Holyhead. It environment. The extent of Dr John Pugh, the Liberal concluded that coastal towns, these problems was often Democrat MP for Southport, and especially seaside towns masked by the vulnerable and reported in March 2007.14 with a resort element in areas forming part of larger In the meantime the Coastal their economies, did indeed local government and other Action Zone held a weekend share a long list of often administrative units, which symposium in Skegness, in interconnected problems. made the ‘hot spots’ less visible July 2006, at which a wide These were associated to analysts and policymakers. range of problems, responses with: peripheral location; and new approaches was poorly articulated transport The initial response of central ventilated across a broad front provision; unemployment and government was to kick the which embraced culture, significant seasonal fluctuations report into the long grass, architecture and the arts, as in employment (which the making much of the (valid) well as (for example) economic Department for Work and point that coastal experiences diversification, demographic Pensions was at first unwilling were diverse and that no ‘one issues and service delivery.15 to acknowledge); migration size fits all’ approach would The Select Committee’s and population turnover giving be appropriate. Using this membership was short on rise to ‘churn’ in schools; high as an excuse for denying the coastal MPs, with the members levels of incapacity benefit; existence of a generic set of for Southport, Easington high proportions of elderly ‘coastal’ problems, it took (an old mining constituency people in the population; low refuge in the role of Regional

5 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Development Agencies and impose a reconsideration of the criteria – ‘performing well’, in important initiatives like the response. ‘maintaining’, or ‘below British Urban Regeneration average’. Particular emphasis Association seaside unit, This led to a second response, was placed on regeneration, while passively resisting the issued in November 2007, and note was taken of recommendation that the RDAs which displayed a much greater successful local projects, might develop a ‘coastal’ as willingness to engage with the while national coordination of well as an urban and a rural issues the Select Committee regional ventures was to be category for policy analysis. had raised. It proposed: further led by the South East England Problems were referred on to research into the reasons for an Development Agency (SEEDA) local incarnations of national embarrassing rise in payments and to include contributions policies, with the remarkable for incapacity benefit, disability from the Commission for statement that ‘cities are allowance and income support Architecture and the Built where we will achieve social for disability in coastal towns Environment (CABE), English justice and social inclusion, and since the complacent statement Heritage, the British Resorts ... we do not have a coastal in the first response; a cross- and Destinations Association towns policy in isolation’. The departmental working group (BRADA), and the seaside assertion that ‘no coastal town and coastal area network to unit of the British Urban has seen a disproportionate provide overviews of coastal Regeneration Association shift in the proportion of people conditions and evidence of (BURA).17 on incapacity benefit in the good practice; and further past 10 years’ proved to be a research from Steve Fothergill, It was virtually impossible to cut particularly damaging hostage to whose reputation in the through the maze of acronyms fortune.16 field was now established in and initiatives that characterised government circles. regeneration policy, but here, This government response it seemed, was some sort of was met with widespread Performance was to be coordinated national approach anger, and an unusual degree classified in three categories to urban coastal problems. of parliamentary dissent. on economic, demographic But it was disturbing, and One outcome was the and educational outcomes perhaps indicative, that it establishment of the Coastal Communities Alliance to argue for the recognition of distinctive coastal problems and the development of a coherent coastal strategy. Peter Hampson of the British Resorts and Destinations Association sent a particularly outspoken critique to Dr Starkey, who successfully urged Hazel Blears, the new Secretary of State, to

Coastal Regeneration Introduction 6 had taken such an assertive be seen alongside – indeed as The first two Waves of the reaction to reach even this an outcome of – a great deal Commission for Architecture point. Furthermore, the newly of energetic and sometimes and the Built Environment’s adverse economic climate creative work at local and Sea Change initiative have that set in towards the end regional levels, and by non- channelled substantial funding of 2008 made it all the more governmental organisations. into ‘[placing] culture at the likely that, even as coastal issues Regeneration has been under heart of regenerating England’s began to attract increasing way, by a range of routes and in seaside resorts by investing interest, it would be an uphill a variety of guises, especially at in arts, public space, cultural struggle to pull together the the local level, for much longer assets and heritage projects’, corresponding access to than the political debates that at locations as diverse as necessary resources, whichever are chronicled here, as the Blackpool, Bexhill and Jaywick, party was in government. evidence collected by the Select near Clacton. There are also Professor Michael Parkinson’s Committee (and elsewhere) large numbers of locally focused report The Credit Crunch and demonstrates. But it does essays in coastal regeneration Regeneration emphasizes help to have some degree and ‘positive gentrification’, that, although regeneration of national recognition of the often involving public art and projects are likely to continue existence of a defined set of sometimes reaching out to where there is public sector distinctively coastal problems, the creation of innovative involvement, potential which may provide better entertainment packages that new starts are at risk, and access to funding, expertise respect but transform seaside economically marginal projects and transferable ideas and traditions, as in the case of are particularly unattractive experiences. Vanessa Toulmin’s ‘Admission All despite the recognised need to Classes’ at Blackpool, with its sustain long-term initiatives in We now need to build on these Arts and Humanities Research deprived areas. As elsewhere, developments, and include Council funding. Some of these direct reference to coastal the architectural research initiatives will be discussed as concerns is conspicuous by its undertaken by English Heritage, case studies in the following absence in this Department which was well expressed in pages. for Communities and Local the book on English Seaside Government (DCLG) report.18 Resorts launched at the EH Above all though, we need Hastings conference on ‘Seaside to pass from diagnosis of Even so, the new governmental heritage: colourful past, bright the current situation to the recognition that the problems future’ in October 2007, that pursuit of solutions and of seaside towns are shared followed on from two BURA ameliorations, and to move and generic, despite the events on seaside regeneration beyond the bridgehead wide variations in trajectory at Scarborough and Brighton that has been established in and interim outcomes, is in the spring of that year.19 economics and demography an important development, Fred Gray’s distinguished when trying to broaden and grudging though it might study of the history of seaside deepen the engagement of appear, and slow though initial architecture and design had a national government that progress might be. It needs to appeared a year earlier.20 is still far from convinced

7 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 of the need for a suite of with coastal regeneration from At the outset, we must make targeted and coordinated the grassroots upwards. the point that our working coastal regeneration policies. The word ‘regeneration’ has definition of regeneration goes The approaches need to be become familiar enough in beyond the current dominant interdisciplinary across a broad English seaside settings, almost assumptions of central front, from meteorology to the point of cliché. For government, as set out in the (inevitably), geology, physical example, a recent property policy document Transforming geography and engineering to column in the Guardian, Places, Changing Lives: Taking architecture, entertainment focusing on Eastbourne, Forward the Regeneration and the arts. They need to remarked that the town ‘already Framework issued on 11 pull together private and has its own Cultural Quarter May 2009. This states the public spheres, engaging and and attendant magazine, government’s view (#3) that coordinating local, regional thanks very much, like any ‘regeneration is a set of activities and national government, self-respecting regenerating that reverse economic, social private enterprise at all levels seaside, and, indeed, a and physical decline in areas from the family firm to the smattering of downshifted where market forces will not multinational corporation, and creative types’.21 This is, of do this without support from include voluntary bodies and course, only one cluster of government’, and defines its philanthropists; and they should regeneration connotations, focus (#4) on time-limited be alert to appropriate and and, as we shall see, not the investment to create new relevant developments beyond predominant one in the eyes of economic opportunities and the British Isles. government. We must remain ‘sustainable places where aware that ‘regeneration’ people want to live, work and This will be a complex task; itself means different things to raise a family’. The labour and, at the risk of providing different people, both among market is seen as key to further ammunition to those those who seek to promote achieving these outcomes (#5). who still wish to deny the and facilitate it and among the The expectations in paragraph importance and reality of a intended beneficiaries, who are 6 are particularly interesting. It common coastal experience, themselves far from uniform assumes a continuing increase we have to accept that there in age, outlook, culture and in mobility, of people and will be no ‘one-size-fits-all’ preference. businesses, and emphasises the panacea – while remarking need for places to compete that this could never apply to Regeneration also means to attract and retain skilled ‘the urban’ or ‘the rural’ either. different things in different kinds workers, and to support the There is, however, great merit of place, so before we go any health of the population of in mapping the resources and further we need to explore working age, while providing connections that are available, the problems of definition, (unspecified) appropriate and presenting potentially and the related diversity of transport and communication transferable perceptions and experience and character, which links (might this concept approaches. This Handbook make the British coastline so include access to broadband?), is intended to provide such a rich and interesting, as well as and having the right public resource in accessible form, and so extensive and valuable, a service infrastructure in place. to facilitate positive engagement resource. Coastal Regeneration Introduction 8 (#55) to recognition of the distinctiveness of each place, to valuing and making the most of the historic environment, and to ensuring that the right kinds (undefined) of cultural and leisure activities are made available, have the feel of an afterthought. So do the references (#40) to physical regeneration, including This does bring in health trajectory, and aimed at projects improved air quality, green and social care on a broader that can show clear economic infrastructure and healthy front as health and well-being outcomes, especially as regards waterways (there is no mention are not seen (#7) as being employment. (#17, 18) The of clean beaches or safe bathing part of regeneration, but as emphasis is on local initiative water here). contributing to it and being and local delivery, with an affected by its outcomes: it is important role for RDAs; What drives the government’s not clear how marginal this but how coastal areas, might vision of regeneration is, quite makes them. There is clear access a share of the £6.5 simply, jobs. This applies across recognition of the importance billion on offer over the next a broad front. The Casino of local government and civic two years, to promote growth Advisory Panel, reporting in leadership (#8), and this and regeneration and prepare January 2007, noted that one of resonates with recognition of for the assumed upturn, is not the considerations for granting the importance of distinctive clear. (#24, 40) In the absence casino licences was a ‘need local characteristics in a of a clearly articulated coastal for regeneration’ as ‘measured globalised world (#6). A entity with power to make an by employment and social response to feedback notes impact at the sharp end, this is deprivation data’; but the report comments about the need to likely to be a struggle. showed reservations about consider the problems of rural the narrowness of this, urging areas as well as concentrated Two things are clear. Firstly a more ‘holistic’ approach pockets of deprivation in cities; the headline indicators that would get beyond the but no voice is recorded from for measuring progress in physical and environmental the coast, as such. (#10) regeneration terms are overall approach through demolition This is all the more important employment rates and the and rebuilding that was in the context of recession, incidence of people of working associated with older definitions when it becomes clear that age claiming out-of-work of ‘redevelopment’, and take support for regeneration will benefits (p. 17, box). This into account a wider spectrum be sharply targeted, based on does not engage promisingly of social as well as economic local economic indicators of with certain key characteristics considerations.22 deprivation, socioeconomic of coastal settlements. characteristics and economic Secondly, the commitments

9 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Our definition of regeneration environments will need to be on coastal regions’ was is broader than this, but it is defended. adopted by the Committee important to recognise the on Regional Development, nature of central government’s There is a long way to go to with support from the agenda. At the key levels where meet our aspirations, and a lot Committee on Transport and policy is articulated, it still does will clearly have to be driven Tourism. This characteristically not recognise the distinctive from the local level, as has so complex measure included characteristics and problems often been the case in the past. strong support for a range of coastal towns; and its focus Regeneration as a concept, after of integrated policies on on employment is only part of all, is about renewal from within. coastal and maritime tourism the wider picture we embrace, Dr David Green of Aberdeen development, emphasized which sees regeneration as University has usefully defined environmental protection and involving and affecting all ages, it as the ‘redevelopment of cultural heritage issues, and and having cultural, leisure and an area to its former use by lamented the lack of reliable environmental dimensions involving the community statistics and comparative (built and natural) which are and stakeholders’, in implicit accounting that would enable addressed only in a token contrast to the imposition of needs and policies to be way in this key document. destructive innovation from adequately evaluated. It called We need to bear in mind that outside by external agencies for the encouragement of many of the attractive qualities without a democratic mandate public/private partnerships of coastal environments are or informed consultation.23 and for collaborative action essentially non-commercial, To pursue that goal, help between ‘environmental based on the expectation of and stimulation should be groups, economic sectors free access to beaches and sought from wherever it linked to the sea, cultural coastlines, and the privatisation may be available, but central organisations, the scientific and commercialisation of space government is unlikely to be community, civic entities and that is often associated with a big player in coastal settings local residents’. It urged the the preferred model of private/ under current circumstances. Commission ‘to ensure that the public partnerships is likely to The chapters that follow will ongoing compilation by Eurostat encounter resistance from both have to take that harsh but of a socioeconomic database residents and consumers. potentially stimulating reality on for the EU’s coastal regions board. include data on tourism that Nor is the pursuit of maximum is reliable, uniform and up-to- rates of profit likely to resonate Finally, there is a further date’.24 with community-orientated important context. We should regeneration goals. It is no be aware of the opportunities This aspirational document coincidence that the heyday of presented by European offers a reminder that British the British seaside coincided Union policies on coastal governmental problems with that of municipal regeneration. In November involving the recognition and intervention and enterprise, 2008, a resolution on ‘the capture of coastal issues are and the established democracy regional development aspects shared by other European of access to desirable of the impact of tourism countries, and by the EU as a

Coastal Regeneration Introduction 10 whole. But it also suggests that reinforcing the impression that in the English setting, to the European intervention in this this Handbook is appearing at a European agenda set out by field may at last be gathering timely moment. The coverage these committees.25 momentum on a broad of what follows certainly adds and inclusive front, thereby up to a close approximation,

Resorts created for Local Government Officers! - Restructuring Coastal Tourism in Transitional Period in China

The paper explores the rise were poorly planned and coastal resorts are successfully and fall of Chinese coastal managed, developing in the redeveloped in Hainan Island, resorts in transitional period spontaneous and unplanned which lies in southern China from the restructuring manner. Silver Beach Resort and is famous for amazing perspective. China is one of in Beihai, Guangxi Province tropical beach resources. the largest oceanic nations in is typical in this government Further comparative research the world, with the coastal dominated development, should be made on these line stretching out as long which has been deeply studied resorts to learn more about as 18000 km. Since 1980s, by the author. Until mid- restructuring of Chinese coastal tourism in China 1990s, as transition reform coastal resorts. In short, the has been developed at from planned economy to rise and fall of Chinese coastal an unprecedented speed, market economy was getting resorts happened under the creating numerous hospitality deeper all over the country, background of transitional providers and beach resorts financial support and clients of reform. Therefore, the throughout the coastal areas. coastal resorts were sharply causes, consequences, and Most of them were created cut down. More and more mechanisms of coastal resorts earlier in the century by restrictions on government decline and restructuring are government departments investment and spending completely different from UK or state owned companies, relative to coastal resorts and need to be addressed and the customers catered development were launched, more specifically. Market for were mainly government causing most coastal resorts reform should be hold on to officials staying at the beach to get into trouble and some rejuvenate the Chinese coastal resorts at public expense. severely declined. Chinese resorts, and the role of local That is to say, both supply coastal resorts were facing governments should also be and demand of Chinese great challenges and need adjusted. coastal tourism development to be restructured to adapt were supported and driven to the new market-oriented Liu Jun and Ma Fenghua, by government. Moreover, supply and demand situations. South China Normal coastal resorts of this period Since the new century, some University, China

This extract and the others which are distributed around the book are from papers presented at “Resorting to the Coast:Tourism, Heritage and Cultures at the Seaside”, Blackpool 25-29 June 2009. The CCA are grateful to Professor Mike Robinson and the Centre for Tourism and Cultural Change at Leeds Metropolitan University for permission to use. If you wish to obtain more information on any of the extracts, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com.

11 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Chapter 1 English seaside towns: past, present and future by John K. Walton denying their importance), to be sensitive and responsive to local and regional identities and traditions even as it revives, refreshes, reconstructs and innovates, and to take account of existing residential interests and visitor markets, even as it seeks to replace or supplement whatever may be lost or failing. So this chapter sets out: what Before we pull together our with traditions associated kinds of coastal or seaside town ideas about regenerating with popular culture and are at issue; how the ‘resort’ seaside towns, we need to be entertainment (their ‘intangible element in their economies fits clear about where and what heritage’). They need to be able into past trajectories, present kind of places we are talking to retain (where appropriate) circumstances and future about, as well as what exactly and carve out market sectors options; to what extent the we mean by ‘regeneration’. and niches that are founded on problems we identify in the authenticity and distinctiveness early twenty-first century are Our focus is on English seaside – features that respond to new; what options are available; towns with some element of native cultural traditions in and what kinds of intervention tourism and resort activities contrast with the ‘Fordist’ might be helpful across a broad in their economies, following mass-produced resorts such spectrum. a pattern of development as the Mediterranean, from that can be traced back to the 1960s onwards, although We begin by emphasising that the eighteenth century and those destinations have their we cannot understand the forming part of the world’s own histories and are not as present or plan for the future first Industrial Revolution. uniform as stereotypes about without an understanding of the Some understanding of the ‘mass tourism’ suggest.1 That is past. complexities of a variegated another story. past is necessary if we are to • Where have the place their current situations But the English seaside also tremendous number and in perspective and develop a needs to overcome the adverse diversity of English seaside convincing position on what aspects of the legacy of the towns come from, how their future might be. past, especially the lack of did they develop, and what innovation and loss of media were the key influences on English seaside resorts cannot credibility over the last two them?3 compete internationally on generations, and the associated • As the first network of climate, and depend almost social pathologies of local towns of this kind to entirely on domestic markets stagnation and decline.2 This develop in the modern (as has always been the affects the working definition world, how do they case). Nevertheless, they of ‘regeneration’ that this compare with subsequent can lay claim to attractive Handbook adopts – which models and patterns of topographical and historic will need to go beyond the development in other identities, including architectural government’s preoccupation countries and parts of the and cultural heritage, together with labour markets (without

13 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 world, as the beach trajectory of the seaside, Where should we draw a holiday has become a global not least in terms of past or notional line? phenomenon? recurrent problems, be • What can we learn, harnessed to the satisfying Sited more explicitly on positively and in terms of and economically successful coastlines rather than what to avoid, from past generation of new futures? estuaries there are also, of practices and processes, course, maritime industrial from how we got to There are a lot of questions and commercial cities, some where we are now, and here. Some will be tackled of which contain, or have from alternative trajectories directly in this chapter; others contained, naval dockyards and and models of development will inform subsequent commercial shipyards, such as beyond our shores? discussion in what follows. Barrow-in-Furness, Sunderland, • What can we learn about Portsmouth and Plymouth; demand flows, branding, First of all, where are we talking or have been industrial deep- marketing, the provision of about? When we look at most sea fishing centres as well as amenities and lists and definitions of ‘coastal’ commercial ports and import entertainments, the towns and communities in processors, such as Lowestoft creation, protection and England, or indeed in Britain, and Fleetwood; or whose enhancement of desirable we find a tendency to include past prosperity came mainly environments, the every local government district from coal exports and heavy management of space and or parliamentary constituency industry, like Workington in conflict, and the that has a stretch of tidal Cumbria. We might regard such relationships between waters within its boundaries. places as towns that are ‘on private enterprise and local Charitably, this must explain the coast’, rather than coastal government, the citizen and (for example) the inclusion of towns. We could reserve the the developer, or local Sherwood, a former mining category ‘coastal town’ for a democracy, political district close to the very different kind of place: one legitimacy and economic centre of England, in a list of whose economy and identity development? 130 ‘coastal’ parliamentary depends, and has depended, to • What are, have been and constituencies: the River Trent a significant extent on seaside might be the roles of is tidal for a very long way tourism, and the extended diversity, of competition inland. But this raises a general influence of a seaside tourism and complementarity question – should we regard tradition on related activities between and within resorts tidal estuaries as ‘coastal’ for or identities (commuting, and resort clusters, of present purposes? If so, London retirement, fishing and maritime transport systems, and is a coastal city, although none heritage), and on enterprises above all, of perceptions of of its constituencies is listed that are mobile because they distinctive character and among the 130. So too are deal in ideas, intangibles or identity, as expressed Bristol, Liverpool, Birkenhead, easily portable items, which through that topophilia Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Hull, draw people to coastal locations that invests emotion and Middlesbrough, Ipswich and because that is where, given a nostalgia in buildings and Goole, and many other towns choice, they prefer to live and locations?4 and cities that are, or have work.5 • How might an been, important ports on understanding of the estuaries and tidal river systems.

English seaside towns: past, present and future 14 This is the kind of distinctively same coastlines. This kind of railway age – what might be ‘coastal’ setting that justifies regional resort system has called the first ‘democratic the adoption of an additional a long history, growing out seaside’ – arranged around category for evidence-based of older histories of diverse railway stations, piers and policy analysis, over and above provision for almost all the promenade tramways. A few those ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ areas population of adjacent industrial were twentieth-century late- that happen to be on the coast regions, negotiated between comers, especially the informal or include some coastline. But developers, holidaymakers and so-called ‘plotland’ settlements it has been difficult to isolate transport services according to and caravan resorts.8 Some, like the targeted evidence on local characteristics and demand the late Victorian speculation on which to base the policies. A flows. But it remains difficult to the cliffs at Ravenscar in North surprising number of ‘coastal’ generate a united voice behind Yorkshire, never got far beyond parliamentary constituencies a shared set of identifiably the initial property auction in are shaped to contain a ‘coastal’ interests, as the British the first place, and are now of small stretch of coastline Resorts and Destinations archaeological interest. whose salient characteristics Association (BRADA) has found. are swamped by an overall It is difficult, but necessary. Most contain elements of some dominance of agriculture, or all of the above, as they industry or suburbia. This also ‘Coastal towns’, as defined have grown by accretion and applies to local government above, are the places whose adjusted piecemeal to new districts, especially since their economies and demographic fashions and new markets, from reorganisation into larger systems Beatty and Fothergill bathing machine to (in a few units in 1974, which often have analysed. There are a lot cases) naturist beach, and from provided a recipe for enduring of them, and they go back a the Assembly Rooms ball to the local jealousies and strife long way. Most of them have club scene.9 over priorities and resource dual or mixed economies, and allocation. As Beatty and (as Fred Gray has noted) most My own efforts to count Fothergill have understood, and have developed as ‘stand- and tabulate such places Fred Gray reinforces; to identify alone’ urban centres – which between the mid-nineteenth key characteristics and problem means that they necessarily and mid-twentieth centuries, hot-spots we have to go to pull together a variety of concentrating on those for the smallest available statistical functions and social strata, which runs of census population outputs and build upwards from and have complex small- figures were available, put them.6 scale internal geographies.7 together 122 along the English Some date, as resorts, from coastline, 13 of which had It is even harder to develop the earliest days of seaside census populations of fewer a united coastal voice when tourism around the middle of than 1,000 in 1911.10 But as coastlines and individual the eighteenth century, often early as 1885 a national guide communities are perceived developing around existing to ‘seaside watering-places’ as being in conflict with each port and harbour settlements. listed 170 in England alone other, although in many Some participated in the first (including the Isle of Wight but cases they actually provide great surge of seaside town not the Isle of Man or Channel complementary offers for growth during the first half of Islands).11 These included differing constituencies and the nineteenth century. Many major maritime cities like niche markets, even on the are products of the Victorian Southampton and Plymouth at

15 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 one extreme, and at the other time. But in the absence of discussions. Under all the tiny fishing hamlets like Staithes agreed definitions or precisely circumstances it is clear that and Prussia Cove, and even calibrated statistics, an element theirs is the best list to work coastal villages in coal-mining of subjectivity must always with, not least ‘because it is districts, such as Ryhope in creep into the calculations. there’ and to discard it would County Durham. Here the This applies equally, of course, be to abandon an essential local tourist ‘industry’ was run to the imagined and shifting baseline and comparator. by a Mrs Salkeld, who rented boundary between the ‘rural’ It deals with current out boats and the solitary and the ‘urban’, which is being circumstances, and is certainly bathing tent, and presided over increasingly recognised as not demonstrably inferior to a ‘sort of marine grotto’ where problematic as academics and any conceivable alternative. she sold refreshments. Already, policymakers investigate the The limitation that in its original too, there were places that had spread of suburbia, exurbia form it dealt only with the seen better days and needed to and the ‘rurban’.13 The concept larger resorts, which may not be revitalised. This is not a new of the ‘rural’ in Britain had have been representative problem! become so complex by 2001 of coastal experiences and that the Office of National problems, is now dispelled Many ‘coastal’ resorts, of Statistics commissioned a by the supplementary report various sizes, are themselves on special report to clarify the of July 2009. Its coverage still estuaries: Arnside, Cleethorpes, terminology. The report noted adds up to ‘only’ 74 places in Lytham, New Brighton (whose a tendency to categorise the England, leaving up to 50 of decline as a resort is an ‘rural’ as a residual – whatever the smallest out of account – important case study in itself),12 is ‘not urban’ – and to use but they really are probably even Southend or Weston- the category as a ‘matter best left in the existing ‘rural’ super-Mare. Moreover, how of convenience’. This is a category for present purposes, should we deal with places that reminder of the frailties of the reinforcing from the other side develop on separate sites within existing urban/rural divide for the point that not everywhere the boundaries of a larger local policy purposes. Further, we on the coast is a ‘coastal’ or government district, or that are should note that one of the ‘seaside’ town. Put together, subsumed into larger entities ONS’s own area classifications their populations would add through local government was ‘coast and service’, which up merely to a single medium- reform (especially that of combined ‘coast and country sized town, distinctive though 1974), or that form distinctive resorts’.14 If the government their collective experiences enclaves within existing larger accepts the category ‘rural’ as might be. towns (like, on an unusually a basis for policy formulation, large scale, Cleethorpes within it is hard to understand why The places on the Beatty and Grimsby, or Southsea within it should deny the validity of Fothergill list have many core Portsmouth)? ‘coastal’. characteristics in common, but they display a spectrum of These problems of identity Beatty and Fothergill are current fortunes and historical and classification are important well aware of these issues, trajectories. We need to if we want to build a precise and recognise the element understand the reasons for their and convincing (or at least of subjectivity in their own current circumstances before consensual) database of ‘coastal classifications and calculations, we can intervene to try to towns’, sensitive to change over as of course do I as regards change them. my own contribution to these

English seaside towns: past, present and future 16 Even without the smaller as opportunities fluctuate were deemed economically settlements, there is a very seasonally in ways that may not weak, with a string of poor wide distribution of sizes be captured by benefit claimant performers along the east coast among these towns, from statistics. For example, I suspect from Clacton to Bridlington Greater Bournemouth with that seasonality of employment and then Whitby, together over a third of a million, is still more widespread than with Thanet, contrasting and Greater Brighton and statistics based on the implicit examples in Devon (Torbay Greater Blackpool with well assumption of ‘one person, one and Ilfracombe),16 Penzance in over a quarter of a million, job’ – and failing to pick up on Cornwall, and the Lancashire to a cluster of places that just seasonal migration – may lead resort of Morecambe. Of cross the qualifying barriers us to believe. the largest urban areas in the of 8,000 (in 2003, based on category, Thanet fared worst, the 1971 census) or 10,000 Collectively, seaside towns followed by Torbay, Hastings, (the additional ‘benchmarking’ grew more rapidly than the Greater Blackpool, the Isle of exercise of 2008).15 They national figure throughout the Wight (which contains several contain nearly six per cent of twentieth century, although the small seaside towns of varying England’s population, but the motors for growth changed character) and Southend; while proportion who have visited over time. However, since at the top were the three south them or lived in them will be 2001, although still growing, coast conurbations based on very much higher, especially they have lagged behind the Brighton, Bournemouth and given the tendency for seaside rest of England. The long Worthing. residence to be seasonal or a history of growth, to varying life-cycle stage, especially late degrees, is significant in itself, Several aspects of these findings in the life course (but also early and may help to explain the call for comment. First, there in it, before moving away in relatively high proportion is no exact fit between the search of higher education or a of seaside inhabitants of fortunes of regions and seaside career). pensionable age (24 per cent towns. The south coast, from against a national figure of West Sussex to east Devon, The largest towns are actually 19 per cent), although this has concentrations of current seaside conurbations, containing discrepancy has been a long economic success, which seem within their boundaries several time in the making. to be affected not only by smaller places that would widespread economic growth feature well up the league How are the larger seaside in south-eastern England but table in their own right, such towns currently faring? The also by ease of communication as Christchurch and Poole ‘benchmarking’ exercise found with London. Significantly, within Greater Bournemouth that, according to its primarily Hastings (with more difficult or Lytham St Anne’s within economic criteria, several metropolitan access), and Greater Blackpool. All (perhaps were performing strongly, resorts like Folkestone which especially the largest) have with a concentration along formerly doubled as cross- complex economies, combining the south coast (of all sizes, Channel ferry ports, do not in varying degrees tourism, from Greater Bournemouth reap discernable benefits from fishing, seaport, retirement, to Sidmouth), but also outliers regional prosperity. Round residential and industrial at Southport, Whitley Bay on the corner on the Thames functions, and often sustaining Tyneside, and Whitstable on estuary is Thanet, where intricate family economies the Thames Estuary. Others the loss of early comparative

17 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 advantage in transport access Yorkshire.17 The resorts of the retirement that takes former has contributed to serious Bristol Channel, extending as industrial workers, often with and sustained decline since far south-west as Ilfracombe, long-term illness and disability, the later twentieth century. might fall into this category, to the old popular resorts and Just a little closer to London and so might post-war Torquay (for example) the caravans of but on the same coastline, and Paignton, which also the Lincolnshire coast. This Whitstable is deemed to be came to draw strongly on the might help to account for the doing well. In the North West, industrial north and midlands, strong showing of Whitley residential Southport appears and even Southsea, Weymouth Bay, near Newcastle-on- to be prospering, while Greater and the Isle of Wight. Redcar, Tyne, and Southport on the Blackpool is probably only kept on Teesside, would fit the Fothergill criteria, as well as out of the ‘economically weak’ pattern were it not so tied into extra-metropolitan Brighton, category by its comfortable manufacturing industry that it Worthing and a Greater residential components along is omitted from the Fothergill Bournemouth that includes the Ribble Estuary, especially statistics. Thanet might even be the highly prosperous areas of Lytham, which mask the well- assimilated into it, as through Christchurch and property hot- known pockets of poverty trains and indeed coach services spot Sandbanks. in some of its central wards, from manufacturing districts and Morecambe continues to in the North and Midlands We might also consider a third struggle. brought substantial numbers of category of ‘smaller resorts visitors during the 1950s and with attractive harbours, fishing, It seems that the patterns are 60s. Going beyond our present boating and distinctive landscape based less on the fortunes of geographical remit, the North and heritage assets’. A list of the resorts’ surrounding regions Wales coast, Aberystwyth, top ten resorts in the Holiday than on the character, social Pwllheli and the Isle of Man Which? competition for the best composition and markets of would also fall into the same British seaside resort for 2006 individual places. The most category. suggests that this may be a ‘difficult’ category, indeed, might valid, and in some senses highly be defined as‘old provincial Another useful label might be successful, category. Whitby, popular resorts that historically ‘resorts that have developed to which we shall return, came had regional industrial visitor strong residential functions first; but its success was part catchments’. This would include as prosperous retirement of a wider renaissance of small most of the struggling east coast and commuter centres’, as British seaside resorts that were resorts north of Southend, opposed to the less prosperous perceived to have distinctive as well as Morecambe and the historic resort core of central Blackpool – which was, however, a holiday place for the whole of the North of England before the First World War and for most of Britain by the 1930s, though always deriving its dominant character from the old textile and mining centres of Lancashire and West

English seaside towns: past, present and future 18 character and atmosphere, and journey, if available, necessitated – essentially relieved of all to be the bearers of attractive, connecting with a rustic branch the associations of dullness, evocative traditions from the line. Wells-next-the-Sea, dampness, incompetence and history of the English seaside, Swanage and Portrush were not poor service that had plagued into the beginning of the new only ‘remote’, especially from a the British seaside in the late millennium. The other resorts London media perspective, but twentieth century, but were in the top ten were all small also had close connections with no longer seen as inevitable, as and presented some claim to steam railways, a particularly the predominant tone of media distinctive character: Wells- popular and evocative form of coverage began gradually to next-the-Sea in Norfolk, Frinton ‘heritage’ attraction in Britain. shift from mockery towards in Essex (with its reputation, A visit to Rothesay involved celebration, from denigration dating from its inter-war a short sea crossing – it had towards affection.22 heyday, for exclusivity, bowls a long history as a popular and lawn tennis), expensive destination for Glasgow area Nor was this kind of resort and equally exclusive Swanage holidaymakers travelling down confined to the top ten in this and Sidmouth in Dorset and the Clyde estuary, initially by competition, interesting though Devon, artistic St Ives (home paddle steamer.20 In these its outcomes were. Whitstable’s of the Tate Modern gallery, on cases the journey was a current high profile, for the site of the old gasworks) positive aspect of the overall example, is associated with in Cornwall, the little Welsh experience, even part of the similar characteristics; and resorts of Tenby and Abersoch, attraction, not least because it other seaside places with less Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in acted as a filter on the ‘wrong promising economic profiles, western Scotland, and Portrush sort’ of fellow holidaymakers or such as Hastings, are now in Northern Ireland. residents. making a virtue, and a selling point, of their more attractive Only Sidmouth, St Ives and Small resorts with ‘character’, eccentricities and idiosyncrasies. Swanage joined Whitby among and offering – in the ‘top five’ But Whitby is a particularly Britain’s ‘43 principal seaside cases at least – large numbers good example of a coastal towns’ as defined by Beatty and of beach huts, that fashionable town whose current reputation Fothergill, and they all featured accessory to holiday living at as a tourist destination is in among the six smallest, with the seaside in the early twenty- tension with its position in the census populations between first century, were clearly of economic and demographic 10,200 and 13,800.18 They the essence.21 A measure of league tables. It was consistently were all relatively difficult to eccentricity and the capacity at or near the bottom of all the access from major population for catering for niche markets economic and demographic centres. Even Frinton, easily also seemed to help. Above performance tables in the the nearest to London, tried all, what mattered was to be original Seaside Economy to discourage visitors with able to connect with a sense report of 2003 (although it is ‘alien values’ by suppressing of nostalgia for a secure, interesting that the subsequent attractions and activities rich and interesting past that ‘benchmarking’ study in the deemed ‘inappropriate’ and could be transmitted to a aftermath of the Report of the using its rail crossing as a kind new generation through the Select Committee on Coastal of unofficial frontier post.19 revival of an idealised family Towns, which updates the The others were far from the holiday in a ‘traditional’ and picture using statistics from nearest motorway, and any rail evocative seaside destination 1998/9 to 2005/6, shows

19 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 the town in a much more popular weekend destination article on a new hotel venture, positive comparative light). Its for seekers after distinctiveness again in the Observer, was full employment level increased by and ‘authenticity’. Its day- of praise not only for Whitby’s 16 per cent during those years, tripper markets from old ‘retro’ charm, but even for the putting it seventh among the industrial areas of North East mysterious mists associated chosen towns, while it was fifth England and West Yorkshire with its classic Yorkshire coast in the relative importance of the have been augmented by sea frets.25 classic tourist trade occupational touring coach parties and more categories in distribution, hotels distant affluent visitors, keeping Why focus on this case study and restaurants. It was also tourism buoyant through of a small northern coastal strong on gross value-added times that were harder in town? In the first place, it per capita, coming tenth, and it other resorts. Like all British reminds us that economic was making excellent progress seaside resorts, its visitors are and demographic indicators, in reducing its working age overwhelmingly domestic valuable as they are (and central claimant rates. It was pulled tourists, despite attempts to to government thinking), down by issues connected build an international public do not tell the whole story. with age structure, educational around associations with Regeneration is about jobs, attainment and housing Captain Cook.24 It won the enterprise and services, but amenities, but it finished in the Holiday Which? ‘Best Seaside it is also about reputation, top half of the survey when Resort’ title in 2006, when distinctiveness, attractiveness overall comparative deprivation newspaper publicity was and aura. Fothergill has noted levels were calculated. Even supportive, referring to the the existence of ‘competing so, it still featured in the town’s 550,000 visitors per perspectives’ on what matters Department of Trade and year, tourism employment in assessing performance and Industry’s list of ‘declining’ running at one in five of the proposing interventions: coastal towns in 2008, on the population, sandy beaches, basis that its employment rate quaint harbour, abbey ruins, • the socioeconomic was more than 3 per cent picturesque cliffs, fossils, jet indicators in which his below the figure for England as ornament manufacture, kippers, primary expertise lies; a whole, a measure that Steve folk festival, Goths (responding • the significance and Fothergill rightly described as to the Whitby setting of Bram promotion of tourism ‘one-dimensional’.23 Stoker’s Dracula), regatta, (despite the difficulty literary and historic associations. in assessing its role in an This apart, the recent evidence The Yorkshire Post emphasised economy, in the absence of confirms impressions that the town’s recovery from high reputable statistics); were already current in the unemployment rates in the • architecture and the built mid 1990s that Whitby was mid 1990s, with extensive new environment; turning a corner. But it should investment, especially around • the natural environment.26 also remind us that this kind the harbour. It went on to of evidence is only part of the come top of the Observer ‘50 Others, such as the ‘intangible story, presenting a warning best holidays’ list in 2007, and heritage’ of tradition and not to put too much trust in a year later it won an Enjoy association, might be added. It the quantitative and seemingly England Award as the best would be better, of course, if quantifiable. Whitby has town in England for a day out. these considerations were to enhanced its reputation as a At the beginning of 2009 an be regarded not as competing,

English seaside towns: past, present and future 20 towns and fishing communities. Other kinds of coastal town have their own histories, ambience and versions of authenticity. Blackpool, the world’s first ‘working-class seaside resort’, has its own unique heritage, both tangible and intangible, architectural and cultural, based on the surviving piers, theatres and pleasure but as complementary, to be redevelopment or commercial palaces from its explosive brought together in a holistic innovation, and the present late Victorian growth phase, set of policies that transcend state of the harbour area is itself its streets of Victorian and departmental and administrative the result of several decades of Edwardian holiday hotels and boundaries. This is what conflict and compromise. boarding houses, its inter-war we advocate, and why this modernist architectures of play Handbook covers so many The current popularity of and relaxation (including the dimensions of its subject. Whitby reflects the importance extensive developments of of a sense of uniqueness and the 1920s and especially the We should also recognise authenticity, of the atmospheric 1930s at the Pleasure Beach that Whitby is attractive for and memorable, and such and Winter Gardens), and of its history and associations, intangible assets are of the course its evolving tradition of informal as well as formal. utmost value to a resort. In this hedonistic popular enjoyment. These are expressed partly context it is also important that There is a credible basis here through a distinctive urban Whitby’s recovery has gone for a UNESCO World Heritage maritime environment on each forward without recourse to Site bid, provided that nothing side of the harbour, involving heavy-duty master-planning further of major significance is the survival of narrow cobbled or heavy-footed demolition lost. The streets of Victorian streets, eighteenth-century and redevelopment. It has boarding houses are a particular cottages and ‘yards’ set back benefited rather from external problem, as the economics of from the main streets and investment in greatly improved adaptation to new tastes and climbing the lower levels water quality on the beaches expectations with limited access of the cliffs. The ambience and in the harbour, and it to capital present daunting associated with this untidy has seen investment in new challenges.28 quaintness, which gives a sense accommodation and expanded of communing with an imagined marina facilities in the upper But there are similar splendid past that is accessible without harbour. Above all, it has survivals all along the coastline, detailed historical knowledge, is built on its existing assets and a growing number being marketable to a range of visiting reputation, and modernised adapted to contemporary publics, and generates a great its offer within an established needs and sustained as local deal of affection among repeat attractive framework, without landmarks, magnets and active visitors. This has been shown damaging its fragile core sites of regenerated memory, at various points since the early environment.27 as in the cases of Morecambe’s 1930s, whenever ‘Old Whitby’ These points, and options, do Midland Hotel, Bexhill’s De has been threatened by not apply only to old harbour

21 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 La Warr Pavilion and (now) Gardens, but each developed intense competition between Scarborough’s Spa complex. a different architectural style destinations, a fragmented How this is done, in what kind and a unique entertainment set of markets and the loss of of relationship between the tradition, again within a shared old certainties? This will be a public and the private, the third grammar of expectations. key question for regeneration sector and different tiers of Even Blackpool Tower was promoters. What will not government, is less important not a unique project, and its suffice is a proliferation of than that it is done, provided rival at New Brighton was off-the-peg shopping malls or that the places concerned actually built, to a greater residential developments that remain accessible. How do height, while the venture at could be anywhere. Getting to we bring new, contemporary Morecambe was nearly half the coast requires effort and life back to Hastings Pier, or finished.29 The proliferation of organization, and it needs to Morecambe’s long-neglected seaside swimming pools and be made worthwhile. There is Winter Gardens, or Margate’s lidos during the Edwardian no point in providing buildings threatened (and fiercely and inter-war periods, most and facilities that could be defended) Dreamland? And of which have now been lost, anywhere, except as parasites how do we reconcile the similarly encapsulated a sunny on interesting and distinctive needs and desires of an older vision of open-air pleasure and neighbours. Anna Minton’s generation of seaside visitors, freedom in a variety of detailed recent book reminds us of the and retired residents who may ways.30 The equivalent coastal perils of cloned developments, have come to the coast to investments of the early twenty- ‘blandscapes’, non-places, the escape change, with the need first century seem likely to be privatisation of space (especially to build new markets and cater art galleries, as pioneered by at the British seaside with its for the rising generation of the St Ives Tate, or maritime tradition of free access to the young residents who are now museums like the Falmouth shore), and what Jonathan in evidence in (for example) branch of the National Maritime Glancey calls ‘hard and Morecambe? Museum, or the various shiny playthings designed for displays of public art associated maximum profit’.31 The key is These were the iconic buildings with public realm regeneration to regenerate the democratic of earlier phases of coastal initiatives, as with the Glitterball excitement that made the tourism. What might their and subsequent installations seaside an exciting destination equivalents be for the early on Blackpool promenade, or for earlier generations. twenty-first century? The the Eric Morecambe statue, building types and styles did Tern project and Stone Jetty Many coastal towns can also not have to be unique to a installations at Morecambe. capitalise on other kinds of particular place to generate maritime building and spatial attachment in their habitual What can private enterprise organization, constructed users, at a time when it was provide to offer novelty for purposes other than the realistic to expect to build a and excitement, responding tourist but attractive to the regular, returning clientele from to seaside traditions and discerning (or even the less the same streets and factories. environments and making discerning) gaze of those who Every substantial resort had coastal towns worth visiting value evidence of age and its pier, and every pier had its for an arresting, distinctive identification with particular own idiosyncrasies within the but recognisably ‘seaside’ settings or functions, and who genre. Many resorts had Winter experience, at a point of seek to conjure up romantic

English seaside towns: past, present and future 22 pasts that may or may not be spaces, or in those of Bale promenade, using attractive historically specific in the mind as promoting ‘topophilia’, plain language that anticipated of the beholder. Harbours, that emotional attachment the subsequent coinages of dockyards and their surrounding to locations associated with ‘liminality’ (the shore as gateway ‘fishing communities’ or personal histories of pleasure and intermediate zone in which other maritime quarters, with and pain that can be identified the usual rules of property and commercial piers, lighthouses, with tourist sites as well as the propriety are suspended or at capstans, warehouses and sports stadia to which Bale’s least relaxed) and ‘topophilia’, perhaps distinctive kinds of arguments are applied.33 while treating nostalgia with old vessel – restored, rebuilt unworried indulgence:35 or replica – are all grist to this At least as important, however, mill.32 So are fortifications, gun are the less immediately “The indefinable character emplacements and other relics impressive but characteristic we think of at the mention of of the sea and the seaport and cumulatively defining the word seaside is nowhere as defended frontier; and so, buildings and artefacts that not more apparent than along more peacefully, are the houses only make up the backcloth the strip of no man’s land built for opulent inhabitants, to the iconic sights, but also between beach and buildings, summer visitors or those who generate the atmosphere and the promenade. The name speculated in renting to them. the sense of uniqueness that conjures up memories of set a place apart and generate walks along breezy cliff There is hardly a branch of emotional attachment to it. This tops; of evening concerts architecture that does not have theme is most obvious in the by brass bands, the fairy a distinctive seaside incarnation, older areas of ‘traditional’ fishing lights reflected in polished although in some cases it would harbours, with their small scale, buttons and instruments; of be hard to define precisely intricate detail, inviting rather bank holiday picnics on the what is ‘seaside’ about it than alienating and vulnerabe greensward ... of obstacle apart from the location: piers, to wholesale redevelopment golf and paddling pools... . promenades and aquaria are or piecemeal attrition.34 But It was the promenade which easier to attach to a distinctive it applies not only to the gave a town its particular ‘seaside’ branch of ‘heritage’ workaday elements of such character. Along it you would from this perspective than, for townscapes, as increasingly find that strange collection of example, residential buildings intertwined with their tourist objects ranging from cast-iron (even hotels or purpose-built elements, but also to the shelters to flagmasts which villas or boarding houses) or purpose-built holiday areas that together made up the seaside entertainment centres. This might at first sight be dominated image. Here, the massive is not just a matter of iconic by massive sea defences, functionalism of seawalls buildings that define key aspects concrete promenades, long combined with the frivolities of the identity of resorts, terraces of hotels and boarding of rustic fencing or fancy like the Brighton Pavilion or houses, and the substantial ironwork. Much of the detail Blackpool Tower or the De La pleasure architecture of piers, is ephemeral in character, Warr Pavilion at Bexhill. Such Winter Gardens and the like. even if it has lasted a century, signifiers of place identity and Kenneth Lindley, in a delightful and it has an appropriate myth are highly important in book, made this point very jollity. It is mainly composed constituting, in MacCannell’s well in the early 1970s, with of that strange mixture of terms, ‘sacralized’ sites or particular reference to the nautical functionalism and

23 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 the joyfully unrestrained reaching out to new or converted into something else, which is the key to the charm lost constituencies. So they or to regenerate themselves of urban seaside landscape”. cannot afford to change too completely according to the completely, even under currently favoured recipes. The nostalgic attributes here conditions where the That would of course leave associated with place identity old expectations of loyal, everywhere looking like at the seaside have moved on enduring regional markets everywhere else and destroy by a generation, but the point were shattered in the later the essential element of contrast stands. This commentary also twentieth century by the rise and distinctiveness.38 Many reinforces the importance of of new competitors (within of the most successful English the seafront as central to urban Britain as well as beyond it) coastal resorts have not run coastal identity, the need to and the fragmentation of a through all the imagined phases rescue it from decline and widely shared popular pleasure of the cycle, but have settled dilapidation and, where there culture into niches organised comfortably and successfully are problems, to focus sufficient around age, gender and specific as small and middling places regeneration effort in this entertainment preference as with renewable niche markets, signature area.36 well as class and (to some loyal regular visitors and retired extent) ethnicity. These smaller, residents, and attractive natural As Lindley also pointed out, more unpretentious elements and built environments. This again, the exact nature of of these coastal landscapes, is not to be disparaged: it is the details varied noticeably especially those that represent the fate of many of the smaller from place to place, as did the ‘heritage of the recent past’, resorts which have performed the atmosphere conveyed are particularly vulnerable to well both on the demographics by the mix of stalls, capstans, sweeping, ‘one-size-fits-all’ and in terms of recognition as wartime mines used to collect developments, as recently desirable destinations. Here as pennies for the lifeboat, net demonstrated at Scarborough’s elsewhere, regeneration needs stores, fortune-telling booths, North Bay.37 to be piecemeal, carefully ice-cream kiosks, promenade considered, sensitive and shelters and crab pots, some Regeneration of the built interdisciplinary. ubiquitous, some reserved environment and of spaces for particular kinds of place or of pleasure and relaxation, A corollary of this is that many particular places: a mix that residential as well as coastal problems are not shifted over time as items were recreational, thus has to new. Low wages, precarious lost or added or changed their tread carefully lest it treads small businesses, extended shape, form and position, but damagingly on people’s dreams. working hours, unemployment, all within a shared grammar of We need to resist the notion part-time work and seasonal memory and expectation. – which is propagated by economies (the last of which the enduring influence of the should be recognised as more This is a reminder that, in ‘tourism area life-cycle’ – that of an issue than the present order to survive, revive and British coastal towns have come statistics make it look) have prosper, established resorts to the end of the inexorable been staple problems of need to retain the loyalty of working out of the ‘product English coastal towns since their remaining established cycle’, are now overdeveloped the beginning of their tourism customers while recruiting and tired, and need either to be industries. They have also the next generation and abandoned to their fate, to be affected the older maritime

English seaside towns: past, present and future 24 industries, compounded by the development. This, together other ‘total institutions’ since difficulty of organising labour with a growing appreciation of the 1970s, has fuelled this to protect its interests and seaside architectural heritage, development: some seaside defend its working conditions. should remind those who streets have become dumping- Women’s work has been protected sites as barriers to grounds for those who were particularly exploited, not least development that, viewed previously in segregated, by small employers. positively, they are assets with controlled accommodation, tremendous potential. as well as for children and Schooling has always been adolescents ‘in care’. Alcohol problematic for those who It is tempting to argue that has always presented problems, fell outside the orbit of the novelty resides not so much in but the growth of new kinds private schools which made the issues as in their visibility: it of drug abuse has heightened their own contribution to the sometimes seems as if the most the impression of ‘inner city’ particularity of the more up- effective role of the Welfare problems exported to the market resorts, and attendance State has been to generate coast, helping to generate levels were disrupted statistics, although this does significant pockets of crime and throughout the twentieth not prevent some problems fear which, like other localised century by the demands and from remaining invisible to problems, tend to be lost in opportunities of summer work. those who do not want to broader averages. The distortions of the age take responsibility for them. pyramid, as retirement to the But there is no doubt that Here we see a downside of coast became attractive, were new and persistent challenges the idea of the coast as ‘liminal’ already becoming apparent in did emerge alongside the old space as mentioned above, a places like Budleigh Salterton, during the last third of the gateway between elements, Grange over Sands, Hove twentieth century. Houses experiences and life-cycles, and Hastings before the First in multiple occupation are a place where the usual World War, to be amplified and the heirs to the Victorian inhibitions and constraints can extended considerably in the common lodging house or be cast aside. tenement of one and two inter-war years and especially A key theme here, which is not 39 roomed dwellings; but their in the 1960s and 70s. peculiar to the coast but finds its Sewage pollution of beaches multiplication at the seaside, in areas that previously provided own expression there, is a loss and bathing water was already of the security and predictability a problem in many coastal holiday accommodation, has been disruptive and which matter a lot more to towns by the late nineteenth people than the ideologies century, and is perhaps closer sometimes catastrophic, as in Morecambe’s West End of choice, consumerism and to resolution than it has ever individualistic competition been, although other problems or parts of Margate or St Leonard’s. The transferability would have us believe. Until, of the coastal environment perhaps, the 1970s there remain more intractable.40 But of benefits has worsened this trend, which has filled the gap was a regular rhythm to play the identification of bird and as well as work. The holiday dolphin-watching, and walking in property revenues that arose from the decline of the old seasons were quite precisely coastal paths, as significant defined, based on Easter, income generators for coastal working-class holiday market. The advent of so-called ‘care Whitsuntide, and a summer that businesses and communities, largely coincided with school is a recent and promising in the community’, with the decline of the asylum and holidays, but was inflected by

25 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 the (established) traditional keeper, an entertainment local studies, conducted for industrial holidays that brought company or a local authority, differing purposes and using particular towns to particular and it has proved very contrasting methodologies. places in designated weeks. difficult to adjust to the new These and related points will These patterns fragmented unpredictability. Effective be developed in Chapter 8. with the collapse of the old regeneration policies will need A genuinely holistic approach industries and their holiday to take account of these frailties. to regeneration, working in schedules, which coincided They are not crippling, but a steady and measured way with the opening out of private they need to form part of the along a broad front, is capable transport and new holiday equation. of making a tremendous destinations, and shattered the positive difference. That said, security of recurrent visitors For the time being, too we do need to be aware of coming for predictable blocks of much of this analysis remains the richness and variety of time. Generational differences speculative. We still do not what coastal towns have to in leisure preferences also came have an adequate framework offer, and of the perspective to the fore, in step with the for analysing the complexities provided by a longer view of invention of the teenager and of coastal towns, and we the communities and practices the rapid expansion of seaside conspicuously lack a set of in question. retirement. It became much convincingly reliable tourism more difficult to plan ahead, statistics for any English coastal whether as a boarding house resort. We have a range of

Marketing cultural events to support cultural tourism and helping to diversify the economy through sector support:

One of Hastings’ strengths, (September), Hastings The events are heavily evidenced by visitor Seafood & Wine Festival promoted on the towns feedback, is its cultural (September) and Hastings websites including www. event programme, and the Week, including torchlight visit1066country.com, in Borough Council invests procession, bonfire and the area’s holiday guide, over £100,000 specifically fireworks (October). which emphasises the events to fund large events, which programme with stunning are generally focused on the These events can attract photography, and also in quieter, off-season, months. upwards of 20,000 visitors, journalists’ ‘fam trips,’ which This includes support for the and most fill the town visitor are specifically arranged to International Chess Congress accommodation to capacity. coincide with these events (December/January), Hastings The Hastings Seafood & Wine where possible. Half Marathon (March), Jack Festival received a Tourism in The Green Festival of South East award for tourism Marketing is aimed at Morris Dancing (May), Old excellence in 2008. promoting the image Town Carnival Week (August), of Hastings as a cultural Coastal Currents Arts Festival destination. The target

English seaside towns: past, present and future 26 market is those taking short Hastings Council has boosted enterprises in the town. The breaks. The town is now the town’s reputation for a local enterprise agency offers being seen as a unique ‘must destination for high quality a programme of support visit’ destination. Hastings has food, with restaurants, aimed at the independent had much positive national cafes, bakeries, butchers, retail, tourism and hospitality press coverage of late and was greengrocers, deli’s, fish sectors. Hastings also has recently among British Airways shops, and organic and ethnic a ‘Creative Media Centre’ High Life Travel Magazine’s 50 food shops, all contributing which opened in 2004- most authentic places on earth to the diversity of the offer 05, consisting of purpose- for visitors and residents. built serviced town centre Hastings Borough Council The Thursday Late & Live office accommodation and and partners are investing late night shopping initiative support services for creative in targeted sector support, which was set up by Borough industries. The new Sussex particularly towards the Council and partners to Coast College in Hastings will creative and cultural industries, boost the evening economy, have state-of-the-art catering such as art, design, film, retail, was awarded a national facilities, and an art gallery and tourism and hospitality. These Association of Town Centre design studio. will help ‘brand’ our town for Management prize in 2007. potential investors, residents, Small grants are offered to Contact: kboorman@ students and visitors. The assist the development of hastings.gov.uk Foodlocal project initiated by small and medium ‘cultural’

27 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Chapter 2 Coastal issues and the select committee inquiry into coastal towns by Patrick Browne There are three barriers to who filled our childhood with a call for ‘integrated solutions overcome when seeking to lollies and laughter, really has for coastal problems’;1 and the raise the profile of coastal some rather dodgy habits and Centre for Regional Economic town problems. The first is relationships. As with seaside and Social Research (CRESR) quantitative – that is to say, resorts, many would not want team at Sheffield Hallam whose national statistics have diluted to know. coastal economy research of coastal resort problems 2003 provided a framework for within large area analysis. The A spring tide of satisfaction, analysis. second is time and scale – therefore, greeted the news the economic decline of our in late 2005 that there was When Dr Phyllis Starkey MP, seaside resorts has not been going to be a Select Committee the chair of the then ODPM as dramatic, nor as political Inquiry (SCI) into coastal towns. Select Committee Inquiry or unionised, as the closures This was particularly satisfying into Coastal Towns , reported of coalfields, shipyards and for those coastal MPs, local their findings in February 2007 other historic manufacturing authorities and coastal networks to a spray-lashed room of sectors. who for many years had been coastal practitioners at the Spa articulating the need for national Complex in Scarborough, Max The third barrier, as has been action to address the growing Jaffa – the once long-serving vividly described, is emotive! socioeconomic problems bandleader at the venue – Our love of the coast and our of seaside resorts. Not least would have had little difficulty in attachment to the seaside often among these were: the MPs recruiting a Hallelujah! chorus. make it difficult for negative for Sefton and Blackpool South, messages to penetrate the Dr John Pugh and Gordon However, the jubilation was cut layers of national nautical Marsden; the LGA Coastal short when the government affection. It is rather like a Special Interest Group, whose dismissed the report and its reluctant family being told that On the Edge: The Coastal recommendations. a loud and favourite uncle, Strategy started the decade with

Coastal people, places and maps

There are around 3.5 million 6,250 miles of English coastline. authorities. Figures 2-1 and 2-2 people living in or near the The resorts are administered show England’s resorts and the 113 seaside resorts (population by 49 district councils, 14 coastal local authorities. >1,000) spread around the county councils and 23 unitary

29 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Figure 2-1 113 Coastal Resorts

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 30 Figure 2-2 Coastal Authorities

County and District Authorities Unitary Authority

31 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Why have a Select Committee Inquiry into coastal towns?

Following prolonged and for Communities and Local to a number of oral evidence concerted pressure from MPs Government, their Select sessions at Westminster. and others, the then Office Committee inquiries range This work has established a of the Deputy Prime Minister from local government finance, formidable body of evidence (ODPM) decided to hold an the central/local government on the circumstances of English SCI, with the brief ‘to examine power balance, through coastal towns in the first decade current government policy planning, housing and waste of the twenty-first century. affecting English coastal towns’. management; down to the provision of public toilets! The committee published Select Committees are its findings in March 2007, appointed by the House of During 2006, the coastal towns highlighting specific issues Commons to examine the inquiry called for evidence and and making the following expenditure, administration received 66 written submissions recommendations for and policy of government on coastal issues from local government action.2 departments and their authorities and coastal associated bodies. In the organisations, visited several case of the Department resorts, and invited experts

The SCI recommendations

• National policy.The • Tourism. It was government should have no lack of cross-departmental recommend that the knowledge of this situation. working on coastal towns is government should conduct • Diversification. Coastal disappointing. The an immediate study on towns need to diversify and government should coastal tourism, including the government should establish a permanent cross- evaluating the levels and encourage the sharing of departmental working group spend of domestic and best practice on economic on coastal towns. inbound visitors. diversification. • Vulnerable adults and • Benefit claimants. The • Seasonality. It was children. Placing government should surprising that the authorities should investigate the trend significance of seasonal work communicate in advance whereby coastal towns in coastal towns was not with host authorities, have experienced a recognised by the consider the impact of disproportionately high rise Department for Works and placements on the receiving in the number of people Pensions. This is suggestive communities, and take claiming sickness and of a wider lack of responsibility for the disability benefits. It was understanding in financial impacts of ‘unacceptable and government of the specific placements. extraordinary’ that the employment patterns

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 32 in many coastal towns. economic growth, The Select Committee also • Housing. Resort housing development and noted that there was no is often characterised by a regeneration in many coastal standard definition of coastal dual economy of high house towns. towns for policymakers prices and low-quality • Demographics. The or practitioners, and that private rental sectors. in-migration of older people government departments Coastal houses in multiple to coastal resorts can place and coastal organisations use occupation (HMOs) provide significant additional a variety of topographies to cheap, short-term demands on public services, define coastal settlements for accommodation that particularly health and social their purposes. This means contributes to the transience care. that it is extremely difficult to in many coastal towns. Local • Transient populations. compare national and local authorities should use the Coastal resorts experience a coastal resort research over powers available to higher than national average time, and between areas, if manage HMOs where they level of transience standardised definitions and contribute to social populations: inflows and datasets are not employed. This problems and costs. outflows of individuals and situation requires resolution if • Affordable housing. The families attracted by seasonal the reality of coastal resorts is shortage of affordable employment, cheap rental to be articulated and available housing can be exacerbated accommodation and/or the to inform national policy and by inward migration and the quality of resort life. This can programmes. purchase of second homes. have negative consequences • Climate change. The for education, public While the Select Committee government should put in services, regeneration used the broadest definition of place a fair and transparent initiatives and social coastal towns – settlements by national approach to coastal cohesion. the sea, excluding ports – in adaptation to enable local • Regeneration. The order not to restrict its scope, communities to plan their government should support this book is concerned with futures, be it behind a permanent network to coastal resorts, that is to say, enhanced defences or facilitate the spread of best seaside settlements that evolved planning for managed practice in coastal town as, and are still predominantly, retreat. regeneration. tourist destinations. • Sea defences and • Funding. The government regeneration. The should evaluate the impact Figure 2-3 colour codes the Department for of the termination of any 2007 Indices of Multiple Communities and Local funding streams on coastal Deprivation for England, which Government (DCLG) and town regeneration with a illustrates how deprivation the Environment Agency view to addressing any rings the country. The map (EA) should work together funding gaps. also shows that many northern to maximise the resorts service large urban areas regeneration potential of sea This long list of coastal-specific that also experience above- defences. issues will be expanded on average deprivation. If we were • Physical isolation. below, and elaborated on, from to roll up the English coast into Physical isolation is a various perspectives, in the its own region, the level of considerable barrier to following chapters. compressed deprivation would

33 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 qualify the area for substantial many of the dispersed pockets of their size and their location. European Union and national of coastal deprivation fail to regeneration funding. As it is, qualify for such support because

Figure 2-3 Multiple Deprivation 2007

More Deprived

Less Deprived

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 34 For example, the availability of cheap rental housing maintains a transient population that can be very disruptive in schools, where the turnover of pupils can reach 40 per cent during a year. Similarly, the ageing coastal population and the influx of summer visitors can make considerable demands on medical and The Select Committee’s settings, that require new social services, as indeed do recommendations came as no thinking and new approaches. higher teenage pregnancy surprise to coastal practitioners, levels, high numbers of benefit but some inlanders could argue All coastal resorts are affected claimants, and established that, with the exception of, say, because, while they may be coastal worklessness. The erosion, seasonality and elderly diverse by size, prosperity, additional demands placed on migrants, most of the issues access, popularity, culture coastal public services can be highlighted are experienced, to and prospects, they all share further compounded by the some degree, throughout the the consequences of the difficulty of recruiting public and country. This may be true, but ‘seasonality – low wage – cheap private sector professionals in it is the concentrated mixture housing – transience’ nexus that many coastal areas. Chapter 11 of rural and urban problems, distinguishes resort deprivation debates coastal health issues within peripheral, undynamic and places unrewarded costs while Chapter 12 describes economies and reduced and burdens on coastal local the ageing coastal population hinterlands, that combine to authorities and other public and the opportunities they create the unique deprivation of service providers. may create, while Chapter 11 our seaside resorts, and which debates coastal health. require unique solutions. The scale of resort deprivation can range in intensity from Location and transport links For example, resorts suffer being the dominant and often defy efforts to diversify from the rural problems of debilitating characteristics of resort economies, as do poor communications, isolation, many smaller resorts, such the lack of critical masses in poor access to services and as marginalised Mablethorpe, customers, skills and business jobs, lack of opportunity, to being almost submerged culture. In addition many coastal recruitment issues, and access beneath the cosmopolitan towns lack connections with to affordable housing. Added to vibrancy of Bournemouth the economies and dynamics these are the urban deprivation and Brighton, or the niche of major conurbations, except issues of transient populations, market prosperity of towns for visitors and retirees. Often poor housing, worklessness, such as Salcombe. It could be businesses that are attracted poor health, low educational argued that the socioeconomic to resorts move away because attainment, crime and lack of problems of coastal resorts of costs, distance, recruitment community engagement. It produce the conditions for issues and an undynamic is the consequences of this sustainable deprivation! business environment. cocktail of social and economic problems, often in attractive

35 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 The funding available for Poor education provision can aspirations, education and regeneration may not deter families from moving to skills. As in the case of many be conducive to resort coastal towns. national deprivation issues, development, in so far as these problems are magnified at coastal outputs are often Compounding the effects of the coast, where they may be dearer to achieve than in resort deprivation is the local less responsive to conventional larger urban areas, and this can authority funding formula regeneration stimulation. influence funders where set that does not cover the For this reason, coastal targets are their priority. Also, costs generated by transient regeneration and deprivation current thematic EU funding populations, looked-after require a national debate, assumptions, with the focus on children, mental health issues, particularly relating to economic innovation, R&D, technology homelessness, housing benefit growth, deprivation and and the environment, reduce dependence and worklessness; wellbeing. Chapter 6 outlines opportunities for support in while services such as waste the challenges of ‘enterprising resort areas where tourism- collection, street cleaning and the coast’. related employment fails to car parking need to be elastic qualify. in dealing with the volume of Deprivation is, therefore, a resort visitors. major challenge and burden The quality of coastal education for coastal local authorities, provision can be undermined There is also the national issue particularly district councils. by transient populations of regeneration and deprivation Overstretched service and low attainments can be timescales. As the coalfields, budgets can undermine another barrier that maintains and many other former efforts and the resources deprivation. The lack of further industrial areas have shown, available for community education in many resorts is with sufficient resources land engagement, developing also a disincentive to retaining can be developed and jobs attractions, stimulating business the young and talented, while relocated, but the impact on growth and engaging in the efforts to retain young people deprivation can be marginal costly uncertainty of inward can be expensive and time- and it may require years of investment promotion. consuming for limited success. effort to improve community

The government’s responses to the coastal towns report

The government’s first Destinations Association opportunity for the government response created outrage (BRADA), the formation of the to take a second look at the among coastal local authorities, Coastal Communities Alliance Select Committee report. This stakeholders and, not least, (CCA) and, indirectly, to this produced a more positive members of the Select publication. response and an acceptance Committee itself. This led of the distinctiveness of coastal to protesting MPs meeting The anger and the lobbying, town issues that embraced in Westminster, a powerful coupled with a change of Prime some of the recommendations, and effective missive from Minister and new departmental and led to: the British Resorts and ministers, provided the

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 36 • a governmental cross- socioeconomic research Chapter 5 reviews the actions department working group into the larger coastal of coastal LAs, organisations on coastal towns; resorts; and networks and their • the Regional Development • the creation of the first barriers and priorities in coastal Agency (RDA) Coastal Best coastal-specific regeneration regeneration. Practice Network; fund. • the commissioning of

Why did it all go wrong?

If the 1930s and 50s were the deserted winter. While heartlands have experienced the heyday of the coastal poverty and the poor must the greatest decline in their resort, then the 1970s and have existed, their details were economic fortunes, and have 80s witnessed the social not refined into Indices of developed some of the worst and economic changes that Multiple Deprivation – misery social problems. impacted on established resort was mostly your own and went structures and mores, as largely unrecorded. There is also something staying visitors declined, holiday poignant about local authorities, accommodation became cheap The 1960s were also the cusp among others, who are seeking housing, and urban-bred social of the modern era as more to grapple with the modern problems came to the seaside. money, more cars, more planes tide of coastal issues with often and more media meant more diminishong resources and The 1960s may have been the choice, a more liberal society, increasing expectations. The last last days of coastal community more mobility, more welfare 30 years have seen the range stability, and the last decade support and more individual of coastal problems broaden, of rail domination that fed freedoms. It also meant less presenting more complex the growth of resorts, when, collective community activity, and costly challenges to local paradoxically, seasonality fewer class barriers, fewer authorities and public service was more defined as the trains, fewer works outings providers. Table 2-1 lists the regimented summer season and fewer pre-booked mass coastal issues that underline ending in September and holidays. There is something the SCI recommendations and was followed by shutdown poignant in the fact that the which coastal regeneration as traders, landladies and mainly northern resorts that practitioners seek to address. residents hunkered down for serviced belching industrial

37 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Table 2-1

Coastal issues highlighted by the Select Committee Inquiry into Coastal Towns:

Coastal erosion and flooding Sea defences and regeneration Lower employment levels Higher sickness and disability benefits Affordable Housing, HMOs, caravans Placing vulnerable people in resorts Seasonality of the poor coastal economy Need for economic diversification In-migration of older people Out-migration of younger people Peripherality issues Transport connections Low educational attainment levels Poor health issues Enhancing the public realm Attracting investment Low skills and wage economy Public and private sector recruitment issues Business development Tourism support sector

The responsibility for impact of resort problems are with the new ‘place shaping’ addressing these disparate but experienced by local authorities agenda, which tasks local interconnected issues resides who are expected to provide authorities with leading on with numerous national, leadership and solutions for generating a collective vision for regional and local organisations, issues and forces that may the development of their areas. who are often focused be beyond their budgets and This is a formidable challenge exclusively on their core influence. This is often the that will require strong services and prescribed targets. burden of local democracy and leadership, realistic assessment Meanwhile, the collective one that is being reinforced of potentials, and significant

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 38 cultural shifts in partnership The challenges facing coastal Building on existing resort assets working. regenerators can be divided and demographies appears into three broad areas: a more realistic business To recreate the 1950s ‘golden development approach to age’ of the seaside resort • dealing with the social, improving the local economy would require the removal cultural and economic costs and the quality of the visitor or amelioration of a number of deprivation; offer, as later chapters of those social and economic • maximising the quality and demonstrate. Notwithstanding changes that have emerged income of existing resort the necessity to maximise over the past 50 years. If this assets; existing assets and the drive retrospection were possible, • diversifying the economic to diversify, there is perhaps would it be desirable? For what base of resorts. a greater need for a more purpose are we seeking to coordinated approach to regenerate our coastal resorts? Conventional wisdom regards addressing resort deprivation What forces are at work here economic growth as one of the as a route towards improving and what countervailing forces main weapons in addressing the wellbeing of coastal are available to support visions deprivation, and a great deal communities and reducing for coastal futures? What of European and national public sector costs. This in turn futures are available? Can regeneration resources are could raise local aspirations and coastal regeneration move from directed at business innovation, pride and inform new visions. reactive to proactive at a time skills development and when ‘diminishing resources’ productivity. Coastal resorts The next section reviews could be added to the menu however are generally not how coastal local authorities of woes? Chapter 4 reviews attractive to inward investment are currently seeking to deal coastal regeneration – past, and new sector developments. with the coastal forces that present and future. Conventional regeneration mould the social and economic wisdom is not working at the circumstances of resorts. seaside.

Coastal Forces

Seaside resorts are exposed and luring the young out resorts; to many interacting forces that while keeping staying visitors • forces of inertia – that can vary in intensity by location. away; maintain the status quo of These include: • economic forces – decline. maintaining seasonality, • physical forces – eroding polarising housing markets; What are the countervailing cliffs, sand dunes, • social forces – contributing forces for change to help infrastructure and to transience, low pay and regenerate our coastal investment; worklessness; resorts? Unfortunately the • human forces – bringing • cultural forces – defining the one outstandingly popular the elderly and transient in ‘personality’ and meaning of countervailing uberforce of

39 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 regeneration – money – is to deliver more with less, to deliver a clear, realistic and no longer as readily available despite the fact that many agreed local vision. Achieving as hitherto, and will become coastal resorts did not benefit the latter will be the first even scarcer in the coming economically during the ‘good regeneration challenge of years as what remains of public times’, raises the question as to the decade. Local leadership, resources are diverted to whether the menu of coastal harnessing the energy of reducing the national debt. issues has become too large the many regeneration and complex for the resources organisations and cultures that It is therefore ironic, just at a and structures available. exist to enhance aspects of our time when coastal issues are Chapter 15 lists potential friends coastal towns, can re-focus and commanding national attention, for austere times. energise resort regeneration. when local government is being given the task of articulating Much is also made of the While the economy may not local visions, and the national power of partnerships to deliver be buoyant, stronger local framework for regeneration greater outputs and outcomes leadership can facilitate the will enable flexibility in in regeneration. This concept maximising of resources and national programmes for will be tested as resources drive coastal renaissance local circumstances, that the shrink and the fragmented through liberating cooperation economy is static and public ‘industry’ that serves, or could and realistic visioning. spending and regeneration serve, coastal regeneration is resources are being reduced. culturally challenged to view Asking coastal practitioners the world differently and work

Impacts of four major coastal issues

• Tourism and business there are formidable barriers to family businesses, making quality tourism quality development, improvement initiatives costly. Tourism is the raison d’être of particularly the fragmented resorts – it is their history, but nature of the industry, with A further barrier is the lack of is it their future? The dominant large national companies at one high-quality, policy-oriented position of the low-wage extreme, some SMEs, and a tourism research. National tourism industry in most resorts vast volume of individual and information is required on maintains a lower standard of living for many coastal residents and undynamic economies that are unattractive to other business sectors.

There are many tourism quality initiatives under way and these will need to be maintained to increase the value of the tourism offer and raise the income of the sector. However,

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 40 the size, economic value, affordable accommodation for concerns about the number employment levels and seasonal employees and for the of ‘residents’ in an area, their importance of the tourism increasing number of people health and service needs, and industry in national coastal who are attracted to resorts the additional demands they resorts. Such intelligence could out-of-season. can make on public services inform policy and local actions. providers. As with many coastal issues, Matching efforts to developing housing problems vary by While there are a range of the existing resort sectors is the type and intensity by location. national initiatives on affordable need to attract new business Affordable housing is a major housing that could assist resorts, sectors that offer skilled concern in many resorts in the the financial and housing market and well-paid employment. South East and South West of situation is currently diluting Diversifying the local economy England. HMOs are a major activity. HMOs are a major in order to create quality issue in Blackpool, while the concern in coastal deprivation, year-round employment and Lincolnshire coast contains the and the reduction or the increase the vitality of the local largest number of holiday and upgrading of current cheap economy remains a priority for residential caravans in Europe rental accommodation could most resorts. dramatically change the levels Purchasing a caravan home of transience, the resulting costs • Affordable housing, HMOs can provide an attractive on public services, and the and caravans capital gain for people wishing quality of resort environments. to retire to the coast who In the case of caravans, there is The demand for retirement and sell an inland property, and a national need to understand second homes in many resorts high-quality caravan parks are their role in the housing raises the price of property proving popular with new market and also the needs and and reduces the availability of residential markets and for characteristics of coastal caravan houses to buy for low-paid their employment creation. residents. Chapter 11 reviews local people. This situation However, the sheer volume coastal health issues, including can force people into cheap of caravans in some east coast caravans. rental accommodation which areas, and the confusions also provides flexible and about residential status, raise

Blackpool HMOs: Improve or sell up To address housing market worth of work to make it fit regulation can ease the failure in Blackpool, the for occupancy, then they will problem and only radical council has embarked on a decide to sell it and move intervention will bring the selective licensing strategy, on so that we can then change needed. ‘We estimate which demands that HMOs intervene,’ says Ian Hassall, that there are around 13,000 meet higher standards. director of land and property surplus beds in Blackpool’s ‘What we hope is that if we at urban regeneration hotel industry, which are say to a landlord that your company ReBlackpool. all potential HMOs, so just property needs £50,000 Hassall says that more tinkering around the edges is

41 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 not going to work,’ he says. further development,’ Hassall residential units and 101 family ‘We need to be bold and says. homes. ‘We will aim for a that will involve demolition, similar impact,’ Hassall says. clearance and the creation of Hassall adds that these pilots ‘We will do this by taking out the family housing, gardens will build on an ongoing inappropriate housing supply and community facilities flagship project developed that is driving decline and necessary for a sustainable by Lancaster City Council replacing it with modern high- community.’ and English Partnerships to quality homes which will help fundamentally improve the to provide stability for the local Former national regeneration quality of the housing stock community and encourage agency English Partnerships in Morecambe’s West End, further investment.’ has allocated the council £35 which suffers similar problems million to begin the process to Blackpool in the form But Hassall acknowledges that, of tackling the problem, and of high concentrations of while radical housing market ReBlackpool is developing HMOs, benefit dependency, interventions are crucial, plans to create housing pilots high levels of transience and more will be required to solve in the north and south of the rising crime. One pilot, at Blackpool’s problems. ‘What town. ‘We will be creating Chatsworth Gardens, involves we need is a year-round neighbourhoods of the removing around 70 poor- sustainable economy. That has highest possible quality, with quality and inappropriate to be the goal.’ a balanced mix of tenure, and properties and replacing hope in that way to catalyse them by constructing 172

• Higher numbers of sickness of the East, North East and burden on health, social and and disability benefit parts of the North West of educational services. claimants England, the availability of cheap retirement homes and The inflow of summer visitors One irony about coastal caravans attracts retirees who (lost medication, sunburn!) resorts is that they began life often have health issues. Also, and hedonistic young binge as therapeutic venues for the the availability of cheap rental drinkers (lost youth, lost night!) upper and middle classes, but accommodation is attractive also can make extra demands now contain above-average to many benefit claimants, and on seasonally stretched coastal numbers of unhealthy people. these families and individuals health and other public services. In the poorer resort areas can place an additional

Barriers and priorities by practitioners

A survey of coastal local (a) their barriers to coastal effacingly, their particular and authority practitioners for this regeneration, (b) their priorities sharable coastal regeneration Handbook asked them to list for action, and (c) to state, self- specialisations.

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 42 enriched many of our towns and cities. However, the rising economic tide did not reach the majority of our coastal towns, and while there have been a number of notable regeneration projects in the larger resorts, deprivation has actually increased in many coastal areas.

Given this relative failure to The main barriers to coastal regeneration were almost induce market forces into our regeneration were considered exclusively concerned with seaside economies, and a to be, in order of seriousness: economic issues. These predicted future of low or no included diversification, economic growth, coupled with • the nature of the local inward investment, sector reduced public and individual economy; development, employment spending, what should be the • lack of investment in and skills, premises, business priority for coastal regeneration? infrastructure and transport development and start-ups, links; with isolated references to If the solution is not exclusively • the levels of deprivation; housing need, reducing benefit economic, should the emphasis • the lack of regeneration claimants, enhancing the public for coastal regenerators funding; realm, raising aspirations and be ‘quality of life’ and ‘local • the nature of the housing improving partnership working. distinctiveness’ issues, rather market; This is both understandable and than ‘standard of living’? Could • peripherality; a concern. It is understandable it even be that a focus on the • climate change. because national policy, quality of people’s lives and regeneration funding and the environment in coastal In the ‘other barriers’ section the strong desire for tangible communities (for example, were: an ageing population, outputs focuses effort almost reducing transience, improving local resistance to change, the exclusively on stimulating housing, reducing crime, image of the area, and a lack of economic activity. It is easier enhancing the public realm, community strength found in to audit breeze-blocks and improving health and lifestyles) industrial, mining and shipping NVQs than measure wellbeing, could actually lead to ‘social areas. security and local pride. On regeneration’ by attracting new the other hand, the emphasis residential groups and new While the barriers to on the ‘economic’ as the priorities to the area? Should regeneration were spread solution to coastal deprivation the economic totem of Gross across a range of issues – is a concern. Until the current Domestic Product be replaced the economy, deprivation, recession, the United Kingdom by Gross Domestic Happiness location, transport, housing had experienced almost for coastal resorts whose – practitioners’ priorities 15 years of unprecedented product is “pleasure”? for delivering coastal economic growth that had

43 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Enterprising the coast

This is not a cry to abandon He states: present green opportunities the economic challenge, “There are gaps in the for coastal areas, while seaside for there are products and market for seaside resorts entertainment is another services that coastal areas that embrace elderly potential area for enhancing could develop to maximise on people by actively seeking the offer of resorts, with the location and the existing to build communities their existing infrastructure demographics. One of the key that can deal with a for entertaining summer tests for resort regeneration, high level of elderly by visitors. The potential role of especially in the smaller providing services, seaside heritage and historical resorts, will be the ability to security and leisure that experiences in promoting generate niche markets based reinforce health, mobility distinctiveness and authenticity on demography, leisure, risk, and independent living. is also worthy of exploration. authenticity, history, culture, ... Local leaders who design and the environment. In understand the strengths Climate change and flood order to develop these niche and weaknesses of the risk provide regeneration market opportunities, strong local economy are vital opportunities, but first there local leadership, an enhanced if a vision of change is to must be a clear national environment and clear vision be communicated, and statement on which parts of are required. followed through”. the coast will be defended and where there will be managed The one market force that At the other end of the age retreat. Sea defences that appears to favour seaside towns range, there are business integrate with public realm and is the influx of the elderly and opportunities in a risk-averse regeneration projects could retirees. Professor Heinz Wolff, society for leisure, adventure have a powerful positive impact the former ‘TV scientist’, is a and sports facilities that have on coastal regeneration. In fact, passionate advocate of the use controlled risk elements. many areas claim that the lack of technology to improve the Seaside resorts and the coast of clarity on sea defences is health and independent living of could be natural bases for inhibiting investment in coastal an increasing elderly population. such new markets. Energy areas. generation and bio-fuels

Coastal realism and Gross Domestic Happiness.

The leadership of an area that Often, ‘brainstorming’ events people, need to be realistic promotes a realistic vision on the future of resorts, and about their aspirations and of what can be achieved other areas, for that matter, potentials. Much of this book is can inspire and harness the undermine the exercise, and about maximising the existing resources and goodwill of the confidence of partners and potential of resorts, raising other coastal organisations by the community, by debating local pride and enhancing local providing clarity and direction. unattainable goals. Places, like distinctiveness to improve the

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 44 quality of life for residents, where most resorts would be goal for our popular resorts be businesses and visitors. In a near the bottom of the Gross GDH? Happiness is what they world in which economic forces Domestic Product League, were made for! do not favour the coast, and should the realistic regeneration

Gross Domestic Happiness - New ways to measure coastal wellbeing? The notion of Gross environmental and social inevitable. So Bhutan had Domestic Happiness (GDH) damage. However, there to come up with a different was created by Bhutan’s King is growing pressure for an approach to development - Jigme Singye Wangchuck infusion of moral and cultural something that would monitor when he ascended the values into the existing and regulate the nature and throne in 1972. It signalled his economic growth model. pace of change without commitment to building an compromising the essence economy that would serve his In 1961 Bhutan opened of its citizens’ well-being. small mountainous Himalayan its doors to the world. GDH is not against change. It kingdom of 700,000 people The Bhutanese quickly proposes development that and retain Bhutan’s unique learnt that in the pursuit balances economic growth culture permeated by of economic prosperity, with the preservation of the Buddhist spiritual values. many countries had lost environment and religious and their cultural identities, their cultural heritage. The message GDH seeks to define spirituality, and compromised is that the country should not prosperity in more holistic their environment. From sacrifice elements important terms and to measure a Buddhist perspective the for people’s happiness to gain actual wellbeing rather than burst of consumer-driven material development. In consumption. By contrast economic growth and short, GDH takes into account the conventional concept consequently the explosion not just the flow of money but of Gross Domestic Product of affluence in industrialised also access to healthcare, free (GDP) measures only the sum nations had resulted in wide- time with family, conservation total of material production spread spiritual poverty. The of natural resources and other and exchange in any country. Bhutanese recognised that non-economic factors. At present most developed economic growth alone did countries plan their affairs not bring contentment. based upon a model of continous economic growth, However, the government, despite the evidence of also knew that change was

45 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Hastings - Attracting external capital and revenue funding: Hastings is active in local, significant EU funds available needs, such as: regional and EU partnerships for those who can develop consultation, research, to attract funds for coastal innovative and enterprising evaluation and data. regeneration, and has solutions to these. The • Making a good business been very successful in ‘Arc Manche’ cross channel case. this. Significant national and political network offers a • Effectively showing the European funds have been means of sharing expertise strategic fit. secured for urban and social on coastal regeneration on • Providing good evidence of and cultural regeneration; and a cross-channel basis: www. previous experience. for sustainable development arcmanche.com • Successful interpretation of initiatives. Partnerships are key the aims and requirements not only to unlocking funding, It is felt that the following ways of the funding body. but also to transferring of working have assisted the • Effective management of expertise, and the Interreg Borough Council’s success in consultants or contractors IVA programme now offers securing external funding: involved. the opportunity to do this • Researching what has with partners from both • Effective partnership successfully been funded sides of the entire Channel working. elsewhere. Coast. Increasingly the • Realistic assessment, impacts of climate change understanding and Contact: dmorrison@ will offer both challenges communication of needs. hastings.gov.uk and opportunities for coastal • Using good background communities, and there are information to evidence

Coastal issues and the select comittee inquiry into coastal towns 46 Chapter 3 Regeneration players and coastal networks by Patrick Browne Nobody is solely responsible However, a recent review regenerationmay be a new for coastal regeneration of the 25 years of coalfield start, particularly on the coast, – a nebulous and all- regeneration activity claimed where the deprivation needs embracing term that means success for developing industrial may be greater than the different things to different land and creating some economic opportunity. organisations at different employment opportunities, but times. The responsibility for the communities have not being Notwithstanding the ambiguity coastal regeneration is chiefly regenerated and deprivation about the term ‘regeneration’ borne by local government was still depressingly high. and given the problems of as the democratically elected (Regenerating the English coastal resorts and the emotive upholder of the common Coalfields. 2010.Author: energy that the coastline good for their area. However, National Audit Office. ) The generates, it should be no there are scores of other coast, too, reflects this situation surprise to learn that there are organisations that contribute where – despite years of many national, regional and directly and indirectly to some national growth – deprivation local departments, authorities, aspect of coastal regeneration remains stubbornly unchanged. organisations, networks, and for a variety of reasons. partnerships and acronyms The term needs unpacking involved in some aspect of our This chapter reviews the from being an all-embracing coastal resort inheritance. coastal regeneration ‘industry’ palliative for complex social by outlining the roles of local and economic issues and The latest members of government, regional bodies there is national confusion the acronym club are the and departments of state, as to whether regeneration XDWGCT and the RDA before listing some of the many resources should be focused Coastal Network, who join the interest groups concerned upon economic opportunity LGA Coastal SIG, the CCA, with coastal issues and whose or community need. Prior BRADA, BURA, CoastNet, enthusiasms and resources to the current recession IDeA and CABE, among many could be further harnessed much of national policy was others, whose status, influence to enhance coastal wellbeing beginning to focus upon and objectives can confuse even and ‘regeneration’. But first a worklessness and its causes, seasoned coastal practitioners. concern about “regeneration” an important coastal resort Some of the activities of these issue, but circumstances have bodies are listed below and in Before outlining the players diverted attention and reducing Chapter 15. there are issues about the resources to supporting regeneration concept that are existing financial institutions, Harnessing the skills, interests particularly relevant to coastal businesses and maintaining and resources of these resorts. Firstly, the objectives employment. While breeze- organisations remains a and outcomes of regeneration block regeneration can be challenge for “place shaping” activity can be difficult to quickly achieved , the building local authorities. assess. For many practitioners blocks that change community and funding organisations, values, aspirations and spirits We start our review of regeneration is exclusively may not be achievable with the coastal players down on the about economic growth, with same regeneration ‘package’. promenade, where buffeted the expectation that success Decoupling ‘economic growth’ local authorities seeks to will address deprivation issues. regeneration from deprivation contain the tide of coastal

Regeneration players and coastal networks 48 issues. We then move inland to and funding streams, before policymaking and perceived the regional foothills of strategy heading for the capital hill of coastal detachment.

The local government hotchpotch

There are 45 district councils, members, and the political cycle new structures and stimulating 14 county and 23 unitary that can promote expediency new coastal leaderships and councils who are responsible over a long-term vision? visions. for the local government administration of the 113 Do servicing the unitary Structures apart, the coastal resorts around the needs of large areas, such as effectiveness of coastal English coast (see Figure 2-1 Cornwall and Northumberland, regeneration by LAs will be and 2-2 on page 30 and 31). present different regeneration influenced by the financial and The district councils share challenges from servicing staff resources available, by service delivery responsibilities compact coastal urban areas, the quality of local leadership with their overlaying tier such as Bournemouth, and management that attracts of county councils, while Blackpool, Hartlepool or national and regional support the unitary authorities are Torbay? Suffice to say that, and galvanises established, responsible for all local as with many coastal issues, and hitherto marginal, government services in their there is a lack of information partners into delivery agreed areas. Unitary Authorities by which to evaluate the most objectives. Understanding can range in size from large, cost-effective, relevant and the processes that lead to historic and predominantly rural community-engaging structure effective local delivery is one counties to high-density, urban for coastal regeneration. of the main objectives of this coastal settlements. What do However, the new powers book and is the subject of a such structures and geographies of local authorities for ‘place CCA website debate. Your mean for coastal regeneration? shaping’, for producing local views are welcomed on www. What can a front-line district economic assessments, and coastalcommunities.co.uk. council expect to influence the ability to form Local Area Below is an excellent return and achieve for its coastal Agreements (LAAs) and, from North Somerset Council resorts when faced with limited probably more relevant for in response to the CCA financial and staff resources, resorts, coastal-hugging Multi questionnaire. Please feel the competing demands Area Agreements (MAAs), free to provide answers to the from traditional inland rural provide the opportunity for questions posed and contribute communities, the priorities of informing the debate, testing to the debate.

The CCA Coastal Regeneration Questionnaire – Sample Response

Name: North Somerset Council, Unitary Council: Population 204,700 (Census 2001). Coastal resorts in your area, and their populations: Weston-super-Mare – 71,759, Clevedon –21,957, Portishead – 17,130.

49 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Do you think that coastal issues merit special attention in regeneration plans? There are characteristics within coastal towns that require a different approach. These include: • Sea and coastal defence & enhancement programmes • Climate change & rising sea levels • Perceived remoteness – ‘end of the line’ perception of potential investors and economic development • Public realm projects • Seasonality • Transient populations • Age profiles of populations • Specific health and housing issues • Cultural • Identity, profile and public perception

Do you have an explicit coastal regeneration plan/strategy? No specific coastal plan or strategy but there are a number of ongoing areas of work relating to the coastal regions of the district • Business website with distinct identity • Sea front flood defences and enhancement work • Weston Area Action Plans • Civic Pride • ‘Sea Change’ project to promote the seafront and parks • Port Marine, Portishead If the Severn Barrage goes ahead then this will have huge implications for North Somerset district and coastal areas in particular across a range of issues. Two of the short listed options are – • Middle Barrage from Brean Down to Lavernock Point – known as the Cardiff – Weston barrage • Bridgwater Bay lagoon – on the English shore between Weston-super-Mare and east of Hinkley Point

What are the barriers to coastal regeneration in your area? • Lack of resources and funding • North Somerset district is mostly prosperous which masks pockets of high deprivation including the two most deprived wards in the district, located in Weston-super-Mare. There have been no Neighbourhood Renewal or Working Neighbourhood Fund allocations in the area, apart from a small SSCF neighbourhood management programme in one of Weston’s most deprived wards (ends March 2010). • Low wages compared to high house prices • Traditional employers in the area that employed high percentage of local people (aviation and shoe making) now gone • Intergenerational worklessness

Regeneration players and coastal networks 50 • High unemployment and levels of incapacity and other benefit claimants • Area is seen as dormitory area to Bristol with high % of residents commuting to work there • Transport infrastructure including lack of capacity at Junction 21, M5 motorway • Rail connections in Weston-super-Mare are on a loop line and off main London – Bristol – Exeter – Penzance route. No stations at Clevedon or Portishead. Campaign running to re-open Portishead – Bristol line as infrastructure still in place • High levels of HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) • High levels of mental health and drug/alcohol dependency • The number of people sent to area from other areas to undertake drug rehabilitation treatment (Weston-super-Mare has 11% of drug rehab places in UK) • High transient population • Seasonal nature of tourism related employment

Weston super Mare As with many Victorian coastal towns, Weston Super Mare has issues around people on benefits and drug/ alcohol rehabilitation. This has built up over many years due to a number of factors including location by the sea, access from around the country and a large supply of Victorian buildings suitable for conversion to smaller units. Other towns and cities have preferred to send their rehabilitees on rather than dealing with them locally. Also large job losses in manufacturing during the 1990s has led to high levels of low-skilled unemployed people and benefits claimants in the town. A number of actions have been and are being taken to reduce impact of the issues, these have included: use of Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) to improve older buildings which have resulted in some being converted from bed-sits to more modern apartments; Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) used to address health and safety issues in HMOs as well as conversion of bed-sits into affordable housing units; targeted action at drug dealers and closing down of rehabilitation centres not meeting assessment requirements. A Ready4work programme provides re-training and re-skilling for long term unemployed in the Weston and surrounding areas. Neighbourhood Management in South Ward has made a major step change in terms of community engagement and empowerment to ensure local residents have more say and influence over decisions taken in the area and service delivery.

General There are signs that key sites in the coastal towns will be redeveloped soon - early discussion with developers is encouraging. Ensuring the retail and service industries are fit for purpose alongside increased town centre residential development is essential. Each of our three coastal towns is different and one challenge is to maintain that local and cultural distinctiveness.

What are your priorities in coastal regeneration? • Economic development and attracting investment – attracting high quality new businesses to the area (private and public)

51 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 • Employment led planning policies relating to new housing developments • Employment - tackling worklessness and getting people off benefit (programmes include Ready4Work and bid submitted for Future Jobs Fund) • Health – reducing inequalities in areas of deprivation in coastal communities • Education – supporting local primary and secondary schools to be able to raise the aspirations of children and young people • Perception and identity – raising and changing profile of coastal areas being a good place to live and work • Visitor economy & visitor experience e.g. short break themed holidays attracting wider range of visitors, ‘a Taste of North Somerset’ local food promotion • Visitor attractions that are open all year round – thus providing permanent employment rather than seasonal

Have you developed expertise in addressing specific coastal resort problems? • Sea front flood defence and enhancement works • Work of drug action teams • Partnership working to tackle issues including housing, anti-social behaviour, tourism

Can you provide details of regeneration successes and good practice in your area? • Attracting funding from CABE Sea Change fund – successful bid for Weston-super-Mare • Regional Development Agency funding for Civic Pride, public realm improvements in Weston super Mare • Knightstone Island, Weston-super-Mare • Port Marine, Portishead • Portishead public art programme (www.publicartportishead.co.uk) • Clevedon Pier (Grade I listed) • Sea front enhancement programme, Weston-super-Mare including rebuilding of pavilion (in private ownership) on Grand Pier (Grade II listed), following fire in 2008 • T4 On The Beach event now in 4th year at Weston-super-Mare – this Channel 4 event has increased the profile of the area and attracted in young people from across UK. Council has worked very hard to hold onto event, against stiff competition from other resorts • South Ward Neighbourhood Management Programme

Can you provide details of enterprising coastal businesses in your area? • Cove Restaurant in Weston has secured a place in the Which Good Food Guide and has been awarded an AA Rosette only 18 months after opening, and achieved good coverage in national newspapers. www.the-cove.co.uk • Clevedon Pier Trust http://www.clevedonpier.com/history2.htm • Portishead Pool Community Trust http://www.portisheadopenairpool.org.uk/

Contact: Marian Barber, Head of Economy and Regeneration. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01934 42 6670

Regeneration players and coastal networks 52 intense competition from urban areas, and the relatively undynamic nature of many resort economies – coupled with higher-output, inland urban claims – can make coastal areas less attractive for funding streams that support opportunity over need. Strong coastal leadership, direction and creativity is required to Government Offices and RDAs compete and to relate local visions to regional objectives. Moving inland, Government Regional development Agencies Offices (GOs) and the Regional (RDAs). England’s nine RDAs At the national level, all Development Agencies (RDAs), were established in 1999 government departments with their influence over large to bring a regional focus to impact on coastal resorts to amounts of European Union economic development. As varying degrees, as indeed they and national regeneration with GOs, RDAs work in do in all areas, in delivering funding and their connections partnership with public, private substantial programmes of with government departments, and voluntary organisations to public service and maintaining are clearly important partners deliver their strategic objectives. employment. However, for LAs in securing project Among coastal projects that as previousely stated, it is funding, promoting coastal RDAs have been involved in the interlocking issues of issues, supporting project are: low educational attainment, delivery and addressing poor health, lack of business deprivation. • developing coastal development, growing strategies; worklessness and increasing A sample of coastal activities by • promoting renewable incapacity benefit claimants GOs include: energy research; that contribute to coastal • supporting tourism deprivation, and that merit • coastal studies of flood risk; research; government policy reviews on • supporting LSPs and LAAs; • developing resort action service delivery. • processing projects for the plans; SeaChange initiative; • supporting heritage • addressing coastal housing initiatives. issues; • facilitating a Seaside Violent A fuller review of GOs and Crime conference; RDAs’ coastal regeneration • supporting delivery vehicles, activities appear in Chapter 15. such as the Blackpool Task Force, and promoting the However, given the Flyde coast MAA. economic-growth emphasis of regional players, the

53 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 The XDWGCTs and the RDA Coastal Network

The Select Committee Inquiry Despite the determination resorts. However, the scale (oft cited!), in recognising of the people involved in the of the financial crisis resulted the lack of coastal awareness XDWGCT and the Regional in government departments among some government Development Agency Coastal having to divert attention departments, recommended Network, both have met some and resources to dealing the establishment of a Cross- resistance from government with the failings of the Departmental Working Group departments in supporting their banking system, supporting on Coastal Towns (XDWGCT). work, often on the basis that industry and responding to Because of the undynamic the government departments’ rising unemployment. nature of resort economies, role is about policy, while the they also proposed the setting- delivery and impact of their • Meanwhile, the RDAs were up of an RDA Coastal Network national programmes are the having their funds diverted to disseminate best practice on responsibilities of regional and into housing and their business diversification, skills local delivery agencies. The powers and morale and employment creation. fact that many coastal resorts undermined by structural These groups are reviewed over-consume some public reviews. Even the highly below. programmes (e.g. incapacity valued and well-received benefits and health services), new funding stream, Established in 2007, the while other programmes SeaChange, has felt the XDWGCT is intended to have limited impact in machete of public cuts! provide a mechanism for the some resorts (e.g. business exchanging of information services, education and skills Despite the existence of about coastal settlements development), requires further the XDWGCT and the between all departments of analysis and a national policy RDA Coastal Network, state. A small team at the response. the CCA considers there Department for Communities is a need for a nationally and Local Government Unfortunetly, the global resourced and independent (DCLG) administers the recession has influenced the Coastal Intelligence Unit to working group, who have development of these national support coastal regeneration already delivered a valuable coastal bodies, in two negative practitioners by articulating service in commissioning two ways. the social and economic pieces of research into the circumstances and needs of socioeconomic circumstances • First, before the global coastal resorts, supporting of the largest coastal resorts financial disaster, and topic groups, highlighting good in England. The working following a long period practice and informing and group have also invited a of rising national lobbying for policy reforms. range of coastal and regional employment and stakeholders to present at economic growth, there their meetings, including the was evolving a concerted CCA, Brada and the Coastal national programme focused SIG. They have also provided on addressing worklessness, financial support for the which is a substantial and production of this handbook. growing problem in coastal

Regeneration players and coastal networks 54 Coastal interest groups

This section provides brief coastal resorts and coastline. Local Government Association pen-pictures of a range of Fuller details of some of Coastal Special Interest Group membership and subscription these organisations appear whose support has contributed organisations concerned in Chapter 15, ‘In their own to the production of this with some aspect of our words’. We start with the publication.

The LGA Coastal Special Interest Group (SIG)

Its Mission changes which take Its work responsibility and The Local Government decision making powers Coastal Policy – the SIG’s Association’s (LGA) Special out of the hands of ‘On the Edge’ strategy Interest Group (SIG) on democratic leaders. (2001) drew attention to the Coastal Issues champions challenges and threats to the coastal issues and represents Its membership coast, particularly in light of the collective interests of all climate change as well as the maritime local authorities. It Currently chaired by potential impacts of both on seeks to increase awareness Councillor Roger Thomas and off-shore development. and debate at a national (East Sussex County Council), and European level of the SIG comprises elected The SIG’s accompanying environmental, economic and members and officers from action plan seeks to influence social issues and concerns that maritime local authorities emerging policy and legislation directly affect or which may throughout England. This notably the raft of new so affect coastal, estuarine and blends the experience, skills Government policies aimed at maritime interests by: and expertise of practitioners modernising and streamlining with the influence, leadership the management of the coast (a) bringing pressure on the and direction of decision- and our inshore waters. Two Government to achieve makers. By way of its broad key pieces of legislation are a step change in the level geographical representation, currently being developed; of funding to overcome the group has extensive the Marine and Coastal Access present and future experience of a wide range of Bill and the Flood and Water problems; coastal and estuarine related Management Bill. The SIG (b) use every opportunity to fields and disciplines. The provides comprehensive secure full involvement of group can call on ecologists, responses to these and other local Government at all flood defence engineers, key consultations with the aim levels of policy formulation coastal planners and economic of: concerning the coast; development practitioners. (c) strongly oppose any • raising the profile of Local

55 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Authorities within key the SIG comprises councils the SIG has contributed to the policy areas; specialising in managing development of the Coastal • commissioning surveys and beaches and foreshores, Communities Alliance’s studies to raise awareness it collates and shares best Regeneration Handbook of policy implications for practice through e.g. a Bathing together with support for Local Government; Water Directive Conference the All Party Parliamentary • ensuring full democratic and information pack. Group Coastal and Marine accountability and the Inquiry into deprivation and allocation of adequate Research – it continues to disadvantage in coastal rural resources for their support and commission a areas. Its particular areas implementation. comprehensive research of interest include fisheries, programme highlighting offshore renewables (e.g. Coastal Risk – the SIG challenges to the coast windfarms) and dredging commissions studies and and sustainable coastal alongside wider economic publishes reports to help management, a list of which is regeneration. In continuing inform coastal management, highlighted on its website. this theme, the SIG’s 2009 e.g. “Managing Coastal Conference in June was Risks” Study, LGA Coastal Partnerships – it has focused on the coastal towns Risks Pack and publication representation on Defra of east Kent. of a comprehensive report committees and the into Shipping Incidents Environment Agency Looking forward the SIG will and implications for Local led Coastal Forum and work closely with partners Government. works closely with Coastal such as the CCA that share its Lobbying – the SIG Partnerships and Regional vision for a vibrant, dynamic, has developed close Flood Defence Committees. sustainable, democratic, working relationships with The SIG continues to thriving and natural coast. Government Ministers work with all agencies to and MPs (its champion in represent the position of Local Key SIG contacts: the House of Commons Government. is Norman Lamb MP for Secretary: Kate Cole (kate. North Norfolk) together with Finance – in response to the [email protected]) challenging current financial statutory organisations such Phone: 01273 481621 climate it published a report as the Environment Agency East Sussex on the financial benefits to Address: and agencies such as the Local County Council, Transport & Government Information working in partnership at the Environment, County Hall, St Unit. coast, with Defra and the Coastal Partnerships Working Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Regulation – local authorities Group. Sussex BN7 1UE play a leading role in managing the coast (e.g. planning and Regeneration – as well Economic Development licensing, coast protection as contributing to the and Regeneration issues: and beach management). As Government’s Coastal Inquiry Nick Churchill (nicholas.

Regeneration players and coastal networks 56 [email protected]) See www.coastalsig.lga. Phone: 01227 862052 gov.uk for its strategy, work Address: Canterbury City programme, current activities Council, Military Road, and membership Canterbury, Kent CT1 3YW

• Coastal Communities operates as a trade association • British Urban Regeneration Alliance (CCA) representing the wider interest Association (BURA) of local authority sponsored The CCA is a UK-wide tourism. Membership includes This is a membership umbrella network that focuses local government authorities, organisation championing on the socioeconomic and regional and local tourist physical regeneration. Its regeneration issues of all coastal boards, and commercial membership is formed from the communities, not just seaside organisations that are suppliers private, public and community resorts. of services either to the public sectors. BURA’s core areas of or to the industry itself. The businesses are: Membership of the CCA association does not promote is open to all coastal local the interests of major built • leading the policy debate, authorities and to all public and coastal resorts exclusively; many influencing and shaping private sector organisations are major rural destinations. future policy; engaged with coastal The common link between • training regeneration communities (including BRADA, all members is an ingrained practitioners; BURA and the Coastal SIG). tradition of hosting visitors • identifying and promoting – and therefore a tendency excellence in regeneration; The CCA operates as a towards a much higher • providing a knowledge, brokerage organisation that local social and economic evidence and research base; serves to connect up the dependency on a vibrant • building national and activities of partners (specifically tourism industry. international networks of Coastal SIG, BRADA and practitioners. BURA) and to articulate the Originally set up and run as a issues, lobby for change and lobbying and advisory body, Membership is by subscription. promote solutions for coastal since its reorganisation in 1993 The website is www.bura.org. problems. the association has expanded uk. its offer to include a wide range Membership is free. of services. These vary from • CoastNET The website is www. national advertising campaigns, coastalcommunities.co.uk. through PR and press initiatives, CoastNET was established to employee benefits, such as in 1995 and has evolved to • British Resorts and low-cost travel insurance. provide a multidisciplinary Destination Association network for the exchange (BRADA) Membership is by subscription. of information, ideas and The website is www. expertise in the sustainable This is a national body that britishresorts.co.uk. management of the coastal

57 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 and marine environment. In The website is www.idea.gov. • Marine Conservation Society 1997, CoastNET became the uk. (MCS) UK branch of EUROCOAST, a pan-European network that • Wildlife Trusts This is a UK charity dedicated stretches from the Atlantic to to caring for our seas, shores the Baltic. Current members There are 47 local Wildlife and wildlife. MCS campaigns include coastal industries, Trusts across the whole of for clean seas and beaches, policymakers, marine the UK, the Isle of Man and sustainable fisheries, and consultants, local authority staff, Alderney, with 765,000 protection for all marine life. researchers from universities members. Collectively, they Through education, community and colleges, and non- are the largest UK voluntary involvement and collaboration, governmental organisations organisation dedicated to MCS raises awareness of the (NGOs). CoastNet is also conserving the full range of many threats that face our the secretariat of the All Party the UK’s habitats and species, seas, and promotes individual, Parliamentary Group of coastal whether they be in the industry and government MPs. countryside, in cities or at sea. action to protect the marine Membership is by subscription. Objectives are: environment. The website is www.coastnet. org.uk. • to stand up for wildlife and The website is www.mcsuk. the environment; org. • Improvement and • to create and enhance Development Agency (IDeA) wildlife havens; • Standing Conference • to inspire people about the on Problems Affecting the IDeA is owned by the Local natural world; Coastline (SCOPAC) Government Association and • to foster sustainable living. works for local government The website is www SCOPAC works to promote improvement so councils can wildlifetrust.org.uk. sustainable shoreline serve people and places better. management, and to facilitate • Royal Society for the the duties and responsibilities Working with national, Protection of Birds (RSPB) of local authorities and other regional and local partners, the organisations managing the agency helps councils work The RSPB is an environmental coastal zone of central southern through local partnerships charity specialising in birds England. SCOPAC’s aims are: to tackle local priorities such and biodiversity, working for a as health, children’s services better world for birds, other • to give sound advice on and promoting economic wildlife and people. It gives coastal issues; prosperity. The agency nature a louder voice. The • to be a strong influencer advises councils on improving RSPB have more than 200 in optimising strategic and customer service and value-for- nature reserves, covering more sustainable policies, plans money. IDeA also promotes than 130,000 hectares (500 and programmes to best the development of local square miles). manage the risks from government’s workforce. IDeA coastal risk management; has financially supported the The website is www.rspb.org. • to be a natural and chosen production of this Handbook. uk. forum for coastal practitioners to discuss

Regeneration players and coastal networks 58 coastal defence problems grown steadily and has become attempts to lead the way in the and share best practice; well established as the leading creation of places that work • to be efficient in operation authority on piers. Through now and in the future. The and provide best value for its efforts, several piers that RTPI’s work involves: the public purse. would otherwise have vanished remain for the enjoyment of • promoting good planning; The website is www.scopac. everyone. • developing and shaping org.uk. policy affecting the built The society’s aims are to environment; • UK Beach Management promote and sustain interest in • raising the standards of the Forum (UKBMF) the preservation and continued planning profession; enjoyment of seaside piers. It • supporting members UKBMF was formed in 2004 publishes Guide to British Piers through continued to bring together under one and a quarterly magazine, and professional development; umbrella a forum that enables advises heritage bodies, lottery • education and training for all beach operators to share boards, local authorities and future planners. best practices, to ensure that the media on pier matters. Membership is by subscription. our beaches (resorts/rural) It maintains links with the The website is www.rtpi.org. are presented at the highest British Association of Leisure uk. standards. There are two key Parks, Piers and Attractions objectives: (representing pier owners) • to raise the standard of UK and the Paddle Steamer • UK Climate Impacts beaches by sharing best Preservation Society, whose Programme (UKCIP) practice and ensuring ships operate excursions from dialogue between beach pier landing stages. The society UKCIP helps organisations managers; has instituted an award scheme to adapt to inevitable climate • to represent the interests for engineering achievement change. While it is essential of UK beaches by providing in pier restoration. It organises to reduce future greenhouse a united and cohesive voice visits and talks and holds its gas emissions, the effects of to promote the annual general meeting in a past emissions will continue management, quality and different resort each year. In to be felt for decades. Since sustainability of beaches and the longer term, the society 1997 UKCIP has been working the coastline. wishes to establish a network with the public, private and of regional branches and a voluntary sectors to assess how The website is www.ukbeach. National Piers Museum. a changing climate will affect org. construction, working practices, Membership is by subscription. demand for goods and services, • National Piers Society The website is www.piers.org. biodiversity, service delivery, uk. health, and more. The National Piers Society was founded in 1979 under Sir • Royal Town Planners The website is www.ukcip.org. John Betjeman, at a time when Institute (RTPI) some of the finest piers were • Coastal & Marine Union threatened with demolition. The Royal Town Planning (EUCC) Over the years the society has Institute is an organisation that

59 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 The Coastal & Marine Union community and practitioners. that strives to promote and (European Union for Coastal The main objectives are to progress civil engineering. Conservation) is an association encourage new multidisciplinary The institution believes that with 2,700 members and research collaborations and civil engineers are ‘at the member organisations in 40 to bring together an extended heart of society, delivering countries. Founded in 1989 community of researchers and sustainable development with the aim of promoting end-users of research. These through knowledge, skills and coastal conservation by objectives are achieved through professional expertise’. bridging the gap between a programme of meetings and a scientists, environmentalists, website. Those with an interest in the site managers, planners and diverse aspects of coastal policymakers, it has grown since The website is www.cozone. zone management are facing then into the largest network of org.uk. increasing challenges as a result coastal practitioners and experts of development pressures, in Europe, with 14 national • CoaST environmental impacts as well branches and offices in seven as increasing risks arising from countries. The working area CoaST is a social enterprise the impacts of climate change. is Europe, the Mediterranean whose aim is to work towards The institution has papers and Black Seas and other one-planet tourism – a type of available that cover the full neighbouring regions. tourism that provides benefits range of coastal management to the people, economy and topics, including: The Coastal & Marine Union environment of Cornwall, and • coastal policies and is dedicated to conserving and that operates within our social, management arrangements; maintaining healthy seas and financial and environmental • managing the dynamic attractive coasts for both people means. coast; and nature. It advocates best • mapping, monitoring and practice by developing coastal The website is www.cstn.org. new technologies; and marine policies, mobilising uk. • coastal and estuary experts and stakeholders, engineering; providing advice and • Institution of Civil Engineers • coastal environmental information, and implementing (ICE) management and demonstration projects. enhancement; The Institution of Civil • achieving better integrated The website is www.eucc.nl. Engineers is a registered charity coastal zone management.

• Cozone

Cozone is a national network for UK marine and coastal scientists and engineers. The aim of the network is to provide a forum through which the coastal community can identify and tackle issues raised by both the research

Regeneration players and coastal networks 60 Membership is by subscription. Patrick.Browne@lincolnshire. to clarify the situation, the The website is www.ice.org.uk. gov.uk. Thank you. CCA will collate details on all As one acronym among such organisations, evaluate Further information on many, the CCA is aware of their services, and promote organisations involved with the the confusion that exists even participation on the website coast appears in Chapter 15, “In among seasoned practitioners with the objective of maximising their own words”. If you wish on the status, objectives, the skills and resources available your organisation to feature resources, responsibilities and for coastal regeneration. on the CCA coastal database, activities of the very many Please contact the website to please send the details to: coastal organisations. In order contribute to this service.

From Blue Rinse to Hedonism? Drinking in 21st Century Bournemouth Will Haydock Bournemouth University UK This paper looks at how with the mayor describing it as of nineteenth century young people behave and a place where ‘blue rinse’ and Bournemouth. think about drinking. My ‘hedonism’ live side by side. research was based on The Carnivalesque and the conversations with 113 Alcohol is certainly important Everyday drinkers and professionals, to the local economy, being such as the ‘club chaplain’, worth £125 million per year, I found that employing two youth work professionals, two and support 4,000 jobs. The ideas of ‘drinking styles’ made drug and alcohol professionals, council has stated that the sense of the variety of ways one bar manager, five borough has ‘the greatest in which people talked about bar workers, one door concentration of night-time drinking to me – referring supervisor, the two MPs for activity outside London’ both to their own and other Bournemouth and the night- The Lonely Planet’s is less people’s practices. The two time economy coordinator. favourable: ‘…it…..is now a styles can be understood as hedonistic paradise of stag- the ‘carnivalesque’ and the Bournemouth developed in and-hen party hell…..it parties ‘everyday’. The carnivalesque the nineteenth century as a so hard it’s a nation’s drinking implies a world of altered seaside resort for the middle problem personified’ norms of behaviour and classes and invalids, and social interaction. The can thus be contrasted with In this paper I argue that this everyday, in contrast stresses other resorts more oriented characterisation of the night- the continuity with standard towards pleasure and indeed time economy as hedonistic societal norms. To give an the working class. However, does not tell the whole story - example, funny stories of in recent years Bournemouth some young drinkers employ being drunk such as Hannah’s has gained a reputation for ideas of responsibility and tale of emerging from a pub being a destination for stag and decorum that might be familiar toilet with her trousers and hen nights and heavy drinking, to the refined residents underwear still around her

61 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 ankles are celebrated in the and immediate, sensory as being amusing and was carnivalesque approach to pleasures. Moreover, where frequently directly to the drinking, whereas they would participants almost universally consumption of alcohol. Ollie, be considered embarrassing distanced themselves from the for example, explained how or degrading – or at least figure of the ‘binge’ drinker, ‘unusual’ events were the undesirable – according to the the idea of the carnivalesque main attraction of going out, as everyday approach. is a more ambivalent concept these made a night ‘legendary’ which can be embraced – it generated stories that One important point is that as or rejected on the basis of could be told again and again. well as the idea of dissolution cultural, aesthetic approaches. He told me that alcohol was of everyday hierarchies and The carnivalesque can be essential to such nights out norms, the sense of public understood most simply as the because without alcohol display and community application of an alternative set people would not behave in associated with the of norms from everyday life. the ‘unusual’ way necessary carnivalesque moves it beyond for these stories. simply ‘hedonism’ which has This apparent shift in norms associations with individualism is frequently understood for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

Regeneration players and coastal networks 62 Chapter 4 Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas by John K. Walton It is clear that national from the successes and failures This offers a reminder that regeneration policy, as it of the past, perhaps especially we must resist the temptation focuses on or otherwise the recent past, and how can to regard the regeneration of affects coastal settlement, we feed these understandings seaside towns as a uniquely needs to be examined in all its into current and future policy? British set of issues; nor, indeed, dimensions and at all levels. And what can we learn, in is it peculiar to so-called ‘cold What are, and should be, the positive and negative terms, water’ resorts with nineteenth- relationships between European from national regeneration century origins. There are funding bodies, government policies (or the lack of them) in plenty of comparable cases departments, Regional other countries?1 on the French Channel Coast Development Authorities and on the ‘Jersey shore’ of (RDAs), local authorities and This chapter cannot engage the north-eastern United entities such as HLF and English with all these issues in equal States, for example; but we Heritage, the National Trust depth, and must be selective. can also find them on the and the Royal Society for the We are fortunate to have Spanish Mediterranean coast, Protection of Birds? How do, a new overview of urban where early ‘mass tourism’ and how should, relationships regeneration in the United resorts have needed extensive between the public, the private, Kingdom, which sets the intervention, and on Italy’s the hybrid and the voluntary theme in historical context Adriatic coast, where the sector play out in regeneration and examines a wide range ‘colonie di vacanza’ of the inter- programmes? How far should of issues and problems.2 This war years have left a fascinating they be prescriptive, how far is particularly useful because architectural legacy that resists enabling, and what should the it charts a course through the easy adaptation to new holiday balance be under given sets of bewildering array of initiatives tastes, preferences and needs. circumstances? How do we that are revealed by a trawl They are also evident in Florida make national regeneration through the literature, as layer and on the Gulf Coast. There is policies agile, flexible and upon layer of past proposals, no room to develop this theme interactive at the local level? approaches and agenda swim here, but it is worth reminding And what, for these purposes, past the investigator’s gaze. This ourselves that good practice in is special about regeneration was already being described as coastal regeneration may be policy at the coast? How can ‘the regeneration maze’ nearly found outside England if we national policies be encouraged a decade ago.3 We also have a care to look for it.5 to take account of the new collection of international difference and distinctiveness essays, with genuinely global The focus of most work of coastal settlements and of scope and adopting a variety of on regeneration, however, each coastal settlement within approaches, which is particularly is still overwhelmingly on a common framework, and concerned with the avoidance cities and their problems; how can we overcome the of inequity and the inclusion of and it is interesting to see obstacles to recognising this ethnic minorities and the poor, how cities, ‘inner cities’, distinctiveness, which still and which will help to rescue us ‘urban neighbourhoods’ meets with resistance and even from insularity by encouraging and estates have dominated rejection at national and RDA comparative perspectives. It the regeneration literature level, as evidenced by the first even includes an important on Britain, whether critical, response to the Coastal Towns essay on a historic coastal city, descriptive or prescriptive. report? What can we learn Salvador da Bahia in Brazil.4 A word-search of book titles

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 64 in the British Library on-line cross-departmental working model of the ‘slum clearance’ catalogue, which is an indicative group which constituted the programmes of the middle if imperfect approach to response of the Department decades of the twentieth analysis, communicates this for Communities and Local century. That kind of operation message very strongly, while Government to the Coastal may sometimes be necessary revealing lesser preoccupations Towns report. Meanwhile and even desirable, but with rural regeneration, market English Heritage, whose the appropriate label for it towns and docklands. These interest in the seaside has a would be ‘redevelopment’ or last are the only ‘coastal’ longer pedigree (like that of the ‘replacement’, in association examples, and are mainly Coastal Communities Alliance with rebranding and place- associated with maritime cities and its antecedents), produced making on a scoured and like Liverpool, Bristol and, its report on regeneration in levelled site. ‘Renewal’ is of course, London. ‘Coastal historic coastal towns, and the also a relevant descriptor, regeneration’, as a word-search Historical Environment Local which in practice also tends category for books, produced Management (HELM) scheme to be associated more with not a single hit. This is a little signposted a local dimension demolition and rebuilding than misleading, in that local coastal to the initiative. Local initiatives with the idea of regeneration regeneration initiatives have are, indeed, proliferating, such envisaged here. In most parts been in train for the last quarter as the interventions by Roger of most coastal settlements we of a century in particular places. de Haan at Folkestone. Now is should not be thinking in such But it is very interesting to see clearly a propitious moment for drastic terms: these are not how recently a generic interest taking matters further. brown-field sites whose former in coastal regeneration, as a identities can be swept away focus for involvement and But this is jumping the gun and buried, but, as Beatty and investment, has emerged. slightly. In the first place, we Fothergill have demonstrated, need to return to the question communities whose historic The most visible initiatives, apart of what we might understand identities are still recognised and from the work of the Coastal by ‘regeneration’. This chapter whose capacity for generating Communities Alliance and presents a particular point employment, attracting migrants its component organisations, of view. At the core of the and conjuring remembered have been sparked by, or concept should be the idea of pleasures is still powerful. So coincided with, the report of giving a new, fresh lease of life ‘regeneration’, in this sense of the Communities and Local to something that is already reviving and revitalising rather Government Select Committee there, enabling it to rejuvenate than destroying and replacing, on Coastal Towns in 2007, itself and grow in ways that are should generally be the order and the angry response to new, dynamic and sustainable, of the day at the British seaside. the government’s attempt but recognisably drawing on This is not always understood to evade the consequences existing identities, resources and by those who intervene in of its conclusions. Thus, in vitality. coastal urban settings, especially November 2007, we saw when they are not embedded the establishment of the Regeneration, as a concept, in the communities in question. coastal regeneration fund, is not about destroying what Neil Lee’s report for the Work led by CABE, which offered is already there in order to Foundation on the importance £45 million up to bidders replace it with something of ‘distinctiveness’ reinforces during 2008–10, and the completely different, on the the concerns of, for example,

65 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 English Heritage in support of change, but they cannot be on different coastlines and these contentions.6 satisfactory as apparent ‘ends’ according to the experiences in themselves, especially when of individual resorts, with their Regeneration is also more than they are necessarily abstracted various markets, social profiles, just an economic concept, from the ways in which environments and histories. a key point that is also often localities are experienced ‘on Regeneration initiatives need overlooked. Economic the ground’. to recognise this variety, which questions are at the core of is expressed through a range it, but they are not the whole We also need to remember of attributes that may need package. Local jobs and that, while it is right to regard to be safeguarded, respected spending power need to be the distinctiveness of coastal and nurtured when decisions created and sustained, and ways employment and demographic that affect localities are made, of dealing with unemployment profiles and (for example) at whatever level and along and benefit dependency, the related health problems whatever axis of power they together with shortages of as requiring attention, they are taken. Such attributes are decent affordable housing, lack are also identified with the likely to include architecture of consistent, reliable incomes, peculiarities of the coast as (especially the architecture of and lack of demand to sustain a hidden ‘region’, and we enjoyment), amenity, layout, local businesses, are necessarily should not expect to be able industrial history, the informal central to regeneration policy. to iron them out: they are part paraphernalia of established Interventions in these fields and parcel of the necessary activities, traditions of festivity, appear to offer measurable diversity of the English whole, entertainment and the yardsticks and outcomes, and interventions need to aim occupation and use of space, which are particularly important at managing variations rather and free access to places of when central government is than aspiring to remove them. shared pleasure. A good deal evaluating apparent fitness for Related issues involving, for of ‘regeneration’ literature does purpose; and, in this respect example, the need to tackle indeed focus on such issues, and others, they are in tune crime and antisocial behaviour,7 especially architecture, art and with dominant values, with under-achievement and lack performance; but it needs to be the result that preoccupation of opportunity, seasonality,8 connected more systematically with the necessary economic population instability and with the other components basis for action may become ‘churn’, are likewise high on of this polymorphous exclusive and overriding, the agenda. National policies concept, and especially with without accounting for the are available to engage with the dominant emphasis on whole picture. many of these interrelated economic performance and sets of problems, but they service delivery.9 Regeneration, It is perhaps unfortunate need to be adjustable to take as such, needs to be conceived that government policy on account of regional and generic in a holistic way. Moreover, regeneration is so firmly distinctiveness, and especially it will be successful only if it focused on economic local circumstances. works with the grain of existing development and performance Coastal towns, and specifically local cultures and preferences, as an end in itself, and coastal resorts, have generic and sustains the positive on benchmarking against issues that are specific to them distinctiveness of place-myth neighbours and averages. as a ‘family’ of towns, while and local identity for residents, These are useful indicators of varying in extent and nature visitors and those who may be state of play and trajectory of

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 66 and expertise among elected representatives and officers alike, and installing a remarkable array of infrastructure to sustain the health of what was still, predominantly, a locally owned and run private sector. This period, and these processes, were not conflict-free, and nor were local authorities uniformly successful, effective or free from in transition between the two in July 2007, recognises the conflicts of interest. We should conditions. importance of the sub-regional add that the key decades at level of economic decision- the turn of the century were The key players ‘on the ground’ making. The need to focus on economically and politically in coastal regeneration are the local level applies to coastal propitious, especially at the often (and perhaps increasingly) communities with particular seaside.10 going to be local, even when force, and government’s the nature of the exercise historic reluctance to recognise Decline probably began to set is to find the best ways of the importance of this kind in during the 1930s, becoming negotiating appropriate ways of settlement, the distinctive sustained and serious after forward with a government problems that the coast poses the Second World War and whose instincts are (still) (beyond the obvious technical cumulatively disastrous after centralising, cascading policy ones of sea defences), and the 1979, as the financial autonomy from the top down and the need for ‘coastal’ to become of local government was centre outwards through what as established a category as eroded and central controls is in many ways the preferred ‘rural’ for policy purposes, were were steadily intensified. This (and often catastrophic) made only too clear in the initial has not been solely a British set model, the line management response to the report of the of problems: it has also been system with prescribed targets Coastal Towns Commission. apparent, for example, in the (leading to game-playing and The most dynamic and United States.11 misdirection of effort) and successful period for England’s (pseudo-) quantitative checks coastal towns in general was The heyday of local and on outcomes. Even so, this probably the later nineteenth municipal government cannot is where decisions have to and early decades of the return, at least in its previous be made about which of the twentieth century, perhaps form. But a retrospective view bewildering array of options will between about 1870 and 1939, offers a reminder that restoring be worth pursuing, with which when municipal government a measure of civic pride partners, and to what ends, not was at its strongest and most and autonomy to municipal least because of the enduring self-confident, accessing government requires the lack of joined-up thinking higher advice and expertise from an reconstruction of a measure up the chain of command. It is increasingly effective central of trust and prestige (which encouraging that government government civil service on has, in its turn, to be earned), policy on SNR (Sub-National matters of technology and best and of a cadre of experienced, Economic Development and practice, developing a proud competent and trustworthy Regeneration), as reviewed tradition of local public service

67 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 civic leaders, as well as initiative include the generation of Tower, the Winter Gardens and financial independence, revenue streams through user and other central amusement that has been progressively and charging, and – more positively and entertainment facilities cumulatively lost over the last – the taking up of new trading in the resort: this is not half century.12 opportunities as ‘permissive ‘nationalisation’, as reported in powers of wellbeing and the Daily Mail, but a proposed It is therefore exciting, at general competence become reversion to (and extension precisely the point where the available’. A shift away from of) older models of municipal currently orthodox approach the notorious Private Finance involvement in essential to recession threatens the Initiative is advocated, through aspects of resort economies.15 spending power of local alterations in the conventions Whatever the label, this worked government, to highlight the to provide a level playing field very well in the late nineteenth appearance of a report (by offering greater local choice; and early twentieth centuries, Tom Symons and Chris Leslie) and the establishment of a especially at the seaside, and it that emphasises the need for new collective fund for council could work well again now.16 In local action and empowerment reserves is advocated. the earlier incarnation, though, through access to new sources What this adds up to is the we should reinforce the point of capital.13 dismantling of restrictions on that it benefited from generally local authority activity and expansive coastal economies, One indicator, among many, of the emancipation of councils the availability of able and the likely impact of the funding from dependence on central experienced councillors often crisis in urban regeneration is government. Such suggestions drawn from local backgrounds the projected collapse in land are all the more stimulating in large-scale businesses, and sales receipts for the Home because they open out the the development of a rooted and Communities Agency, possibility of a return to the and experienced cadre of the regeneration quango heyday of local government, local officials with a public that replaces the Housing when it was able to innovate, service ethic, while well- Corporation and English trade, manage natural informed though invariably Partnerships, with a decline of monopolies for the benefit cautious advice and counsel around 90 per cent in prospect of either consumers (through were available from the Local and a likelihood that very little price controls) or ratepayers Government Board. money will be available to (by ploughing back profits), and bidders in the 2010/11 round.14 invest for the future. The Symons and Leslie report Symons and Leslie emphasise also resonates with aspects the necessity for continued In other words, this is nothing of the report of the Business infrastructure investment as new, whether the preferred Panel on Future European part of wider regeneration label is ‘municipal socialism’ Union Innovation Policy, which initiatives. They suggest that or ‘municipal capitalism’. An emphasises the need to extend local authorities should be able interesting pointer to changing the concept of and vehicles to bypass the Treasury and times is Blackpool Council’s for innovation from business go direct to capital markets proposal, announced in to social models, involving through bond issues, while December 2009, to seek charities and social enterprises finding creative ways to access national and European and looking to promote social capital and manage financial regeneration funding in support innovation. These proposals reserves. Potential strategies of a municipal takeover of the are still under discussion, but

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 68 they point the way towards become controversial, as local government criteria have not alternative approaches to interest-groups complain of always been appreciated by regeneration that go beyond discrimination, neglect or lack of elements of local opinion.19 the narrowly economic and understanding. This can be illustrated by the technological, and bring comments of Christine Tongue neglected actors into play.17 A good example is the outrage as part of the publicity for her that erupted in Whitstable in ‘Thanet on Film’ exhibition, a Giving space, scope and the summer of 2007 when compilation of films of holiday encouragement to local proposals for ‘regenerating’ Thanet in past times which responses to local situations, a profitable working harbour ‘shows what we once had informed by ‘best practice’ by destroying the existing and how it’s all been left to and drawing on external ambience of the South Quay decay.’20 This theme of lost partnerships, creativity and to make way for a hotel, assets and enjoyments – and expertise where appropriate, supermarket and theme pub how they might be recovered should be a key theme in were published under the or renewed – is common to coastal regeneration, especially auspices of Canterbury City many seaside campaigners, as in the hard times that are Council. The plans, submitted are problems associated with arriving. But a further essential in competition by external neglect of the public realm, element is the nature of the developers, were rejected together with the sense that political processes involved in after a fierce and popular local well-targeted investment and regeneration. campaign, and Whitstable effective management could Harbour Watch was established restore their attractiveness In many coastal settings the to keep an eye on future and promote regeneration coastal settlement itself is developments, recognising without expensive wholesale part of a larger administrative the need to preserve the redevelopment, at a time entity, especially since local distinctive and unusual character when all the signs suggest government reorganisation of the working harbour while that domestic tourism is itself in 1974, which created sustaining its economic viability. regenerating. amalgamations such as that of This was one of many examples the old county and industrial of a local authority failing to Recently, however, Thanet city of Lancaster and the recognise the individuality of its Council has also been coastal resort of Morecambe, component communities and supportive of the genuine generating enduring conflict seeking to impose a standard regeneration of Margate’s over tourism policy, or scheme on an enjoyably untidy Dreamland cinema and brought together resorts of area of attractive character. amusement park complex: the contrasting character under The politics of regeneration, former closed in November a single umbrella, as with especially in terms of facilitating 2007, in the face of competition Thanet (Margate, Ramsgate, debate and acting on its from the new multiplex at Broadstairs) or Scarborough, outcomes, are an essential part Westwood Cross, and the which also includes the smaller of the process.18 latter in 2003. The Dreamland coastal resorts of Whitby and This also applies in nearby Trust’s proposals for an open- Filey. Under such circumstances Thanet, where the efforts of air amusement park museum all proposed developments the local authority to meet on the site, which are attracting (or withdrawals of support for economic targets and promote development funding and established assets) are likely to development according to have strong support from the

69 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 English Heritage Urban Panel of the ‘heritage of the recent pockets.26 and the Prince’s Trust, offer past’ which generates strong an authentic, locally rooted opinions for and against, but This focus on an important case opportunity to regenerate can certainly not be accused of study draws attention to what Margate’s popular tourism blandness.25 Thanet in general, and Margate industry.21 The plans are in particular, has to offer as grounded in a historic local Buildings like these, and – an example of the tensions attraction which had been more conventionally – those surrounding the articulation of in place since 1920 and of Margate’s Old Town and regeneration policies. These developed from earlier popular early resort area, help to give a emerge through the local (party entertainment uses of the coastal town a sense of identity and other) political dimension, site.22 That contrasts with the and identification. Margate has the complex interactions proposals for redevelopment lost so much that it needs to between the locality and put forward by external cherish what remains, while external organisations consultants in 2004, focusing regenerating imaginatively and (county, regional and national on routine housing, retail and ‘in character’ around and within government agencies, private car parking in a key coastal it. The Turner Contemporary developers, NGOs, hybrids, location. Existing amusement cannot stand alone, any more lobby groups and the media), park operators are clear that than Morecambe’s regenerated and the relationships between the demand is there. Midland Hotel can do so. economic, cultural and And, as the Midland Hotel, ‘heritage’ criteria as drivers of Nearby Arlington House, an the De La Warr Pavilion or regeneration. Local authorities early and distinctive seaside Blackpool’s Winter Gardens need to resist the temptation tower block of 1963 with complex demonstrate, there to take whatever developers spectacular sea views, provides is no point in losing genuinely are prepared to offer, and to another interesting Thanet iconic buildings and amenities, regard all promises of increased example of conflicting attitudes especially if you have nothing employment as plausible and to heritage and regeneration. of value to put in their place. cost-free; and they need to pay Despite its bad local reputation, Despite the escalating costs of genuine heed to the wishes of which arises from sustained restoration and refurbishment, local residents and visitors, even neglect, it is a really impressive it generally comes cheaper when the signals are mixed and piece of post-war architecture, than demolition and new build. confused, as is the case with and in another setting it It also attracts a more up- many of Thanet’s critics. would be highly valued.23 A market public with scope for similar seaside tower block in generating local multipliers, as is The ‘reputation for power’ of Cesenatico, on the Adriatic beginning to happen around the big international developers, coast in Italy, completed Midland Hotel in Morecambe. with their ability to hire in 1957, has become an Those local multipliers, whose expensive legal support, to emblematic element of the importance emphasises the exhaust the appeals procedure local tourist townscape and need to minimise ‘leakage’ and to threaten determined of the resort’s publicity.24 from the local economy into opponents with crippling Refurbishment rather than the coffers of national and costs, constitutes another demolition seems to be on multinational business, are widespread set of problems, in the agenda for this building of crucial to spreading the benefits coastal locations as elsewhere. character, a classic example of regeneration into local Pressure from higher tiers

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 70 of government, especially to expectations of the competitive significant here. But the meet targets defined in narrow attractiveness, in locations that tendency of journalism to focus economic terms, may help to are relatively difficult of access, on individual examples, and exacerbate these problems, and of standardised development to enjoy amplifying unpleasant the tensions that can result are packages. In turn it may experiences, reinforces a well illustrated in the case of encourage local ventures that general point. Regeneration Exmouth, where supermarket- reinforce existing loyalties and initiatives need to engage with led regeneration proposals identities while making them enhancing the attitudes and in 2004 generated conflict expansively available to others, expectations of local business between Devon County but in sustainable ways. and service providers, as well Council, East Devon District as providing infrastructure and Council and Exmouth Town Rachel Cooke, writing about reinforcing systems.29 Council, and eventually gave these issues for the Observer way to a much less ambitious in August 2009, showed a Finally, several other themes and intrusive set of proposals.27 refreshing awareness of such should be emphasised across resources and opportunities the range of disparate but We seem to be moving, in on the south coast, and this connected issues that make the last few years, towards kind of media coverage seems up the ‘regeneration question’, a broader understanding of to be gaining ground, hand here as in other settings. They what the coast has to offer, over fist, against the older are: simplification; sustainability; and how to enhance or at least default mode of dismissive inclusiveness; collaboration; ameliorate what is there rather contempt (although a week topophilia; and above all the than sweeping it away root and earlier Cooke herself, in importance of taking a holistic branch. English Heritage has drawing attention to the need approach, or looking at the been helpful and supportive for seaside SMEs to cater more problems and solutions ‘in here. Hastings’ efforts to market cheerfully and imaginatively the round’, going beyond itself as a ‘cultural destination’, for their customers, resorted isolated box-ticking exercises and its encouragement of – and to that very tone of authorial and assessing how things fit financial support for – annual voice in writing about a visit to together and what the overall events that draw in visitors and Broadstairs). impact of initiatives has been. become identified with the Simplification, or streamlining, town’s image, is an example Media perceptions are of vital is highly necessary, not least to of a widespread and long-lived importance. Changing the prevent duplication of effort tendency to develop niche grammar of expectation and and unnecessary competition marketing, for events that may reporting about the coast in for shrinking resources, but or may not have a clear coastal general, and about specific also to ease information flows resonance (seafood but also destinations, constitutes an and workloads by reducing the wine, an Old Town Carnival – essential element in making sheer volume of opportunities and an illuminated heritage trail regeneration effective at the to evaluate and information to – but also a chess congress and level of image promotion and, accumulate. 28 a morris-dancing festival). indeed, brand management. It is to be hoped that the In some respects recession may The role of Coast magazine, DCMS ‘single conversation’ be a blessing in disguise, as it and its competitive awards approach may prove helpful discourages disruptive large- for best seaside attractions here. Sustainability needs to scale projects – especially those and businesses, is potentially engage the active and informed that are founded on unrealistic

71 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 participation of residents and hard to reach and often both existing residents and visitors, local businesses, and, in a scattered and elongated in their including the unfashionable financial environment that will development patterns. but often lucrative older be less conducive to large-scale demographics, and expanding redevelopment initiatives, it will This is regeneration through their numbers, should take be best pursued in ways that modest expenditure on good priority over speculating in generate local employment in housekeeping, something that imagined new markets – unless support of local economies. has often been neglected as there is strong evidence Labour-intensive projects for big ‘iconic’ projects catch the (especially in the larger, more the improvement of the public official and political eye. An diverse and cosmopolitan realm, in the form of parks expanded local taxation base, resorts) of demand. and promenades, or loans for which would be best and amenities and enhancement most equitably funded by a Moreover, the dangers of for local SMEs (such as seaside return to the fully graduated sealing off gated communities, boarding houses) to make property taxes or ‘rates’ which and setting the barriers of them more attractive and were foolishly abandoned a access and acceptance in competitive, should be on generation ago, would make desirable places too high, are the agenda, as should financial such proposals easier to fund now becoming apparent. support for museums and other and more accountable locally. Gentrification needs to be cultural attractions that sustain inflected by democracy, distinctive facets of local identity. Such activity should also perhaps particularly at the promote inclusiveness, which seaside, where the traditions All this kills two birds with one entails providing a welcoming of open access to public tidal stone. It offers employment and accessible environment beaches and their adjacent opportunities while making for all who are attracted by commons is so strong and places more attractive. what the coast, and particular culturally pervasive. Privatise Water quality, litter removal incarnations of it, has to offer. such spaces at your peril. and efficient waste disposal This will not be everyone, management are all ongoing and it need not be everyone: A related theme should be housekeeping concerns that openness is a necessary and that of collaboration. As local people respond to life-enhancing virtue, but trying many contributors to the positively, and that improve to alter the character of seaside discussions in this Handbook the local environment in ways places to appeal to everyone is have emphasised, working that encourage repeat visits. an illusory goal. Looking after together with the full range Sprucing up and spicing up existing assets should be part of this process. Subsidising and supporting the public realm through affordable and flexible transport options should also be in tune with the spirit of the times, and of course it is particularly relevant to access to and travel within coastal locations, which are

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 72 of topophilia – emotional attachment to a place through the shared enjoyment of memory, nostalgia and the power of association – that is fundamental to successful regeneration. It defies quantification, but it is the essence of a holistic approach to local improvement, engagement and practical of government organisations components taken in isolation. sustainability. Lose that and you and NGOs, at all tiers of That also applies to businesses have lost the battle. Sustain it, representation, is of central within destinations. Done well, enhance it, transfer it to new importance, from sharing skills and with democratic awareness publics who can then pass and knowledge to presenting of local wishes (which are, of it on, and England’s coastal coastal regions as shared course, sometimes divided settlements have a future. systems of assets that are more and contradictory), this should attractive than their individual promote that essential concept

SNR and the Framework for Regeneration by the Department for Communities and Local Government

The government published opportunities, much economic economic conditions of their its review of the Sub-National development activity needs areas. The proposed new Economic Development to be tailored locally or sub- duty is included within the and Regeneration (SNR) regionally. Local Democracy, Economic in July 2007. This set out a Development and Construction framework that would enable The ability of local authorities Bill, currently before central and local governments and partners to deliver Parliament. and partners to work together sustainable economic growth more effectively to tackle and to respond to economic The government published future economic challenges. challenges in their areas draft statutory guidance The review stressed the depends heavily on their ability on the new duty in August need for local authorities to assemble a robust and well- 2009, available at www. to play a stronger role in informed economic evidence communities.gov.uk/ economic development and base. The SNR proposed publications/localgovernment/ regeneration. It argued that as that a new duty be placed on localeconomicassessments. different places face different county councils and unitary This sets out the economic challenges and district councils to assess the government’s thinking on how

73 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 local economic assessments to other centres, that impact and Construction Bill further should be carried out and the on their economic growth. strengthens the ability of local issues they need to address. They should also use their authorities to work at a sub- This is complemented by assessments to identify regional level in the pursuit of more detailed guidance, the economic linkages economic development. The launched in October and between their area and the Bill enables the establishment prepared by the Improvement wider economy – thereby of MAAs with duties, which and Development Agency establishing their functional brings MAAs on to the same (IDeA) economic area. Assessments statutory footing as LAAs. also provide an opportunity The Bill also enables the As the draft government for coastal areas to benchmark establishment of economic guidance explains, local their economic performance prosperity boards and economic assessments should against neighbouring coastal combined authorities. These equip local authorities and areas and regional averages, would provide a formal partners with a common and try to establish the structure for sub-regional understanding of local reasons why their area has collaboration between economic conditions. It performed better or worse relevant authorities on should enable them to better than other areas. economic development and understand the strengths regeneration (and transport and weaknesses of their The SNR also stressed that in the case of combined local economy and the local sub-regions are in many authorities). They would constraints to economic respects the key spatial level provide a stable mechanism growth and employment. around which economic for long-term, strategic Local authorities and partners growth is concentrated. It decision-making on economic already assemble a range of stated that increasing the issues across the whole data and evidence to support extent to which economic functional economic sub- their economic interventions. development decision-making region. Local economic assessments is concentrated at sub-regional should provide a mechanism level is an important means The Framework for for bringing this evidence of improving economic Regeneration together within a common outcomes. evidence base that tells the Regeneration has been story of a place. We have already seen the primarily concerned with establishment of Multi Area improving outcomes for Through their local economic Agreements (MAAs). These places that underperform assessments, coastal are voluntary agreements across a range of measures. areas should specifically between groups of local The priorities attached to draw out the wider authorities and partners tackling different aspects of social, environmental and to deliver economic underperformance have geographical factors, such development improvement varied over time, but the as seasonality of attractions, targets. The Local Democracy, DCLG’s activities to support connectivity and peripherality Economic Development this agenda broadly fit into the

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 74 following categories: The government has • retaining a clear focus on remained committed to tackling deprivation – • housing-led regeneration regeneration, and is still which is central to the (broadly led by the HCA); planning to spend over government’s approach; • provision of key £6.5 billion to support local • focusing on tackling the infrastructure (broadly led ambitions over the next underlying economic by RDAs); two years. In response, the challenges that hold back • economic renewal Pre-Budget Report 2008 too many places through (broadly led by councils announced that we would be joint HCA and RDA action; through funds in ABG such bringing forward £180 million • setting out clear as Working to support key regeneration expectations from the neighbourhoods projects – £100 million from regional strategy in Fund and LEGI). RDA budgets and £80 million prioritising areas for • improving prospects from HCA budgets. BIS is investment, and aligning for areas of multiple working closely with the RDAs capital funding in support deprivation through to monitor regeneration of these areas. neighbourhood activity brought forward. renewal (broadly led DCLG responses to by councils through funds To promote better alignment questions raised by in ABG such as Working of resources and a clearer the Framework for Neighbourhoods Fund and focus for regeneration Regeneration LEGI). activity during the downturn, the government published Will the focus of These activities have delivered Transforming Place, Changing regeneration funding striking improvements in Lives, a framework for be on economic areas of recent years, particularly in the regeneration for consultation opportunity as opposed to post-industrial cities. However, in July 2008. This set out a deprived areas of need? the wider economic situation vision for regeneration, by: has impacted significantly on We don’t believe the two our ability to deliver this form • setting out a clear are mutually exclusive. The of activity, largely due to: definition of regeneration framework is clear that – reversing economic, investment needs to be • falling land and property social, and physical decline targeted where it will have values; in areas where market most impact by supporting • loss of secured occupancy; forces will not do this those communities where • reliance on a single private without support from the most severe poverty developer; government; and worklessness persists • cash flow problems; • setting out the steps and where there is the • high operational costs for government is taking now opportunity to deliver long- developers. to keep regeneration term change. moving in the current economic conditions;

75 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 What will the national the current economic responsibility for delivery of regeneration budget be in the environment. However, the following streams: future and who will control we are taking the necessary the budget? With major steps to ensure that critical • New Deal for public sector cuts forecast by projects continue, by making Communities; all, what will be the scale of available additional resources • Local Enterprise Growth impact on the totality of the for housebuilding and bringing Initiative; regeneration budget? forward funding for mixed- • Neighbourhood Renewal use projects. The RDAs and Fund; As Professor Michael the HCAs will be working • Stronger Safer Parkinson’s report indicated, to support those projects Communities the tough economic that offer the best value for Fund; conditions are now making money and are capable of • Thames Gateway; life challenging for the providing real help now for • Housing Marker Renewal regeneration sector, and are communities. Pathfinders; affecting projects across the • RDAs and LDA; country. While the work of Our definition of regeneration • English Partnerships; our programmes is necessarily covers a wide range of • European Regional long-term, they will of course area-based interventions. It Development Fund; be affected by trends in the therefore encompasses both • Coalfields. wider market. But much good city and sub-regional level work is still going ahead. interventions as well as the We cannot anticipate It is neither possible nor more localised neighbourhood the spend in the future. desirable to support every renewal interventions. regeneration project in In 2007/8, CLG alone had

DCLG responses to issues raised in this chapter

National regeneration entities such as HLF and performance and tackling policy needs to be examined English Heritage? worklessness, particularly in all its dimensions and in the most deprived areas; at all levels. Who should The ‘players’ are those • creating the right we identify as the players? organisations that can conditions for business What are, and should be, contribute to three success growth which could the relationships between measures – against which all include investment in government departments, regeneration should be judged infrastructure, land use, RDAs, local authorities and in future. They are: and a better public realm; • creating places where • improving economic people want to live and

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 76 can work and businesses the private sector and third meets with resistance and want to invest. sector towards a shared even rejection at national strategy, rather than in narrow and RDA level, as evidenced The relationships between remits or silos. by the first response to the the various organisations at Coastal Towns report? different spatial levels should How do we make national be predicated on desire to regeneration policies agile, The Regeneration Framework devolve responsibility to flexible and interactive at allows for flexibility to adapt to the right spatial level and as the local level? And what, local needs and opportunities. close to the communities as for these purposes, is special A key plank of the framework possible. about regeneration policy at is that regeneration activity the coast? needs to be driven at the How do, and how should, right spatial level – and as relationships between the By following the Regeneration close to communities as is public, the private, the Framework! At local level, practicable, making the most hybrid and the voluntary LAAs led by local authorities of opportunities that already sector play out in offer the key mechanism to exist. regeneration programmes? deliver a targeted and strategic How far should they be approach. MAAs, and the The proposed Local Economic prescriptive, how far new regional strategy provide Assessment duty would help enabling, and what should similar opportunities at sub- ensure that all local authorities the balance be under given regional and regional levels. have a clear understanding sets of circumstances? These will complement the of the conditions required establishment of employer- for business to flourish in What’s important is not the led Employment and Skills their area and for people to issue of the relationships Boards, usually at city-region take advantage of economic between various sectors level, bringing much greater opportunities. (which inevitably will vary powers for local partners to from area to area) but direct public funds to achieve What can we learn from the whether the success measures local employment and skills successes and failures of the are achieved. priorities. past, perhaps especially the recent past, and how can we That said, there is a vital role How can national policies feed these understandings for better coordination of be encouraged to take into current and future public sector work at the account of the difference and policy? And what can regional and local levels, distinctiveness of coastal we learn, in positive and working in partnership with settlements and of each negative terms, from the private sector. And the coastal settlement within national regeneration chances of success are greatly a common framework, and policies (or the lack of them) enhanced where the public how can we overcome the in other countries? sector and its partners agree obstacles to recognising this on and work together with distinctiveness, which still

77 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Despite successes, targeted has proposals at the local, sub- collaboration by local regeneration programmes regional, regional and national authorities across in the past have been less levels to: functioning economic areas successful in bringing about – for example by a significant reduction in the • strengthen the local establishing MAAs; number of people without authority role in economic • sharpen the focus of work in some places and development – including central government – with deprivation remained intense the proposed statutory regional ministers; and in some areas. economic assessment clearer central The SNR identified failings in duty; government objectives past regeneration activity and • support effective and responsibilities.

Regeneration policies and their impact on coastal areas 78 Chapter 5 The view from the beach Mike Goodman MBE, Weymouth Richard Samuel, Thanet Alison Penn, East Lindsay David Archer, Scarborough Hugo Swire MP, East Devon Weymouth and Portland by Councillor Mike Goodman MBE, Leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council

Over recent years it has least local authorities. In turn, In Weymouth and Portland become clear that the these fluctuations also make it we have been able to take longstanding economic hard for employers to provide advantage of a fine harbour activities of virtually all of longer term training for their recently vacated by the Royal our coastal communities workforce, leading to seasonal Navy with immediate access to have faced rapid and recruiting, sometimes from challenging open-water sailing unprecedented change. abroad, for trained personnel. conditions. With help from our Centuries of fishing, ship friends in the Royal Yachting and boat building and repair, Many coastal towns are Association, the South-West coastal shipping activity, literally at the end of the line. RDA, many local businesses traditional family seasonal Not for us the motorway and London winning the right holidays and even military leading virtually to the centre to stage the Olympic and operations have largely of town, the main line railway Paralympic Games of 2012, we gone. The result is frequently connections giving a choice gained a major advantage for an imbalance of financial of direction to travel or even inward investment at a crucial wellbeing between the a reliable and high-capacity time. We will host the sailing resident population and those broadband link. Instead we events for both games and are who move in for leisure or are more likely to be hours proud to be able to report that retirement. removed from potential the venue is ready with over customers or even cut off three years to spare. With our With the possible exception of completely from certain partners we are seeking to the established conurbations, economic activities. Property maximise this opportunity to coastal communities tend to prices are frequently distorted expand our share of the leisure share a number of distinct by a near constant stream of marine sector, its technology differences from their inland cash-rich second-home or and enhanced skills base. Even counterparts. In general they retiring buyers, while clusters so, there is much to be done to experience significant shifts in of old-style boarding houses switch a whole economy from both population and economic being converted for multiple one significant strand to a more activity according to the season. occupation can generate diverse but hopefully more Not only does this mean that problems of their own. Some resilient option. Not only that, it work opportunities fluctuate have been fortunate to switch would be foolish in the extreme between summer feast and from minor polytechnic to to switch from one dependency winter famine, but it can modern university with the to another. also mean that local facilities boom in tertiary education provided for the seasonal visitor or even become a Mecca I have no doubt that the are closed in the off season for followers of certain fish leadership of all councils face for refurbishment or their restaurateurs, but most have to similar problems in shifting operators take their break in deal with the situation as best priorities from one discretionary the sun. Service providers find they can. spending area to another it hard to plan a steady or even without alienating the electorate predictable income stream, not and the established business

The view from the beach 80 community. In two-tier areas Where there is a clear investment partners it may be this is where we must ensure deficiency locally we have advantageous to look beyond that adjacent districts and got to minimise its effect or our immediate area. I am sure the county council join the use it to our advantage. If, for that we have all experienced at campaign for our mutual benefit example, our local age profile is some time a sense of frustration and to expand their own heavily biased towards the high when dealing with local small markets. We know it must be end, we can try to rebalance businesses and chambers of done; there is no pot of gold to by developing training and commerce, wedded to the past enable spending to increase and education establishments, or and unable to see the inevitable for most, if not all, we will also we could consider using it to change coming towards them. be under pressure to cut costs our advantage by increasing How often has a poor season at the same time. direct provision for the needs been put down to the weather of the elderly. Either way, the when it is just as likely to be the We have taken every essential element is to recognise progressive change in customer opportunity to network with the situation and deal with it. It expectations of a holiday that is those who have been successful is no good ignoring a problem the real reason? in managing change from a and hoping that change will historic economic pattern to occur naturally; the only natural There will always be a place something entirely different. occurrence is decline. for the providers of seasonal Our team, led by a councillor services around our coasts, but Another key tool to explore is well versed in the world of without some positive effort that of partnership. The most big business, has travelled all now to generate alternative successful companies and around the country taking year-round economic activity service providers are those that soundings and stealing ideas. it is hard to see how such can identify common objectives, The experience I shared with services can be improved to the not only with potential clients him on a visit to the inward extent that they become the but also with other providers investment team at Sheffield reason for the visitor to come to get the competitive edge. clearly demonstrated the key at other times. Not only that, It is no coincidence that most elements that are essential in central government needs to new computers come pre- changing the future. First and be aware that coastal towns loaded with popular software; foremost is a detailed analysis need to be treated differently it is because both hardware of all the strengths in the old from their inland counterparts; and software manufacturers system that can be built upon a coastal resort is not a market see commercial value in the plus an unshakeable faith in town with a beach! First, the arrangement. Local authorities the place itself. We all produce grant formula must reflect need to be able to do the our Local Plans and more the population, public service same. Thus a new sports recently our Core Strategies to demand and economic activity facility might be impossible to allocate space for the business shifts that occur seasonally. fund by a school or a district and people of the future; but Second, the effects of being council, or even a leisure unless we have a development, at the end of the line must be company alone, but together investment, infrastructure countered as much as possible; they may be able to generate and marketing plan to show it is not just a question of the necessary capital and even to potential new businesses average traffic flows by road, find that together they can we will not be in the best rail or the internet, it is more share revenue costs and maybe situation to compete for their a question of what is holding investment. even profits! In looking for

81 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 up future development. And coastal fringe will generate and take their leisure all in the finally, it is an acknowledgement more cash for the exchequer same place. that enhanced economic from balanced and contented development along the communities who live, work

Thanet by Richard Samuel, Chief Executive, Thanet District Council

In many ways the decline and delivering for its community on Thanet thrived in the eighteenth rise of the Thanet towns is its services, nor was it gaining century, particularly Ramsgate typical of the problems and the key support from key (a Napoleonic Wars port), opportunities experienced by partners such as Kent County Broadstairs (a delightful fishing many coastal communities. Council and the then recently village) and Margate (one of the Nevertheless it is worth formed regional development first and finest seaside resorts). describing the story because agency, SEEDA. There was In Margate the fashion of ‘taking it provides the clues that tell also no area-based strategy to sea waters’ to benefit health us how the problems can be tackle the worst area within the flourished in the eighteenth tackled better in the future. district: the wards of Margate and nineteenth centuries, and In parallel to this story is a and Cliftonville. Here, as then, Ramsgate became a Royal brief commentary on the the wards stand at the top Harbour in 1821. effectiveness of the public of the rankings of the indices service environment and of multiple deprivation in the The holiday industry continued how in the past this may have South East region. to grow to its peak in the hindered delivery and hastened 1930s but was still strong in the economic decline of our However, to return to the the 1950s after the Second area. longer term economic history World War. The greater part of the area. The Thanet area of the local economy revolved I joined the council as Chief was originally an island cut off around tourism with little need Executive in 2002 and found from the mainland of Kent by to diversify. Even in the 1960s an authority striving to deliver a marshy corridor through the tourism industry for ‘bucket significant economic and which the Wantsum and Stour and spade’ holidays remained regenerative change against a Rivers passed. The channel was buoyant, but the storm clouds background of tight resources, navigable and in Roman times were gathering. inadequate partnerships, was guarded by substantial forts weak strategic positioning for at Richborough and Reculver. It all ended so quickly. Suddenly investment, and poor corporate Access to Thanet was via a Freddie Laker’s Skytrain arrived management. Undoubtedly causeway and ferry. The land and UK holidaymakers could the political will was present round the river route gradually experience the dubious delights to effect change but the became drained and eventually of holidays in the sun. The managerial capacity and quality the Isle of Thanet became part tourism began to shrink and by of performance was poor. In of the mainland. It is helpful 1980 the area was in terminal due course this was to lead to a to repeat this history if for no decline. Once fashionable weak Corporate Performance other reason than to explain the hotels closed their doors Assessment rating in 2004. In island culture that still strongly to reopen as cheap rented summary, the council was not exists in the local community. accommodation, and by the

The view from the beach 82 At this point I arrived to work for the council, coming from a background of urban renewal in London and Bristol with housing as my career pathway. My early analysis was that a number of key changes needed to happen before the council could take its regenerative work to the next level. early 1980s the area had been Budget (SRB) programme. • First, the emphasis needed dubbed Costa del Dole. to shift to achieving practical The Regional Assistance actual delivery of jobs on At the same time the closure in programme in particular forced employment land. This the 1980s of the Kent coalfields, a more strategic approach to could build on the which employed many regeneration, although the innovative idea of the East Ramsgate miners, and changes generally low intervention Kent Spatial Development to agriculture and fishing meant rates requiring the raising company that was a key suddenly a crisis had developed. of considerable matched part of Thanet’s 2000–2008 By the early 1990s nearly one funding could prove difficult European programme. person in five was out of work to implement. The council • Second, an area-based across Thanet and in some embarked on a wide range of approach was needed for wards unemployment was EU-funded initiatives, some the worst wards, in around 60 per cent. The lack of aimed at stimulating the tourism particular Margate Central a diverse economy was a key industry, some at creating and Cliftonville West. factor in the inability of the area employment opportunities, • Third, partnerships and to absorb the changes. some at celebrating the area’s funding from Kent County heritage. The European Council and SEEDA needed Throughout the period of programme finally ended in to be developed more rapid economic decline there 2008 after 15 years of benefit. strongly and the strategic was little national focus on the context within which those problems experienced by this One stunning early success at organisations operated type of coastal area. Policy focus this time was the building of the needed to highlight in the 1980s was very much first university centre in Thanet Thanet. The support of the on the big cities and the smaller by Canterbury Christ Church Government Office was coastal districts were largely left University, funded through also a key success factor. to fend for themselves. the EU/SRB programme and • Fourth, the council needed the HEFC. The Broadstairs to improve as an The winds of economic change campus seven years on is organisation, particularly in came in the end from Europe home to over 1,000 students, areas of basic services such with the award of European mostly local, who could never as waste and street cleaning, regional assistance funding to have aspired to a higher and front-line customer the whole Thanet area in 1993, education previously. Alongside services. This was as crucial coinciding with the introduction the council built Kent’s first to economic recovery of the Single Regeneration innovation centre.

83 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 as any regeneration project majority of the senior managers of the private contractor. because it supported departing in 2003. The first Widespread changes to these residents’ key concerns round of CPA in 2004 came services have been introduced, about the area. Good public too early for the council. We saving millions of pounds and services sit well with high- were rated as weak but in all having the added bonus of impact regeneration honesty we were lucky to even taking recycling rates from 3 projects. gain that result. per cent in 2002 to 27 per cent today. The remainder of this The CPA result was contribution to the Handbook undoubtedly a strong stimulant I now turn to the impact of develops these themes to the council to improve, and partnerships. In Thanet, four and examines how a chief by 2007/8 we were one of central relationships have executive can add value to their the fastest improving councils. grown with partners over the development. Across the board services have past decade. Each has made improved – benefits processing a different contribution to I will start with the last point, moved from 49 to 18 days, economic change. the creating of capacity, planning processing from I start with Kent County managerial and financial, to bottom to top quartile, street Council (KCC). As the UK’s enable the council to become cleanliness to top quartile, as largest local authority it was an effective deliverer of services just a few examples. always essential to gain and and become a change agent develop KCC’s support for for economic regeneration. At the same time we were regeneration in Thanet. The In 2002 the council was at entirely reconstructing the council could bring considerable rock bottom in terms of its customer focus with the resources, skills and capacity to effectiveness. Performance opening of a new one-stop the table. In the 1990s, KCC management was non-existent, call centre in 2005 and Thanet had already made two highly financial management was Gateway Plus – Kent’s first crucial transport investment abysmal, and the council lacked genuine one-stop shop – in decisions benefiting the area. clear direction through the 2008. Standards of quality They constructed the Thanet absence of well-set corporate had improved so dramatically Way – a dualled road extending plans and strategies. These that the council obtained a the M2 to Thanet and thereby problems were not due to lack Charter Mark for its benefits dramatically cutting travel of political direction, which and customer services provision times to London – and then was strong, but it was clear in 2008. Alongside the front- constructed a new harbour that translation of policy into facing improvements there has approach road at Ramsgate. delivery was weak and needed been a radical overhaul of IT By the later 1990s under the to change rapidly. infrastructure, providing the leadership of the late Sandy necessary resilience to deliver Bruce-Lockhart a new approach The Leader and I agreed that an consistent levels of service. was emerging from KCC. external review was required urgently and we commissioned Our programme of change also The first round of pilot Public the IDeA to undertake a included taking the unusual step Service Agreements in 2002/3 peer review. The review was of returning services in-house set out convergence targets a springboard to extensive for waste and street cleaning for key areas of public sector corporate restructuring with the owing to the poor performance performance in Thanet, such

The view from the beach 84 as looked-after children, and Away from Margate, KCC and development of employment other areas of welfare policy. TDC formed a joint venture land have been crucial. Although targets were missed company to develop around Other East Kent partners have they provided a platform for 100 acres of employment land. assisted in providing central the development of more The two councils have also mass to wider East Kent sophisticated objectives in worked together to maximise regeneration, a key success subsequent PSA and LAA the educational benefits being the lobby to persuade rounds. More crucially they from the building of a new the government and the rail signalled the beginnings of an city academy – the Marlowe industry to extend High Speed area-based approach within the Academy – by the construction I – the UK’s first fast rail service county. of a new athletics track and from Ashford to Ramsgate and an innovative business centre Dover. KCC also were embarking adjoining the school where on the plans to build a new pupils can learn business skills in Eastern and Coastal PCT, with contemporary arts gallery on a real environment. the council, is driving forward the seafront in Margate. The a new health improvement Turner Contemporary, as it Finally, the two councils are programme for Thanet called will be known when it opens currently co-operating on the Triple Aim – an idea from in 2011, will be a major new delivery of a new employment America that seeks to tackle the regional arts facility built to programme under the Working causes of poor health rather celebrate J. M. W. Turner who Neighbourhoods Fund and than treat their symptoms. lived and worked in Margate in have recently gained £750,000 With a 17-year difference in life the eighteenth century. The first to implement the Future Jobs expectancy between Cliftonville iteration of the gallery ended Fund. Plans are also advanced and some west Kent wards, we in considerable difficulties as to establish a multi-agency can see why this is welcomed. the original cost of building a delivery team for Margate sea-based structure escalated and new joint commissioning The key messages that emerge from £20 million to £48 million. arrangements for Thanet as part from these strands are that In 2006, new plans were of Kent’s Total Place submission. gaining personal commitment developed and the construction Other partnership from decision-makers is crucial, of the gallery is now under arrangements that have been and their commitment is way at considerably lower crucial are those with SEEDA, greatly aided if it is then within cost, designed by Stirling Prize the partners in the East Kent a strategic context that their winner David Chipperfield. Partnership, and our Primary organisation can support. For The Turner Contemporary Care Trust – Eastern and KCC it has been the Vision for has undoubtedly acted as a Coastal PCT. Kent, for SEEDA the Regional springboard for a much more Economic Strategy, for the PCT comprehensive approach to the SEEDA has been instrumental the World Class Commissioning regeneration of Margate. In this in leading the Margate renewal framework. KCC have been major players work. Its chief executive, Pam in driving forward seafront Alexander, has chaired the The role of the chief executive development that will be Margate Renewal Board since working with the political complementary to the Turner. its creation in 2005 and grant leadership can be crucial to interventions by SEEDA for securing these commitments, both the Turner project and the as often I have found good

85 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 relations can lead to good Commission. This would have unemployment in 18 months, investment on shared areas of been an inconceivable outcome our emerging LDF core strategy interest. a few years ago and reflects maps out a strong future of the strong base from which we growth for our area which we As we look to the future, now operate. are confident we will deliver my council has just gained a and which will continue to good review with promising Although the current recession drive our area towards regional prospects for its regeneration has hit our area hard with averages of employment and activity from the Audit an almost doubling of income levels.

East Lindsey by Alison Penn, Assistant Director, East Lindsey District Council

The East Lindsey district in is a low-value economy – low businesses that have attracted Lincolnshire encapsulates the average incomes, a continuation the big bucks over the last three majority of the Lincolnshire of seasonal work patterns, years. coastline (the bit that sticks out and a lack of high value-added on the right as you look at the business. One can see why we are not a map), with its two best known prime businesses location. We seaside towns of Skegness and The peripherality of the cannot deny that physical access Mablethorpe. This has been area, and its lack of significant in and out of the district is not a favourite holiday destination transport links (a 720 square easy. However, we do offer over the years for visitors from mile area with no dual companies lower wages and a Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire carriageways, so obviously no cohort of well-educated people and Yorkshire, as well as further motorways) can be seen as a in a rural hinterland that has a afield. Skegness continues curse or blessing depending high quality of life (safe, clean to attract many thousands of on your viewpoint! The and uncongested). In terms visitors in the summer months, district is large and rural – the of ‘access’, one of the biggest who come for a traditional coastal towns are relatively problems these days is the poor bucket-and-spade holiday. small, Skegness being the broadband access, a barrier to However, the visitor spend is largest at around 21,000 (out attracting small, creative and generally low value, and many of season). Despite some knowledge industries that we tourism businesses run on small significantly deprived coastal might otherwise look to offer margins resulting in a lack of wards, with obvious social and an ideal location. development and investment economic problems, the area (in property or staff training). has somehow missed out on We do, of course, see many Other than tourism (hospitality the type of funding that has opportunities for our coastal and retail trades), there is gone to places with a similar towns, especially as part of still a reliance on agriculture socioeconomic make-up. We a wider package with inland (though no longer being a big do, however, have access market towns and countryside. employer), the public sector to a very small proportion We want to work with our (probably accounting for a large of European and regional businesses to raise the overall proportion of our ‘knowledge funding ... but we don’t have quality of our tourism product. economy’ jobs), and a range the research-based, high- We are clearly offering of small businesses. The result tech, knowledge economy something for the budget-

The view from the beach 86 conscious family who want results in lower than average that we are not able to a traditional seaside holiday numbers with higher level encourage people back to (though that offer could still qualifications, as better qualified the area. We think that really benefit from further investment young people move out to focusing on a specialism we can and development), but there is study and stay away. This is be proud of will be good for a lot of potential for the tourist obviously not a unique position all – young people, employees who wants to get away from it – well qualified young people and businesses. all, visit the nature reserves, and gravitate to cities everywhere, have a mix of coastal and inland and often don’t return for One of the biggest issues experiences. We also believe many years. However, East for East Lindsey’s coastal that we should continue to Lindsey – population 130,000 area is the equivalent of a find ways to meet the technical and growing – does not have town-sized population that is needs of those creative a further education college or essentially ‘under the radar’, industries and businesses that any noticeable higher education and contributes nothing to don’t need a motorway to provision. FE is delivered in the local service provider coffers. distribute their goods, and area, but through a plethora of We have around 23,000 static provide a place for people to different training providers in caravans, apparently the largest live and work that fulfils their generally small-scale ventures. area of caravans in Europe quality of life requirements This makes it feel low-key and (not counting mobile holiday (thousands of people still not always appealing, much less caravans that move in and choose to move from large exciting. Accessing a broader out). While many of these will urban centres to small towns). range of choice means travelling be rented to holidaymakers, significant distances on poor we believe a large proportion We are also aiming to take and infrequent transport (some provide semi-permanent economic advantage of having young people have a 65-hour homes, some on six-month large numbers of older people week, with three or four hours sites, some on 10-month sites. in the district – much higher of travelling each day). These people do not pay than average because of the council tax, and it is difficult to generally ageing population, Aspirations are often low for assess their contribution to the but also because of inward those who stay, with low-paid local economy. migration. There are plans to seasonal jobs on offer. The become a ‘centre of excellence’ area also attracts people with We collect something in the for care and hospitality, creating low skills, and other social region of £4 million in business real expertise and best practice problems, into the costal area, rates from the site owners, at the same time as meeting in the same way that many and we are currently lobbying resident needs. seaside towns do; and we have the government through the a steady supply of older people Sustainable Communities Act To achieve all this, we need moving to the coast, often in to retain a percentage of those to focus on ramping up the poor health, who are creating rates to meet service needs, skills of the population. There an imbalance in the population. and to help regenerate the is something of a polarisation towns. in educational attainment, Our difficulty in recruiting to with some schools achieving specialist roles – planners, We would like to audit our very high levels of GCSEs, teachers, engineers, health caravans – to find out who and some still pretty low. This specialists etc. – also suggests lives there, their health (we

87 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 think many older people have don’t keep building the flood decisions in relation to spatial poor health), how long they defences higher and higher, planning into the future, not just stay, how many use caravans which we think will be viewed for the coast itself, but for the as alternatives to other as unsustainable. We must rest of this very rural district. So accommodation, how many be one of the only areas with we need to start supporting the rely on caravans to be able to ‘minimum’ housing growth adaptation of our communities, work in seasonal jobs, and so numbers at the moment, as both coastal and inland. on. But it’s a big job that will we await the outcome of a require a significant resource. large coastal study as part of Perhaps we can, again, take Neither are we sure of the the Regional Spatial Strategy advantage. The development implications of what we find. partial review. The results of of highly flood resilient buildings The biggest long-term issue for this study will inform whether and developments will begin our coast can be seen in the we can (or cannot) build any to be imperative for us soon. recent flood-risk maps, which more housing on our coast, So we should get ahead of the have confirmed that much of despite a 5,500-strong housing game, and start to encourage our coastline is the third most waiting list, with most people innovative and imaginative ‘at risk’ area in the country. wanting to live on the coast solutions that we can share with We don’t have crumbling – and figures which show us others in the future. As in many cliffs (we don’t have cliffs!), as having one of the fastest places, we always need to try but identified risk is increased growing population. This is to see that potentiality! breach and overtopping if we going to require some tough

Scarborough by David Archer, Strategic Director, Scarborough Borough Council

Managing risks remains Britain Award 2008, European from Cambridge and Chester. critical if local government is Enterprise Award 2008/9, The council’s regeneration to be instrumental in driving Core Value Awards 2009, and service also picked up an economic and cultural change most recently the Academy of ‘excellent’ rating from the Audit in their communities. In Urbanism Great Town Award Commission early in 2009, the Scarborough we appear, so beating off stiff competition first in the UK since 2002. far, to have got the balance between risk and reward just right, but it’s a constant challenge.

Seven years into an 18- year project to transform Scarborough, the North Yorkshire town and its council are picking up awards for the work done so far. These include winning the Enterprising

The view from the beach 88 But, Scarborough at the turn of does not necessarily fulfill the of-the-art creative industries the twenty-first century century expectations of local people centre, Woodend Creative was a place grappling with and businesses. The weekend Workspace, containing 52 office changing business and tourist was critical in helping everyone units, nine artist studios, a public trends, economic decline agree on a long-term agenda exhibition space, conference and structurally inherent low for the town. and meeting rooms, together expectations and aspirations. with a new 83-acre business Perceived as isolated and with Since then, the social and park. an outdated economy over- economic prospects of the area dependent on tourism and have been radically transformed The business park brought few major local employers, through the strands of another accolade for the town something had to change. community involvement, when it won the government’s the council’s direct input into Business Regeneration Project The catalyst for change regeneration projects and Award. The introduction of happened with the designation business support, together with a high-capacity broadband of Scarborough as an urban private sector investment in service through NYnet, a local renaissance town which led long-term strategic projects. government-backed delivery to a Community Planning Community partnerships vehicle, has given the town weekend in 2002. Over 1,000 tackling serious antisocial one of the fastest broadband local people from all sectors behaviour problems, creating services in Europe (100Mb/s). of the community who were public realm improvements NYnet was driven primarily passionate and committed to and giving pride back to the by North Yorkshire County their town attended the event local community have been Council, and the fusion and took up the call to change key in several run-down areas with Scarborough Borough Scarborough for the better. of the town. Public realm Council’s flair for innovation The enterprise shown by improvements at the harbour and enterprise is an excellent everyone at this event provided have inspired local businesses example of local government the spark for the renaissance to invest in new cafes and working together to drive of Scarborough, and from this restaurants, creating new jobs change. beginning the Scarborough and bringing derelict and under- Renaissance Partnership was used buildings back into use. The revitalisation process formed. has acted as a catalyst for an One of the key economic unprecedented level of new The challenge to transform challenges has been to unlock private sector investment and Scarborough from a coastal the underlying enterprise confidence in Scarborough. town with a seasonal economy of the town by supporting, The Sands leisure development to one with an all-year encouraging and developing is the borough’s flagship project economy and an enterprise the creative, cultural and digital and will ultimately bring in culture has not been easy to industries. This sector is the £200 million of private sector meet. When councils embark fastest growing sector within investment, in apartments, on place-changing projects, the town and its contribution shops and leisure facilities, we are all conscious of trying to the local economy is fast which will potentially create up to avoid promising too much overtaking tourism. This has to 1,000 new jobs. The town and delivering too little, or been achieved so far through has also seen its first purpose- of delivering something that the development of a state- built hotel for over 80 years.

89 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 While development work has Generating community the Renaissance programme slowed owing to the ‘credit involvement, increased council is set to continue. Next stages crunch’, the Sands project economic support and private under way include: attracting remains very much on track. sector investment have seen casino operators to the town; The council has just committed the town begin to change creation of a multiplex cinema £3.5 million to the construction from a seasonal economy to (the nearest one is 40 miles of Europe’s largest open-air an all-year economy. In 2000, away); transformation of the theatre, seating 6,500, with unemployment was 50 per cent Futurist, Scarborough’s largest completion due late in 2010. higher in the winter months theatre complex, which is now compared with the summer. By seriously outdated; further The open-air theatre project is 2008, the difference was little modernisation of the Spa the sort of risk that we feel local more than 10 per cent. Complex; and upgrading of the government should be taking surrounding public realm. in order to support the private A raft of enterprising projects sector and ensure community has also been completed, Despite this being a long-term and economic change continues including 60 new berths in the project, the challenge has been to happen during these difficult Marina, and the first-phase to deliver community-based times. It’s an iconic project, refurbishment of Scarborough’s projects that can win the hearts, highly visible and with a limited Spa Complex into a modern minds and backing of local financial downside. conference and entertainment people in a short space of time. However, not everything goes venue. There is a new cultural We have been able to follow according to plan – but that’s offer being spearheaded by the up with medium-term projects, the nature of risk-taking. The recently refurbished Rotunda which have only become visible council’s approach is about Museum, an internationally when nearing completion. We being risk aware and not risk renowned centre for have tried where possible to averse; lasting change can geology, and the Stephen avoid raising public awareness only be achieved by bold and Joseph Theatre, home to the and expectations too soon. decisive decision-making that playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn. This has also taken the short- recognises opportunity and Hotels are moving upmarket term pressure off long-term seeks to break new ground. We with the Crown Spa Hotel projects like the Sands, allowing took a risk in seeking to attract becoming the first Scarborough them to evolve as market Legoland to the Sands and hotel to achieve four-star status conditions dictate. This ability to ultimately it didn’t come off. It for over 15 years, and new engage communities resulted knocked us back initially, but no hotels are planned – a sure sign in the council receiving the place-changing scheme should of the increasing confidence in International Association of rely on one project for its long- the town. Public Participation (IAP2) term success. So we bounced Award in San Diego in back quickly and moved on to The momentum produced September 2009. the next opportunity. through the first seven years of

The coastal MP’s view

In developing the Handbook we views on coastal regeneration. questions with the same invited coastal MPs to offer their One MP answered all the one-word answer. What was

The view from the beach 90 that word? Below is a more main markets. housing conditions. comprehensive response from • Pockets of deprivation, • Enhancing employment Hugo Swire MP, member for particularly in Exmouth prospects, education and East Devon. (the town has two of skills. the most deprived wards • Addressing social exclusion What coastal resort issues are in Devon – Littleham and and enhancing raised by your constituents? Town. They are in the opportunities for the upper quartile of social disadvantaged. • Planning and development. deprivation in the country, • Enhancing the quality of life • Coastal erosion and coastal with 46.9 per cent of and capacity of local flooding. households on an annual people. • Furnished holiday lets. income of less than • Encouraging local • Fire regulations in B & Bs. £20,000.) authorities to take a real • Water charges as a result • Outflow of young adults. interest in, and ownership of investment in clean • Low average earnings. of, the promotion of bathing water and beaches. • Underemployment due to tourism for East Devon/ • Poor infrastructure (rail seasonality. Devon. links to London). • A traditional image that • Provision for parking of may deter investment. Given a no/low growth mobile homes. • Large numbers of future, how can we reduce • Legislation relating to pensioners. deprivation in our resort coastal access and marine • Cheaper overseas travel areas? protection. and introduction of holiday packages. • Channel any money (as What are your priorities for opposed to more) that is coastal resort regeneration in What are required to reduce allocated to coastal your area? the barriers to coastal resorts in a more effective, regeneration in your area? coordinated way, • Maintaining and protecting particularly prioritising and the landscape, coastline • Improvement of transport targeting areas that suffer and cultural heritage. infrastructure within the the most deprivation. • Improving quality and constituency and to and • Increase opportunities for competitiveness for East from it – both rail and road apprenticeships and other Devon’s tourism industry. routes for commuters and means of employment for • Addressing coastal erosion tourists. young people. and climate change issues. • Addressing the issue of • Focus on environmental • Addressing employment, seasonal employment – quality as this is a key housing and deprivation ensuring the area is seen as driver for the economy. problems. a year-round destination. • Focus on improving skills • Improving the quality of that will be valuable to What do you consider to the tourism offer and the local area (e.g. be the barriers to coastal making the industry more tourism, fishing and regeneration in your area? productive and more agriculture), thus sustainable. encouraging greater • Physical distance from • Improving housing and numbers of young people

91 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 to stay. • Create a clearer structure • Promote and enhance for marketing domestic the landscape, coastline tourism. and cultural heritage. • Invest in training and • Reduce the effect of keeping skills up to date to seasonality with other ensure continually high attractions such as the levels of service. conference industry.

The view from the beach 92 Chapter 6 Enterprising the coast by Leigh Sear and Jo Lee This chapter explores the introduced between areas Within the context of challenges and opportunities such as South Tyneside, understanding and supporting faced by coastal towns in Blackpool, St Helens and enterprise development, there stimulating enterprise and Hastings.1 As outlined within is a lack of insights related to the entrepreneurial activity, the government’s response to dynamics and trends in coastal and the policy and practice the Communities and Local towns and the ways in which context for the delivery of Government Committee on enterprise can be effectively business support to assist coastal towns, such evidence supported. This chapter will individuals and communities somewhat undermines claims address this gap. in starting and sustaining a of ‘difference’ – and hence business. the need for different sources In this chapter, enterprise of funding and targeted will refer to a set of personal Rather than facing different regeneration policies and tendencies (including creativity, challenges and problems, a programmes. responsiveness, and need for number of policy reviews autonomy) and behaviours that have suggested that there There is a general lack of can be manifested in a variety is a need for coastal towns evidence and insights by which of different contexts, while to foster greater levels of to review the authenticity of entrepreneurship refers to the innovativeness in developing such claims in terms of the process by which an individual responses within current policy development and promotion of or group of individuals start and and support environments. enterprise in coastal towns. A manage a new venture that While there are examples of number of recent studies have involves risk-taking, originality, good practice within coastal highlighted a relatively limited spotting gaps in the market or towns in supporting enterprise evidence base around the new productive processes. development, there is a striking specific nature of the challenges degree of similarity in the and opportunities facing coastal In terms of a coastal town, this responses of the practitioner towns. Fothergill notes that:2 Handbook is concerned with community. the socioeconomic conditions The present evidence base is also of our English seaside resorts; In a recent review of patchy with a distinct dearth of that is to say, towns on the developments within the reliable information on some key coast that came into being to 20 Local Enterprise Growth issues ... Some of the existing provide accommodation and Initiative (LEGI) areas, Regeneris information (on population and leisure and still contain a large Consulting highlights very few employment for example) could tourism infrastructure. differences in the enterprise also do with up-dating. development programmes

Unpacking patterns of enterprise in coastal towns

While there are a number entrepreneurship, there are There are a number of policy of ongoing debates about no specific overviews within statements, strategic overviews the barriers and challenges the academic literature of and action plans from local faced by coastal towns in enterprise development in authorities and regional supporting enterprise and coastal towns. development agencies which

Enterprising the coast 94 provide a descriptive overview Certain bundles of these towns with the strongest of the state of business and conditions and factors will local economies, including enterprise in the area, and be present in the less well Whitley Bay, Bournemouth, sometimes its role in tackling performing coastal towns. Brighton and Whitstable/ the challenges and opportunities While certain commentators Herne Bay.5 There are faced by coastal towns. have challenged whether such a number of characteristics issues are specific to coastal of these towns that This gap in understanding towns, it is the interplay of support enterprising and the issues with publicly these types of factor that may activity, such as: proximity available data are important account for the patterns of to a major town or large for practitioners, such as the enterprise observed. centre of population; good audience for this Handbook, On closer inspection, a number transport and in developing a picture of the of specific themes emerge from communication links to challenges faced by smaller the data on changes in the these towns and population enterprises and the responses business stock. centres; access to business required to support the opportunities and development of enterprise. • First, there are differences markets; and an Without access to such in performance of the awareness of trends in the evidence, there is a danger coastal towns within the wider external environment. that programmes are supply- regions. These are frequently led rather than demand-led.3 • Second, at a regional identified as important In part, this accounts for the level, there is evidence elements in the similarity in approaches among of a north–south divide in development of an the 20 LEGI areas.4 changes to the business enterprising culture.6 stock. Despite evidence This diversity reflects the of the gap in entrepreneurial In comparison, there is a interplay between a set of activity closing, VAT group of coastal towns with complex local conditions and registration data for 2003 net changes in the business dynamics that can result in to 2008 shows that coastal stock that are somewhat lower pockets of deprivation within towns in the southern than both the coastal group relatively buoyant economies. regions did perform slightly and national averages. This These will include: better than coastal towns in group includes Clacton, Great • lack of an enterprise culture northern regions. Yarmouth, Torbay and Whitby. in a community; Again, a number of these were • historical reliance on a • Third, there is a group identified by Fothergill and legacy of an employee of coastal towns that are the Local Futures group as culture and large business performing relatively well. towns with the weakest local dependency; Within this group, rates economies. These areas face • a low number of of net change in the a number of structural barriers enterprising role models; business stock are higher to encouraging enterprise and • low levels of mobility; than the overall group of entrepreneurial activity, not least • limited networking between coastal towns and national reflecting their geographical businesses; averages. A number of peripherality and isolation. Poor • restricted local business these were identified by connectivity and/or a lack of markets. Fothergill in 2009 as investment in transport and

95 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 communication infrastructure There is also a need for According to the Scarborough hinder access to employment creativity and innovation Renaissance Partnership, opportunities and other from support organisations in this focus on enterprising business services in towns and addressing these challenges, the economy has produced cities in the surrounding region. as traditional forms of business results:9 This position is summarised by support – such as advice and Shared Intelligence, who note guidance, grants and loans, Over the past six years we that:7 and incubation facilities – have have effectively changed from a generally failed in developing seasonal economy to an all- [there is] a set of shared enterprise in such areas.8 year-round economy. In 2000, economic, physical and unemployment was 50 per cent demographic problems in If a more creative or innovative higher in the winter months struggling seaside towns approach is adopted, a number compared to the summer. which prevent them growing of these issues can be tackled. By 2008, the difference was economically and create In Scarborough, for instance, little more than 10 per cent, a concentrations of need which investment has been targeted dramatic change and one which local services are struggling to at addressing issues related is the envy of many other seaside manage. to transport links, enhancing resorts. communication links and Such challenges provide a connectivity (e.g. providing Finally, over the last five barrier to attracting individuals good wireless coverage years, ‘rural’ coastal towns and business investment, stifling across the town), developing have under-performed in the introduction of news ideas incubation facilities, supporting comparison with more and opportunities into the the development of businesses urban coastal towns. This economy and the development in the creative and cultural reinforces wider trends in the of networks to exploit these sector, and public realm performance of urban and opportunities. improvements at the harbour rural areas in rates of business to attract business investment. formation and change.

Enterprising the coast 96 Again, available evidence on net change in the business stock submitted by these towns this geography of enterprise in Brighton and Bournemouth attached a primary role for highlights the importance (14 per cent) was double enterprise development and of access to transport the net change in Blackpool entrepreneurship in assisting and communication links, and Great Yarmouth. This individuals and communities connectivity and openness to difference is reflected in the within the most deprived business networks as key factors recent allocation of LEGI and super-output areas in moving in accounting for some of the Working Neighbourhood Fund out of unemployment and difference between urban and (WNF) monies to areas such as worklessness into more positive rural areas.10 Indeed, the group Blackpool, Great Yarmouth and outcomes and tackling the key of traditional seaside ‘resorts’ North East Lincolnshire. issues related to regenerating have not performed better as the town. The nature of these a group than other types of The narrative or ‘script’ challenges and opportunities is coastal town. For example, the within the funding applications explored next.

Developing enterprise: challenges and opportunities

The above review of the limited one hand, this may be because market; data highlights a somewhat they face the same challenges • an ageing and transient uneven geography of enterprise and opportunities in supporting population; development across the group enterprise. On the other • a lack of capacity building of coastal towns in England, hand, it may reflect a lack of and leadership in public with a net change in the innovation in enterprise support services. business stock varying from and provision.11 14 per cent in towns such as A number of these challenges Brighton and Bournemouth, at There are a number of well- and opportunities are reinforced a rate well above the national rehearsed debates surrounding by a recent survey undertaken average, to 4 per cent in the challenges and opportunities by the Coastal Communities places such as East Lindsey and currently faced by coastal towns Alliance. There are a bundle Clacton and a net decrease in in regenerating the coastline of of explicit challenges related Southend. England. Such challenges can to encouraging and supporting be grouped into a number of business development, This pattern of enterprise bundles related to: particularly around attracting further reinforces the investment and support from proposition that coastal towns • a lack of opportunities for the business community in are not a homogeneous group, economic diversification; regenerating resorts. In part, with similar experiences in • a weak local labour market; this is rooted within wider coping (or struggling) with • above-average levels of concerns about the lack of enterprising and regenerating worklessness; funding and attracting public the area. But there is evidence • high levels of incapacity in and private investment in the of a degree of similarity in the the population; light of negative perceptions of responses of the supply side in • a deteriorating physical coastal towns. This is related to supporting enterprise across infrastructure; a perceived image problem and this group of towns. On the • an unbalanced housing subsequent unattractiveness

97 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 as a place to work, live and different approaches to be and Associates.13 These range learn.12 tested. Therefore, there from a lack of aspirations and may be benefits from using attitudes of the community Experiences from elsewhere emerging structures such as the towards enterprising activity, to highlight the role of enterprise Coastal Communities Alliance minimal accessible role models development in addressing as a route to exchanging and a lack of awareness of the set of challenges and experiences around the business opportunities in the opportunities outlined above. development of enterprise wider external environment, For example, a number of and entrepreneurial activity as to a lack of finance and people the local authorities who a regenerative tool in coastal with the right abilities and were successful in gaining towns. skills to support in starting LEGI funding have developed and managing the business. A programmes that provide A number of studies have number of these themes are opportunities for a degree of explored the challenges and supported by the outcomes innovation and new thinking in opportunities faced by localities from the CCA survey of local delivery of enterprise support in developing enterprise authorities. – such as around enterprise and entrepreneurial activity, coaching – which has enabled reviewed in 2003 by Bridge

Developing enterprise: challenges and opportunities

• Lack of business was ‘insufficient commitment, understanding the needs of development and growth enthusiasm and active aspiring entrepreneurs around involvement from local private starting a business in a coastal About one in three of the enterprises’. town, the challenges and surveyed local authorities opportunities and the associated noted that a lack of business The experiences of areas such responses required from development and growth as Scarborough and North business support organisations was a barrier to regeneration. Tyneside suggest that there is and other regeneration There were a number a need for key stakeholders agencies. of aspects to this barrier, to adopt a proactive or including traditionally low entrepreneurial approach in levels of business start-ups and development activity, which the analysis of patterns of enterprise above suggests is a key characteristic of a specific group of coastal towns – but not all of them. There was also a lack of commitment and low levels of investment from the business community in the area. One local authority noted that a barrier to regenerating the area

Enterprising the coast 98 based businesses, etc.

There were a number of factors at play here including:

• a decline in traditional industries such as fishing, engineering and manufacturing; • a lack of aspirations and resistance to change among • The economic performance sectors such as tourism in the population; of the area coastal towns, will have a • a lack of – or limited role to play here in improving awareness of – The level of business the performance of the local opportunities outside the start-up and change in the economy. Gibb has noted that immediate area; business community will be this will require an investment • a mismatch between influenced by the opportunities in education and training in the demand and supply in available within the external order to broaden horizons education and training environment. Two-thirds of around the opportunities in provision and low levels the surveyed local authorities the external environment of educational attainment identified some element of the which can underpin sustainable in comparison to national performance of the economy enterprise activity, whether on averages. as a barrier to enterprising and an individual or community regenerating the coast. basis.15 Archer and Davison note that a number of these challenges Specific issues related to the • A lack of employment require structural changes low level of wages offered by opportunities and in the priorities of education businesses, the commercial investment in skills and training providers in viability and sustainability of development order to meet the changing new businesses (particularly requirements of employers.16 in tourism-related sectors), About half of the surveyed peaks and troughs in demand local authorities identified a Hartshorn and Sear suggest that reflecting the seasonality of set of issues related to the lack there is scope to encourage coastal towns, and the reliance of employment opportunities greater levels of employer on tourism-related activity. and skills development. One engagement with 14 to A number of studies have respondent commented: 19 year-old employment highlighted that this reliance and learning opportunities, and the subsequent lack of In many towns the run-down and to support businesses diversification of economic nature of the resort needs to in contributing to the activity is a key barrier to be addressed at the same time development of people and regeneration.14 Support to assist as creating hard employment skills which effectively address individuals in managing the opportunities by capturing business development needs.17 journey into self-employment opportunities to respond to in different sectors, thereby tourism trends towards activity reducing reliance on specific and short-break holidays, web-

99 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 • Transport and the linkages and connectivity, to existing activity. This pattern communication links through exploiting ties and is characteristic of the system’s relationships with other national failure in the provision of The survey reinforced markets. This need to develop small business and enterprise challenges identified by other the market scope of existing support.19 studies related to issues of and new businesses in coastal transport and communication towns will be critical in the Such experiences raise a couple linkages. There were a sustainability of entrepreneurial of issues. First, a large number number of comments from activity as well as providing of non-coastal towns and cities the surveyed local authorities points of exposure to new would highlight a lack of funding related to ‘lack of transport ideas and ways of running and and investment as a barrier to infrastructure investment’ and managing businesses.18 regeneration, which raises an ‘poor transport links’. The issue as to the funding priorities survey identified a set of specific • A lack of access to finance attached to regeneration issues including investment and funding vis-à-vis other policy areas by in transport linkages, levels government departments and of car ownership and the A number of the surveyed agencies.20 Second, there may communications connectivity of local authorities highlighted that be a need for local authorities coastal towns. a lack of finance and funding to adopt a more enterprising or from central government and proactive posture in sourcing However, there are regional development agencies funding to address some of the opportunities for promoting was hindering attempts to challenges and opportunities.21 entrepreneurial responses regenerate coastal towns. One to the issue of transport and authority noted: A number of coastal towns communication linkages have been successful in which may develop greater The remoteness of many resorts gaining additional funds from levels of connectivity. For and their distance from main programmes such as LEGI and example, a number of areas centres of population and WNF to support enterprise have successfully supported business has resulted in a lack development and regeneration. community-owned transport of private sector investment in If coastal towns do face specific businesses to plug gaps in basic employment infrastructure. challenges and opportunities routes, while a number of the This market failure has to be in regenerating their areas, local authorities noted that addressed by public sector in comparison to other types there may be opportunities investment in these facilities, but of localities, it is unlikely that arising from the development many small resorts have found they will be able to access of businesses within the cultural this challenging. monies from targeted funding and creative sector, particularly streams. Given the current around digital and media This lack of investment resulted national financial situation, the technologies, which would in local authorities either not possibility of providing such enhance the connectivity of implementing anticipated plans targeted funding is somewhat coastal towns. and priorities and/or introducing limited existing commitments The development of new forms activity on a smaller scale. In under the truncated SeaChange of economic activity not reliant addition, it was noted that initiative.22 on demand from the local area there was an emphasis on will be a key tool in enhancing funding innovative as opposed

Enterprising the coast 100 A key issue here is the ability of the local authority and key stakeholders to develop an entrepreneurial posture and mindset in exploring ways of funding planned programmes of business support and regeneration. Therefore, there may be opportunities for coastal towns to exchange experiences around how such a posture can be developed. Supporting enterprise development and entrepreneurship

What have been the specific local areas, it is hoped experiences of coastal towns The Local Enterprise Growth the initiative will be more in overcoming the sort of Initiative is the latest approach effective at creating new challenges and opportunities by central government to enterprise. outlined above in supporting foster an enterprise culture enterprise development? within a range of disadvantaged Within this context, the While there are a number of communities and groups across programme guidance suggested descriptive ‘how to’ guides England, alongside which a that local authorities and their and case studies of ‘good’ number of local authorities have stakeholders were best placed practice, there is a lack of re-packaged enterprise support to develop programmes of publicly available studies that using Working Neighbourhood support to reflect local needs have explicitly assessed the Fund monies. and requirements. However, effectiveness and impact of The key trend underpinning despite this different emphasis business and enterprise support LEGI was the devolution of in the decision-making, Chitty programmes in coastal towns. decision-making to the local suggests that these areas have level as it suggested that experienced the same issues as In reviewing the wider devolved decision-making before:24 literature, it is notable that an has the greatest impact. industry has developed around This differs from previous More enterprising communities supporting small business government attempts to boost are stronger, wealthier, happier and enterprise development enterprise in deprived areas and sustainable. Aren’t they? over the last 20 years. Over as it provides local institutions The advantages are obvious. this time, a multitude of and communities with the So why, when we’ve explained policies, organisations and authority and freedom to best the benefits of enterprise so programmes of support have determine local needs, options carefully, and offered all the been introduced, some of and targeted solutions in their help and support any budding which have come and gone area:23 entrepreneur could possibly need, while others have survived are we not mowed down in the and evolved over a number of By encouraging local authorities rush as enthused and energised years. to devise plans to suit their communities respond to the call?

101 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Bennett suggests that this lack Underpinning a number of programmes such as LEGI of take-up is indicative of a these characteristics is the and WNF. This leads to systems failure in the provision need for more enterprising or pockets of good or effective of enterprise support:25 more innovative approaches. practice among the group of What types of business and coastal towns. This picture of • There is an array of different enterprise support are available provision will be driven by the providers of support that within coastal towns? The interplay between specific local deliver a wide range of survey of local authorities and conditions and factors such as: different schemes. These the case studies highlight a schemes tend to be funded wide range of interventions, • the proactiveness of the from a variety of sources. including programmes of local business community; • There is a lack of business advice and guidance, • the posture of the voluntary networking between mentoring and enterprise and community sectors; support agencies. coaching, financial assistance, • levels of awareness of Agencies say that they refer incubation space and training. opportunities for starting clients between each other, While the specific configuration and managing a business; but research has indicated of provision is different between • the strength of the that the extent of coastal towns, reflecting relationship between the networking and referral local differences in needs local authority and its activity is often limited. and requirements, there is a partners. • There is confusion among large degree of similarity in small businesses as to who the ‘offer’ across the group. These factors will influence the to approach from the formal For example, the majority environment in which different support network for advice of coastal towns offer some approaches and programmes and guidance. form of business incubation can be piloted and tested. • There are overlaps and or managed workspace for Again, such experiences gaps in support provision. start-ups and growth-orientated provide further evidence of In 1988, this was businesses. There is also an the relationship between the summarised by the Audit increasing institutionalisation entrepreneurial posture of Commission as ‘programme of enterprise coaching as an the providers of business and overkill within a strategic offer to supporting individuals enterprise support and the vacuum’. in managing the enterprise difference in performance of • There are clear variations in journey. These patterns are enterprise in the area. To this the quality of business not unique to coastal towns end, it would be interesting support within and and imply a degree of similarity to explore whether a key between areas. The level in the barriers and challenges determinant of the patterns and quality of staffing, the faced in starting and growing a of enterprise evident in emphasis on training and business.26 Figures 6-1 and 6-2 reflect the development of staff and entrepreneurial posture or the level of funding varies On the other hand, the survey approach of the supply side. significantly among agencies and case studies highlighted in the small business policy an emphasis on the need for • Start-up support community. This influences innovation and creativity, and the quality of service that doing things differently, within As with the majority of localities can be provided to the small the guidance surrounding across England, the survey business sector.

Enterprising the coast 102 information services, financial assistance (e.g. loan and equity financing), follow-on workspace, and training and skills provision (funded via Train to Gain) provided by a combination of quasi-public and private sector providers.

Given that 50–60 per cent of businesses started in the and case studies highlighted and targets. Therefore, some United Kingdom do not survive that coastal towns provide a areas may be able to provide more than 12 months, such plethora of start-up provision. a range of grants to aspiring provision has a key role in This includes: business advice entrepreneurs, while others enhancing business survival and guidance; information can provide only vouchers and sustainability rates. Bearing and signposting; coaching and or a basic training subsidy. in mind the challenges and mentoring; financial assistance This leads to a ‘patchwork’ of opportunities discussed above, (e.g. grants and micro-finance); start-up provision which the there is a need to map the incubation space; and training government is attempting to balance between start-up and and networking. To this extent, manage through the ongoing business development and there is very little difference business support simplification growth provision in coastal in start-up support between programme in England. towns, as surveys and case coastal and non-coastal towns. studies provide anecdotal • Business development and evidence that there is a current Given recent changes in the growth emphasis on getting individuals Business Link network, this into business, as opposed to tends to be provided by local The second key bundle ensuring long-term sustainability. enterprise agencies, welfare- of provision is focused on This is important given the to-work providers (e.g. Inbiz, supporting businesses to need within coastal towns to Action for Employment) and develop and grow on a diversify local economic activity other targeted providers (e.g. sustainable basis. The publicly and reduce the reliance on the Prince’s Trust, PRIME, Prowess, funded element of this market tourism sector and associated ethnic minority business is now shaped by the Business services.28 groups). The majority of such Link information, diagnostic provision is underpinned by and brokerage (IDB) model. • Attracting inward public funding.27 Business Link advisers work investment with a portfolio of businesses Provision across the group of to support them in assessing The promotion of enterprise coastal towns varies, reflecting their development needs and can play a part in changing the ability to access funding brokering access to other attitudes and images of coastal to offer particular types of sources of support to address towns. To this end, a number support (e.g. access to finance these needs. Therefore, across of the towns have developed packages), the needs of different a number of the coastal towns, enterprise marketing campaigns groups interested in starting a there were mentoring and as a way of attracting private business, and local priorities coaching services, business

103 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 sector investment. This campaigns are part of a wider deprived areas, particularly manifests itself in TV and radio offer which unlocks specific around the focus on generating advertising, extensive coverage sources of financial assistance business ideas. Atherton and of success stories in local and training to assist in Chitty have suggested that press and media, organising embedding the business such campaigns reinforce inward missions, and attending within the area. In terms of perceptions about enterprise conferences and networking potential funders, the campaigns as starting business, not events. are targeted at maintaining enterprise as a skills set which awareness and reinforcing a can be applied within different There are two key customers commitment to supporting contexts.29 Again, this different here: businesses looking to enterprise development and mindset will be critical in invest, and potential funders. entrepreneurship. the efforts of coastal towns In terms of the former, the addressing the challenges marketing campaigns provide a However, there are a number outlined above related to cost-effective route of tapping of questions surrounding the developing skills in local young into businesses outside the effectiveness of enterprise people. area which may be interested marketing campaigns in in relocating. The marketing targeting individuals within

Resorting to the Atlantic Coast of Ghana: European Heritage and Tourism of the Seaside - Edward Addo, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, Canada Beginning in 1471, the of forts and castles which still public holidays, especially on Portuguese, Dutch, Danes, characterize Ghana’s Atlantic Independence Day. English, Swedes, French coast are important tourist Resort/hotel operations have and Germans visited and attractions. In 1979 some of also become ubiquitous and settled in Ghana for nearly five the forts and castles were lucrative on the centuries. The designated UNESCO World Atlantic coast. The most voyages and settlements Heritage sites. The significance popular operations are the involved trans-Atlantic trade in of the forts and 5-star Labadi Beach commodities and slaves. castles in tourism of the Hotel in Accra, the capital city To facilitate the trans-Atlantic seaside is accentuated by of Ghana, the 4 and 3-star trade, forts and castles were three festivals, namely, Golden Beach Hotels, built to serve as Panafest, Emancipation Day, namely, La Palm Royal Beach trading posts, lodges, and and Joseph’s Project which Hotel in the Greater Accra strategic defense. In 1807 attract tourists in Region, Elmina Beach Britain abolished the the Diaspora, especially USA. Resort in the Central Region, slave trade but colonized In the past two decades, and Busua Beach Resort in the Ghana between 1874 and beach tourism has Western Region, and 1957. The European legacies become quite popular on the 3-star Coconut Grove

for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com Enterprising the coast 104 Beach Resort in Elmina in the Prince of Holland, Kofi Annan, Nelson, Ghana’s former WBC Central Region. The former Secretary General Featherweight and Super beach resorts/hotels have of the U.N., Will Smith, Featherweight champion, hosted highprofile guests world renowned film actor, and Heads of State of some including Queen Elizabeth comedian and musician from African countries. II of England, former US USA who visited Ghana to presidents Bill Clinton and shoot the film George W. Bush, the Crown “Mohammed Ali”, Azumah

Conclusion

A number of issues emerge in Second, there is evidence While more case study terms of the ‘so what?’ question in the patterns of enterprise research will help in generating surrounding understanding that these are different from such evidence, there are and supporting enterprise inland settlements, but the indications that issues related and entrepreneurial activity in configuration of business and to location, seasonality and coastal towns. First, there is a enterprise support is somewhat changing demographics need to develop the evidence similar to other areas. The create a set of challenges and base. The current evidence is current policy context is moving opportunities in supporting either highly descriptive and/or away from providing funding enterprise development and explored as part of other issues targeted at coastal towns ‘given entrepreneurial activity (e.g. faced in regenerating the coast. that the problems found in accessing business opportunities Despite definitional ambiguities, seaside towns ... are found in and markets) that are not the analysis of changes in the many other kinds of struggling faced by non-coastal towns. net business stock of businesses areas’.30 The gap in our current According to the Select provides a starting point for understanding of enterprise in Committee Inquiry of 2007, exploring the specific interplay coastal towns hinders making these challenges may ‘warrant of factors underpinning the a detailed assessment of the government action’. observed patterns and whether specificity of the conditions and these are different from non- problems outlined above to Finally, there is a need for more coastal towns. coastal towns. structures by which agencies in coastal areas can exchange experiences, particularly in terms of how they can develop an entrepreneurial posture

105 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Innovating and generating coastal enterprise by Jo Finlow, Local Action Group Manager, Rural Development Programme for England

The £2 million of RDPE the ability to be stimulated ideas and approaches to the funding will support by stagnation and rise above coast or take people out to Lincolnshire’s coastal routine and move forward see the alternatives in action, community in developing their enterprise in new elsewhere in the UK, or even new and alternative directions. Many businesses in Europe. opportunities for tourism and and individuals, however, enterprise while positively need support, encouragement Businesses seeking capital encouraging the need to and the sharing of skills building work in coastal areas raise quality standards and by ‘having to work at it, need not view planning build sustainability through together!’ regulations and coastal realising the cultural, historic flood risks as blocks, but be and natural assets of an A helping hand can be encouraged to think about undervalued coast. particularly useful for sectors other options that would be that are traditional. Businesses acceptable and which may Innovating and generating in coastal areas are traditional. achieve their goals by more coastal enterprise needs the For such businesses to expand creative routes. For example, right balance of ingredients. and serve the changing and if holiday accommodation is a If one is missing, the law of different needs of businesses no-go for your outbuildings, limiting factors comes into and the public, many what else could they be used play. Just as a plant needs the coastal businesses need to for that would be acceptable right balance of light, heat embrace change and to react and achieve the same income and energy to grow, if one positively and creatively. To aims? element is in poor supply, stimulate business activity, the growth will be limited by the ingredients needed are: Once ideas are stimulated deficient element. they need to be nurtured. • innovation and ideas; Support in the form of funding The ingredient that is usually • a supportive environment and advice must be in place. in shortest supply for the for new businesses from For example, Business Link many businesses and people organisations and agencies; and RDPE funding, working seeking to diversify or evolve • funding to start or to together, should adjust their businesses is ideas. Too develop businesses, such services to fit with the needs many coastal businesses get as the RDPE. of the types of rural/coastal ‘stuck in a rut’ and ‘lulled businesses likely to come by the seasonal routines’ to Business support organisations forward. This will require explore new opportunities and funding streams can understanding and knowledge and new income streams. stimulate ideas and encourage of the nature of coastal It is only the energetic and new business thinking by economies and linkages (if risk-defying few that have bringing examples of different any!), the needs of the private

Enterprising the coast 106 sector for flexibility, and into the activities of businesses with their ideas. There are responsiveness when applying being publicly funded. organisations already in to access funding. Notwithstanding the need existence. Young Enterprise to develop and diversify is an example that has been Sustainability now is coastal business now, there around for some time, but paramount and must be is also the need to get the it requires greater emphasis considered in funding next generation interested and support to enable it to do applications, despite the in enterprise by encouraging more to generate enterprising unique but unfortunate innovation and business and innovative ideas among position of possibly seeing a awareness in schools. Young free-thinking youth. drastically changed coastline people are naturally creative in 20 years! Sustainability thinkers and adults should therefore needs to be built encourage and engage

Art and Representation by the Seaside: Jaywick, Nathan Coley, David Cotterrell, and Alex Murdin - Matthew Bowman, University of Essex, UKUniversity UK

Jaywick, an Essex coastal residences; the East Anglian a Colchester-based arts village located to the west floods of 1953 swept across organization, invited Turner of Clacton-on-Sea, was the land and damaged Prize nominated artist Nathan founded in the 1920s, and many of the chalets; and the Coley to work with the its original intention was to decline of the seaside holiday local community to fabricate provide temporary seaside industry had a dire effect upon a temporary architectural holiday chalets for Londoners Jaywick. Since the 1970s, artwork; meanwhile Jaywick wishing to briefly escape these events and others have Martello Tower, an arts centre city life. The chalets were had considerable negative in Jaywick, asked artists David cheaply built, small, basic in impact upon Jaywick, with the Cotterrell and Alex Murdin their amenities but well-suited consequence that the village to work independently for the needs of occasional has experienced severe social but interconnectedly to tenants, and offered a striking decline and poverty. A tight- produce works that speak view upon the North Sea. In knit community has come for and to Jaywick residents. the aftermath of the Second to feel increasingly sidelined, Murdin created a multi- World War, however, the both socially and economically, media artwork, The Jaywick character of Jaywick changed from modern Britain. Tourist Board, that featured dramatically. The chalets In the autumn of 2008, two contributions from the locals, began to serve as permanent artistic projects became and Cotterrell made an homes rather than as holiday part of Jaywick life. Firstsite, interactive map of Jaywick

107 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 upon which memories and artists weren’t local to Jaywick, act the artists had to perform: locations could be recorded. this paper will consider the a balance between “the This paper will look closely issue of representation - not indignity of speaking for at the works produced, the simply artistic representation others” and the possibility of difficult social situation they but social representation community representation by entered into dialogue with, as well. Perhaps most outside parties. and their reception. But importantly, this paper will especially insofar as all three examine the difficult balancing

for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

Enterprising the coast 108 Chapter 7 Culture-led regeneration in seaside towns1 by Lesa Dryburgh In recent years, initiatives to image and quality of life in In cases where culture-led commission art and cultural some of the most deprived regeneration is showing projects and programmes coastal areas of England. What emerging success, three in regeneration plans have contribution can such schemes underpinning themes are escalated, but there has not make, what are the barriers to present. These are: necessarily been a shared successful commissioning and understanding of the process implementation, and what is • strong leadership at local or possible impacts for seaside being learned about the role political level; resorts. ‘We want an Angel of arts and culture in coastal • a specific artistic vision for of the North, but we don’t regeneration? an area connected with its want anything controversial!’ is distinctiveness; a summary of the sentiments Key findings emerging in arts • a genuine and broad of many commissioners. This and culture-led approaches to engagement process. chapter aims to share the the regeneration of some of potential benefits and inevitable England’s seaside resorts are Often commissioners want challenges that can arise from outlined here. While there is bold, iconic work – but what such ambition. no ‘one size fits all’ approach, does that involve or mean? there are some overarching Where does the process begin? Millions of pounds are being common themes contributing What might be the pitfalls? invested in coastal initiatives to the changing perceptions, What could success look like? based on ‘arts’ or ‘culture- challenging processes and led’ regeneration schemes, emerging successes. designed to improve the visitor What is the role of culture and its link with regeneration?

The first part of the process • Culture-led • Cultural regeneration. is to question what you want regeneration. In this model, cultural to achieve and at what level? In this model, cultural activity is fully integrated into A report compiled for the activity is seen as the catalyst an area strategy alongside Department for Culture, and engine of regeneration. other activities in the Media and Sport (DCMS), The activity is likely to have environmental, social and The Contribution of Culture to a high public profile and economic sphere. This Regeneration in the UK,2 which frequently to be cited as model is closely allied to looked for evidence of culture the sign of regeneration. the ‘cultural planning’ as a donor (a contributor), as The activity might be approach to cultural policy a catalyst or – at the very least the design and construction and city regeneration. – a key player in the process (or re-use) of a building or • Culture and of regeneration or renewal buildings for public or regeneration. across the UK, identified three business use; the In this model, cultural predominant roles for culture in reclamation of open activity is not fully integrated regeneration: space; or the introduction of at the strategic development a programme of activity that or master planning stage is then used to rebrand a (often because the place. responsibilities for cultural

Culture-led regeneration in seaside towns 110 provision and for designed), or a heritage to the vacuum and make regeneration sit within interpretation or local their own interventions. different departments or history museum tucked This chapter focuses on culture- because there is no away in the corner of led regeneration as described ‘champion’). The a reclaimed industrial site. in the above definition, and intervention is often small- In some cases, where no cites case studies in relation scale, such as a mini-festival planned provision has been to different approaches being (a public art programme made, residents (individuals undertaken in seaside resorts for a business park, once or businesses) and cultural in England’s South East, North the buildings have been organisations may respond West and East Midlands.

What might success look like?

What might successful culture- Success may also be viewed together, make friendships or led regeneration look like? in terms of excellence and share opinions, a focal point Success may be evaluated in innovation, such as an for the town or the catalyst for many ways: through increased international-class artwork annual events in the calendar visitor numbers (and tourism or iconic or original project year. And these qualitative spend); communities engaged that captures the imagination reflections are equally essential in cultural activity; skills and touches people’s lives – to consider in measuring development; job creation; changing the way we view success. community sustainability; the world, raising aspirations. increased national and It could be that the work It is vital from the outset that international profile; inward appears in arts, culture, news you are clear about what you investment; renewal of cultural and tourism publications and want to achieve from culture- heritage and population becomes an icon of the place, led regeneration, and that the increase (or sustainability of boosting perception and policies, procedures and people existing population). Success tourism. It might be that the support the implementation. may link to myriad cultural, work makes people feel good, economic or social strategies, gives people a new perspective, initiatives or agendas. a place to reflect, gather

What might be the barriers to culture-led regeneration?

Potential barriers can include positive professional support support constructive processes. a lack of clarity (about the infrastructure (within arts, Further barriers to ‘perceived purpose), understanding (about culture, education, planning, success’ can include short- the possibilities and challenges), community and political term planning and quick-fix positive engagement and leadership). Positive public solutions. Strategic longer-term ownership (by professionals and relations internally (and cross- partnership approaches marked public) and an under-resourced departmentally) and externally with investment and resources or under-represented (with the local press) are vital to to truly embed and maintain the

111 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 potential for positive impact are of the culture-led regeneration (e.g. 10–20 years) could take vital. This includes maintenance approach might be, then financial and human resources. and sustainability (of artworks developing plans to address or initiatives), which may them through a strategic National and international take more time to set up communications approach and recognition of innovative and demonstrate success but identifying the right people to art and cultural projects can should, in the long term, bring influence and engage in the increase attention on a place or greater value to commissions plans. For example, potentially destination, increase tourism and initiatives. controversial work may offend and increase awareness of the local public, innovative issues faced by small seaside Many of the potential installations may be a planning towns. barriers can be overcome by challenge, or maintaining a considering what the challenges commission over its lifetime

Case study 1 England’s North West: Crosby

Acceptance among local people ugly, dangerous and even partnerships, has significantly and businesses can take time to pornographic (owing to the increased profile for the region. win over, and it is often the case simplified genitalia on the that arts and cultural projects statues). The installation was need, somehow, to ‘prove their honoured in the waterside place’, to ‘justify their worth’ in Local concerns over safety regeneration category of the gaining local respect. In small issues caused by the statues 2006 Northwest Business towns, large art projects can included claims that they Environment Awards, and has cause controversy. created a hazard for people also been recognised as best involved in sailing, windsurfing tourism experience of the One such example is Antony and watersports, and that year in the Mersey Partnership Gormley’s Another Place, visitors were at risk from Tourism Awards and as one which was installed in Crosby incoming tides. Despite these of the best examples of in 2005.3 Over the first strongly raised concerns, other regeneration in the region 18 months, the installation local pressure groups wanted by the RENEW Northwest attracted an estimated 600,000 the work to stay. The case for Exemplar Learning Programme. visitors to the coast, but the work to remain was won Professor John K. Walton despite this it generated a lot and, in 2006, Another Place was comments: of local controversy. Initially a secured by Sefton Metropolitan temporary installation brought Borough Council to be How much regeneration is to Crosby Beach by Liverpool permanently located on the actually going on at (what has Biennial in partnership with beach and maintained by them. become) Gormley’s Crosby? South Sefton Partnership in This recognition of the power 2005, local public opinion of culture-led regeneration, One could ask, does there was split between some who and the need for long-term need to be? What is the considered that the work was sustainability both in terms of ‘measurement of success’? The beautiful and poignant and ownership and maintenance work has been hailed as one of others who claimed it was plus promotion through the best examples of culture-led

Culture-led regeneration in seaside towns 112 This example is not untypical of many culture-led initiatives in seaside towns which, although perhaps not as widely known, receive initial strong local opposition, generate outstanding international recognition and ultimately become owned and locally loved! The example is included here to share knowledge and regeneration anywhere in the this in Crosby. We love it. It looks expertise amongst readers North West and artist Antony different each time, depending who are looking to innovate, Gormley credited with the on the time of year and the tide. take risks and ride the waves ‘democratisation’ of art. A visitor At Christmas, we’ve seen people to support bold initiatives in to the work comments: dress them up in tinsel, Santa seaside resorts. hats and foam reindeer antlers. We’ve been several times to see There’s nothing else here though!

Case study 2 England’s South East: Folkestone

Folkestone Triennial4 includes Focusing on a small geographical to enhance civic pride and headline artists and mixes area, concentrating attention build stronger communities. temporary and permanent at the core of a problem and Measuring impact is complex art in a deliberately small nurturing the solution within and a longitudinal study will be geographic area of Shepway. a defined physical area is key. necessary to assess the effect The Triennial is one part of a Conducting rigorous analysis on local communities and larger culture-led regeneration and then having the courage in people’s decisions to remain, programme led by the resulting convictions to initiate leave or indeed move to the Creative Foundation,5 which and grow innovative solutions area. Commissioned impact includes property acquisition is essential. And, while ensuring and evaluation reports are and letting for creative and stakeholder support, being in progress, but not available cultural industries and links with bold enough to keep strong at the time of publishing this education and communities. attention on ‘the big idea’ and research. not dilute it ought, ultimately,

Case study 3 England’s South East: Margate

Turner Contemporary6 is a of exhibitions and events, gallery which is due to open visual arts organisation that promotes understanding and in Margate in 2011. As many celebrates J. M. W. Turner’s enjoyment of historical and readers will know, the project association with Margate and, contemporary art. Work is has not been without its through a varied programme underway to build a permanent complications over the past

113 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 several years and lessons tourists to move between these strong political leadership and learned are generously shared. different destinations and not community ownership and James Kennell, Senior Lecturer have to just pick one, but to be engagement to support success. in Tourism and Regeneration, able to put together destinations University of Greenwich that constitute a meaningful A tentative conclusion might suggests:7 long-term trip. be drawn in the differences between approaches in What Turner Contemporary This example is included here Folkestone and Margate. can’t do is address all the factors to indicate how art alone Folkestone’s culture-led that have contributed to the cannot be the magic bullet. It is regeneration is business-driven, decline of tourism in the South a component of wider initiatives very rooted and strong on East and in seaside towns the and requires joined-up thinking governance and, as such, had the UK generally. What it can with tourism and transport a competitive advantage from do is act as a catalyst and, over strategies and community the outset. Margate’s culture- a period of time, attract other engagement and participation. led regeneration appears to investment, attract tourists and have commenced with poor really make a change in the This is the case of an iconic leadership and was icon-driven town but the success factors for physical building as a catalyst but with little substance from that are very complicated and for renewal. A summary of the beginning. At the outset, it very long term.... Historically, key findings is as follows. It did not have an opportunity to seaside towns always innovated is essential to embed culture engage with local communities with culture, with piers, winter in strategic thinking, vital that or potential local opposition. gardens, pleasure beaches. directors of cultural projects As such and with the benefit What’s new is that everybody is have significant time to develop of hindsight, Margate’s culture- doing a similar thing at a similar key partnerships locally and led regeneration has struggled time, so the real challenge for regionally with communities through difficult years to reach cultural regeneration in seaside and policymakers, and essential its current position, which now towns in the South East is to to share joined-up thinking in appears to have strengthened work together; to collaborate, relation to the cultural tourist leadership and community strengthen local partnerships, offer. Ultimately, ‘the building engagement and may therefore strengthen transport is the backdrop’ to culture-led have succeed in turning the infrastructure, so it’s easier for regeneration which requires place around.

Case study 4 England’s North West: Blackpool

The Great Promenade Show8 scheme in the development The Great Promenade Show is a permanent outdoor of Blackpool’s South Shore obliquely references aspects of linear public art gallery – ten Promenade. Artist and co- Blackpool’s special culture and permanent installations over curator Michael Trainor history without being literal. two kilometres, commissioned conceived They Shoot Horses ‘They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?’ and curated between 2000 Don’t They?, a 20-feet diameter was initially treated rather and 2003 by a small team of rotating mirrorball as part of the coolly and is now featured on north-western artists as part project.9 He comments: everything from the Blackpool of a culture and regeneration train timetable to the opening

Culture-led regeneration in seaside towns 114 sequence of the BBC nightly ‘make transportable artworks There are some possible regional news. The work was from vehicles’ for procession. conclusions to draw. recently selected by Blackpool It is an example of the Blackpool’s regeneration has residents as an icon for the town potential for capacity building struggled for several years with second only to Blackpool tower in culture-led regeneration. the role of ‘culture’, initially (which, to be fair, has been there Anthony Preston, Head of through pursuing a culture and since 1894). Resource Development, Arts regeneration model. It has had Council England North West, deeper structural problems, The initiative was part of comments: a lack of inherent creative Blackpool’s coastal protection industries or at least the profile, scheme which included space The illuminated Art Car recognition and development allocation for art in the public Parade has the potential to of such industries to meet realm. It was also intended to grow to become an innovative the demands of a twenty-first diversify the visitor audience addition to the illuminations century market, audiences for Blackpool with public art attraction. When it took place and contemporary tastes, or as a cultural attraction. The on Blackpool’s promenade in strong links with higher skills or iconographic nature of the 2008, it achieved community knowledge economies. Instead, rotating mirrorball has become involvement and developed a strategies have for decades a Blackpool landmark and a new relationship with tourism. In focused on engagement with twenty-first century symbolic fact the tourism department paid spectacle. Now, more than image for the region, as well towards Art Cars 2008. The next ever, opportunities for culture- as an example of ‘art as visual stage is to begin to explore how led regeneration, brought about representation of place’. the producers, Walk The Plank, by strengthened partnerships, together with the council, can financial investment and A more recent initiative is the put in place the building blocks visionary leadership, can steer temporary attraction Art Car for developing local skills and Blackpool’s fortunes with Parade.10 Produced by Walk the capacity of communities in deeper rooted impact for long- The Plank in Manchester in Blackpool to sustain this activity term economic, cultural and 2007, and in Blackpool and into the future and balance community growth. Newcastle in 2008, Art Car real meaningful participation Parade invites professional alongside a high calibre, quality artists, individuals and groups to artistic offer.

Case study 5 England’s East Midlands: Lincolnshire

Bathing Beauties®11 was part funded by the European states of repair. The project conceived by Michael Trainor in Regional Development Fund. launched one of the most response to his appointment as Bathing Beauties® – ‘Re- popular international art and lead artist on the Lincolnshire imagining the British Beach Hut architecture competitions in the coast from 2005 to 2008 for the 21st Century’ – was UK this century – attracting 240 and part of a series of coastal initiated after identifying the scale model entries from 15 environmental improvement potential based on an already different countries, gaining over projects commissioned by existing 15-kilometre stretch of 400,000 visitors to the website, Lincolnshire County Council, over 500 beach huts in varying and welcoming more than

115 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 10,000 additional visitors to Sutton-on-Sea, Chapel St While positive global the Lincolnshire coast in its first Leonards and Anderby Creek, recognition of a culture-led two-day festival in 2007. It has global media coverage and regeneration and increased resulted in the commissioning thousands of new visitors to the tourist visitor numbers may of eight permanent small region. Challenging elements exist, local level leadership, structures on the coast and have been at a local level and ownership and support is additional strands, including included lack of professional essential. Revenue costs as a UK touring scale model infrastructural support (arts, well as capital costs for ongoing exhibition and local annual education), outright rejection maintenance of permanent festival. Additional European from one of the parish councils installations is critical in long- and other funding is being to permanently site one of term sustainability. Positive sought for a second phase. the series of commissioned public relations at local level, beach huts in their town (it knowledge sharing and capacity The project, over its three-year will be located elsewhere on building are crucial to embed span, included many successes the Lincolnshire coast), and long-term success. and challenges. Positive ownership regarding ongoing outcomes have included cost and maintenance of the world-wide attention on the work. tiny towns of Mablethorpe,

Advice to artists and those responsible for commissioning art

Artist Michael Trainor, who from the outset – even if they (5) Keep the media informed has led projects on England’s end up not liking it at least at key stages (but only when North West and East they may understand it. ready) and invite them to Midlands coasts, offers five events and openings, give key recommendations to (3) Try to get a small team in the them nice hospitality and artists involved in culture-led local authority to help support never release images of the regeneration schemes, or those the work thorough the various work before it is fully designed responsible for commissioning stages. This is what should or ready to be issued – thus or supporting them: be in place and provided avoiding mis-interpretation or for the artist from the outset objection not based on It is never going to go all but rarely is and is one of the reality. swimmingly, but if I had to fundamental failings of public summarise general advice it art schemes. Finally what is vital for the artist would be: – and it is their sole responsibility (4) If the budget or practicalities that no-one can help with – is to (1) Have or support a great idea. allow, try a ‘temporary’ on- ensure that the art that comes site experiment to gauge out at the end is worthwhile and (2) Talk to and engage with opinion and garner not a confection of compromises everyone you can about it engagement and support. based on fears and constraints.

Culture-led regeneration in seaside towns 116 Key findings from the research

Findings emerging from this innovation, partnership relations have a direct research project include the working, education and influence on aspiration and following factors in relation skills development and local success of the project from to developing successful art authority structures are day one. and culture-led regeneration critical. • Agency and departmental initiatives in English seaside • The art alone is not flexibility for innovation and resorts. While it is clear that the magic bullet. Good entrepreneurialism in there is no single solution, there infrastructure including business planning and are generic components to transport links, a strong funding models should be success. cultural tourism offer and inherent. joined-up place marketing • Business and funding models • Understanding, respecting are significant factors to for the acquisition of and incorporating the success. property, and skills history of a place in its • Commissioned artists need development to support culture (although not always support at every level and nurture artists and in a literal way) is vital both from local residents to creative practitioners, are in developing uniqueness regional political level to critical in contributing to the and building long-term make international-class art long-term success of place- impact. Each place is its own with and within making. place. communities. • Culture-led regeneration • Community engagement, • Revenue budgets for strategies don’t work when ownership and participation maintenance of permanent they are seen as decoration is essential but this does not public artworks must be around the edges of necessarily mean considered at the outset for renewal. They work only community involvement in project sustainability. This when they are seen as a the design process. may also include human as central component of both • Strong governance, well as financial resources. a wider physical and social leadership and a broad • Careful marketing and design strategy with quality strategic approach to positive local media and creativity at its core.

Resorts of the world: Estoril Coast, Portugal’s first summer resort, Cristina Carvalho, Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies

Coastal tourism reached of sea and sunbaths for the a village into a therapeutical Portugal in 1870 when the improvement of conditions resort with facilities like court started spending the end like consumption, and bone sanatoria, solaria and a of summer in Cascais. Later, and skin diseases. Overnight, heliotherapy clinic. the early 1900s witnessed the Parede’s natural conditions In 1915, Fausto Figueiredo widespread scientific belief (sunlight and iodine beaches) turned Estoril into Portugal’s in the therapeutical benefits led to the transformation of first coastal resort based on

117 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 its maritime, climatic, thermal information in Estoril, a town strategies, international and sporting potentialities. which inspired Ian Fleming mega-events, amenities His daring project included to become the birthplace of and facilities that have the construction of first-class James Bond. been implemented for the facilities, the recovery of However, despite the recovery of Estoril’s image the already existing thermal 1948 plan for the urban – including the foundation complex, and technological development of the then of a Higher Institute to improvements like the ‘Costa do Sol’ (Sun Coast), upgrade the education level electrical train connection to the political and social of professionals, and the Lisbon. Figueiredo’s vision commotions that marred development of products proved worthy when, during Portugal from the 1950s to directed to different niche the Second World War, the 1980s led to the loss of markets, as a means to Portugal’s neutrality and the both tourist amenities and fighting seasonality on natural and manufactured quality image. Portugal’s fourth largest tourist conditions around Estoril destination. But not without allowed European refugees Since the 1990s, many controversy. and spies to seek shelter or have been the promotional for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

Culture-led regeneration in seaside towns 118 Chapter 8 Researching the coast by John K. Walton How can we arrive at, and are always a problem in coastal more complementary than make readily available, a settlement analysis, and once competitive: having two piers body of evidence on the full we have resolved these issues rather than one, for example, spectrum of information our choice of methodologies makes a coastal destination that might be relevant will be crucial to the outcomes more attractive, offers choices to optimizing coastal of our deliberations and to visitors, and brings in a regeneration? We have firm recommendations. It will be larger pool of visitors for foundations, recently updated, important to agree on the each attraction. This is not from the Beatty and Fothergill values that underpin our always understood by private reports, from the English choices, or at least to be companies, which are likely Heritage architectural survey, transparent about the nature to take a narrow, instrumental and from the British Resorts of such values and choices. and short-term view in the and Destinations Association’s This is therefore an important, current climate of economic evidence on seaside demanding and potentially expectation. Taking a wider entertainment. We should be contentious chapter. view would add an extra able to pull together extensive dimension to their need to databases, in one form or To begin with, we must identify markets and compete another, on such matters as decide what we need in the for their share of them. erosion, sea defences and way of contextual material, global warming, or traffic and identifying trends and patterns This should also remind us that transport flows to and from at national and regional levels, coastal destinations depend coasts and along coastlines. and across particular coastlines. on attractions and amenities We have ways of measuring Within such a framework, that may not be profitable in seasonal fluctuations and bed what kinds of local research themselves without subsidy, occupancy, and we can chart are appropriate to the needs but are essential to sustainability the relationships between and opportunities of specific and success for the resort tourism and other kinds of places or kinds of place? Can economy as a whole. The most economic activity on coastlines, we identify clusters or systems obvious examples involve sea and examine the relationships of coastal towns that would defences, bathing water quality between them and the viability benefit from complementary control, promenades, parks of alternative options and development, and how might and gardens. But the questions mixes. we make this work? Clearly, of to what extent and under untrammelled competition what conditions subsidy may Crucial to all this is making between destinations is not the be valid on these terms, and decisions about what to best way forward, resulting as the legality and practical politics measure, how to measure it, it does in over-development, of providing such assistance, is how to compare, and how surplus capacity, waste and of longstanding and continuing to take account of what is not decay. The British seaside relevance. susceptible to measurement and has always flourished best on even what is too important to the basis of complementary These themes are brought measure. development, the creation together when a regeneration of niche markets, the sharing scheme involves providing There is a growing literature of complementary assets, support from the public purse on the limitations of cost– and an understanding that for attractions that may be benefit analysis.1 Definitions attractions within resorts are thought to be competing with

Researching the coast 120 existing private companies, A lot of the quantitative beyond their categories. Some and these issues need to be groundwork has been laid of the evidence available to carefully managed.2 An excellent in the academic field by the us is rendered unusable for illustration might be found in Sheffield Hallam studies of most statistical purposes by the the endemic and enduring coastal town economies, extent to which its coverage conflicts at Bexhill over the De demographics and social diverges from our central La Warr pavilion, which began problems, which have already dataset. with the original proposal, been discussed extensively. pitting residential against resort Fred Gray has also emphasised For example, we cannot interests, the public purse the importance, as a resource, incorporate the findings of against the private, and (at of league tables of indices of surveys of 130 ‘coastal places’, least in origins) the xenophobic multiple deprivation, and of or of coastal ‘marginal seats’, against the international.3 aggregating social analysis from or even the North-West There are lessons to be learnt, the smallest units of statistical Coastal Forum’s interesting too, from the unhappy saga capture. This draws attention recent analysis of coastal of Brighton’s West Pier, and to the scope for detailed settlements in that part of the shifting conflicts between local studies that might probe England, into quantitative sectors and interest-groups that more deeply into particularly analyses based on the Beatty have accompanied the pier’s problematic locations, seeking and Fothergill projects.6 The demise and proposed revival in the roots of problems and categories employed are widely a new form.4 Examples could the potential levers of positive divergent, and some of the be multiplied endlessly. change, providing scope places concerned are barely for identifying patches of recognisable as coastal towns of We all know that there is a deprivation and disorder that any kind, although some of this politics of regeneration – who have been shifted elsewhere material is of course usable as makes decisions? how should rather than rectified, and supplementary evidence. income, expenditure, subsidy offering insights that may be and profit be allocated? how are transferable as well as being • The list of ‘coastal places’ conflicts managed? Managers of local relevance . Here as seems to include of interventions need to keep elsewhere, access to contextual everywhere with an this constantly in mind at the and background information administrative boundary that research and planning stage as becomes important, to assist touches tidal waters, a well as in day-to-day operation, in identifying what is unusual category that apparently by which time – for better or and where the most promising includes Sherwood in worse – the rules of the game comparators are. Nottinghamshire, one will have been established.5 of England’s most obviously And beyond all this, how do we This is where the discussion of ‘inland’ constituencies. assess the potential and actual definitions of coastal towns, and • The ‘coastal marginals’ are a impact of interventions, and of which sub-set of the wider very diverse group, from how should we incorporate category we are concerned which it is impossible to qualitative dimensions that take with, becomes important. The generate useful us beyond ‘things that can be Sheffield Hallam studies enable generalisations. The fact counted’, or at least that appear us to focus on a particular that they include susceptible to counting? group of towns, and it will Westmorland and be dangerous to stray too far Lonsdale, whose coastal

121 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 strip is completely swamped But even the solid-looking So the question of when by rural and inland small- economic and demographic and how to count resort town settlements, or old evidence pulled together by populations needs to be taken industrial Camborne and the Sheffield Hallam and similar seriously. Their structures, Redruth, or rural and studies runs up against the as well as their numbers, will suburban Beverley and endemic and deep-rooted change considerably during the Holderness, illustrates that problems presented by the year, as those local authorities very few coastal towns, seaside economy. For example, who complain about the failure or even stretches of the populations of coastal of central government financial coastline, have sufficient resorts vary widely through allocations to recognise this population concentrations the year, owing to seasonal are well aware. The taking of a to dominate the character of migration as well as to the ebb census on a single day is highly a parliamentary constituency. and flow of visitors. So what problematic when we are should our base figure be for examining seasonal economies: • The north-west survey making local calculations? the historic ‘Spanish’ system of recognised this problem combining a New Year’s Day at one level, by looking This problem became apparent census with a record of regular at coastal ‘places’ rather to me as a historical researcher and transient residents has than local government when looking at the impact of provided one way of reducing units. But its categorisations changes in the census date on this problem.8 are sometimes eccentric apparent population trends (putting Silloth and Barrow- in resorts. When the census We need to be aware more in-Furness in the same date was moved from early generally of the problems box as ‘maritime towns’, April to early June in 1841 and entailed in using census-type for example), while 1921, the population returns statistical evidence as a direct grouping the places into for resorts were considerably record of reality. By defining the counties is contradictory inflated by seasonal workers classifications used for localities, and unhelpful on the and residents as well as visitors, occupations and even ages, NWCF’s own terms. and this affected apparent the census-takers influence in Meanwhile, any attempt at inter-censal population trends, advance the versions of reality averaging, or even to such an extent that in 1921 they present to us.9 It is quite aggregating, would fall foul attempts were made to adjust clear that ‘official’ figures of of the numerical the official census figures to take all kinds underestimate the predominance of account of the problem.7 complexity of real economies, Liverpool, whose size and distinctive characteristics present a longstanding problem of distortion for attempts to provide statistical portrayals of the region.

Such problems underline the utility of the Sheffield Hallam studies in providing a clearly articulated national baseline.

Researching the coast 122 even further by the continuing lack of convincing, or even plausible, statistics of visitor numbers, length of stay and expenditure. This problem is not peculiar to Britain: it is endemic in the nature of tourism itself, which sells experiences rather than tangible products and whose infrastructure is easier to especially in seasonal industries at different times, are well quantify than its customers with extensive intermittent established in coastal settings. or consumers. This applies opportunities for female, This applies to fishing, trade, especially to domestic tourism, child and indeed pensioner building and manufacturing as with its characteristic multitude employment, often in the well as tourism, which also of small firms, informal ‘black economy’. Any exercise provides large numbers of ill- arrangements and complex in information gathering that paid but flexible and part-time family economies which mix assumes that individuals have opportunities for women and incomes derived from tourism one, stable occupation – if only young people. with those from a variety of as a heuristic device to make other sources. This tends a kind of provisional sense of All these are well-established to make domestic tourism, complex data – will miss out on and persisting phenomena for which of course predominates fundamental insights into how which there is a good deal of overwhelmingly at the British things ‘really’ work. historical evidence, and we seaside, less visible and need to be able to take them susceptible to quantification High levels of mobility in into account when assessing the than its international coastal populations, which are nature of coastal employment, counterpart, where tour recognised as generating such under-employment, migration operating companies and formal problems as ‘churn’ in school and demography.10 These and travel arrangements involving enrolments, are also likely other questions of definition public transport and frontier to be imperfectly grasped by will also affect the gathering, controls make basic figures the existing statistically driven classification and assessment and trends easier to establish methodologies. This is where of issues relating to health, – though still by no means qualitative disciplines such as disability, access to services, infallible.12 anthropology, ethnography and problems of educational and some kinds of sociology outcomes, antisocial behaviour, Alarm bells ring immediately – using survey, interview addiction and self-harm. when we try to look and participant observation Therefore it is essential that comparatively at visitor methodologies – should come researchers look critically and numbers to the English seaside. into their own. Phenomena analytically at the statistics they An obvious approach might be such as ‘dovetailing’, where mull over, and try to situate to examine submissions to the people move between them within the wider picture.11 Casino Advisory Panel for the occupations on a seasonal basis, allocation of casino licences in and different family members Our understanding of coastal 2006, which drew bids from becoming dominant earners tourist economies is hampered

123 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 several coastal towns. They, castle and zoo, is as attractive to undisputed accuracy, without alongside their inland rivals, leisure visitors as Bournemouth. making clear how the change proffered current estimates from one model to another of visitor footfall. In fact, such Some of the bidders were might have affected apparent an exercise immediately using the widely adopted trends. brings out the scale and scope STEAM model developed of the problems. Some of by Global Tourism Solutions. Several key inputs to the the comparative evidence This presents itself as a supply- models are based on presented on visitor numbers side model that provides remarkably vulnerable is counter-intuitive. North East only an ‘indicative base for assumptions about accuracy of Lincolnshire (represented by modelling trends’, and anyway data capture and the scope for Grimsby and Cleethorpes) displays vague flexibility about extrapolation. An example is reported higher visitor numbers some of its data sources the attempt to derive national, than Bournemouth, while East while shrouding many of its regional and county tourism Lindsey (Skegness and district) assumptions in ‘commercial patterns from 1,000 weekly was not far behind the big confidentiality’. Others, telephone interviews under the south coast resort. Newquay’s including Shepway (Folkestone), auspices of Visit Britain. Another staying visitors were ahead used the alternative model on is the UK Occupancy Survey of Bournemouth and Torbay, the market, the Cambridge which is based on a sample of which in turn was only just Economic Impact Model. This occupation providers and relies ahead of Great Yarmouth on accepts that, just as its sources on the accurate completion of overall visitor numbers. Torbay, are of variable quality, so its monthly forms. Any attempt Great Yarmouth and Blackpool outcomes are of uncertain to derive remotely plausible attempted to present trends accuracy – to the extent that no local statistics from these highly over time since a 1970s peak, numerical confidence level (in generalised datasets, or to but there is no suggestion that terms of being accurate to plus fine-tune the sub-division of they were all calculating on the or minus x per cent) can be categories such as types of same basis. provided. accommodation, becomes highly vulnerable to the Even more worrying is the This display of disarming magnification of error in small evidence that several inland honesty has not prevented sub-samples. towns with no pretensions as some local authorities from tourism magnets were claiming presenting the figures generated The remarkable career of similar or greater tourist by both models as if they were the STEAM model, since it numbers than major coastal solid, firm and grounded, rather was imported from Canada resorts. The industrial town of than cloudy and vaporous to Scarborough in 1988, has Dudley, in the West Midlands, as (implicitly and sometimes been summarised by its main recorded visitor totals on a par explicitly) admitted by the proponent in an ‘overview’.13 with Bournemouth, and staying proprietors. West Sussex, for What seems remarkable is the visitor numbers on a par with example, displays the results degree of influence that such Folkestone. Coastal tourism in of the STEAM model (up to packages have been able to Britain may have declined, but 2005) and of Cambridge (after exert, given their disturbing surely not to the extent that 2006) as ‘Tourism facts and reliance on ‘proxy variables’ and Dudley, even with its Merry Hill figures’ to the nearest pound, admitted lack of precision at the retail centre, open-air museum, giving a ‘headline’ impression of local level.

Researching the coast 124 acknowledged, but the problems are endemic across the board. Comparative tourist expenditure is, of course, even more difficult to measure or model, and the continuing lack of remotely plausible data on tourist numbers and expenditure, especially for individual destinations, is attracting increasing attention. Generalised models such as municipal and parliamentary Cambridge and STEAM have constituency but not county Some of the problems are not swept all before them, boundaries, arriving three now being recognised by, for and other casino bidders quarters of an hour before the example, the English Tourism preferred to rely on local game and leaving half an hour Information Partnership, surveys organised by tourist after it, paying at the gate and following rather belatedly the boards or local government, perhaps buying a pie at half- unease about the validity of which the standard models (as time, this makes me a tourist. current national, regional they seem to be) also try to The same would apply if I and especially local tourism incorporate where available, travelled for the same purpose statistics that was articulated in in ways that are not precisely from Lancaster to a rather the Allnutt Report in 2004.16 specified. As Restormel council marginal ‘tourist’ destination This was commissioned by rightly pointed out with regard such as Accrington. What is a government and exposed to Newquay: ‘Day visitors are ‘non-routine’ leisure activity? a general lack of fitness for difficult to categorise and vary Would it become ‘routine’ if the purpose in national tourism according to weather patterns’ match were played, and visited, statistics; but four years later – and they do so in ways that every year; or would regular Professors John E. Fletcher and are unlikely to be picked up by attendance at any kind of Victor Middleton complained the relevant databases.14 football match make attendance to a DCMS Select Committee The STEAM definition of a at this one ‘routine’, even if it that the report had still had no ‘tourist day visit’, as one that were itself an annual or random positive impact: ‘crosses a boundary from event? If I go to Blackpool six one area into another area times a year to see a show, is There is no other sector in the for a period of at least three this ‘routine’? Is this definition United Kingdom economy as hours for non-routine leisure sensible? And how can such significant as tourism in which the purposes’ provides an indication activities really be captured key strategic and management of the problems of both with any conviction? This raises decisions are so hampered by a definition and measurement. It very difficult issues about how lack of adequate data. is very similar to the Cambridge tourism levels and impacts They suggested that, if anything, definition, and seems to be can or should be measured, the quality of available tourism endorsed by the DCMS. But and existing methods remain statistics had deteriorated over it is clearly highly problematic. unreliable and inconsistent.15 the last quarter of a century, If I travel the short distance and they singled out five key from Lancaster to Blackpool to Day trips are especially issues: watch a football match, crossing problematic, as is widely

125 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 • the lack of definition and Forum at the end of 2007 is a attractive to residents as well understanding of the promising initiative, alongside as visitors. Attempts to conduct widely used concept of the Tourism Intelligence Unit of economic modelling on the ‘visitor economy’; the Office of National Statistics. basis of ‘willingness to pay’ for • the misleading precision The report it commissioned such experiences are more too often imputed to from The Tourism Company disturbing still. It is not only the use of Tourism Satellite points up a lot of the problems commercial provision that Accounting to assess identified above, indicating generates ‘indirect’ or ‘induced’ national and regional value, the lack of available statistical employment: so do coastal and the damaging impact of data to inform tourism paths, nature reserves, National the poor quality statistics planners, noting the dangers Trust or English Heritage sites, that were often used; that arise from undue reliance or attractive public spaces that • the impossibility of on modelling from national draw people in who then make conducting effective databases of doubtful validity, use of commercially provided destination management and expressing well-founded services. in the absence of doubts about the prevalence of trustworthy local statistics proprietary economic impact This is a variant on the (with a plethora of models.18 Current attempts recognised importance of local improvised local studies that to place tourism statistics on authority infrastructure and could not be compared with a more convincing footing, to amenity provision that does not each other); enable trends, contexts and make a profit itself, but enables • the complete impossibility of local conditions to be assessed others to do so, creating pursuing the fashionable in a more plausible manner, multiplier effects in the process. goal of ‘sustainable are admittedly unlikely to bear The development of Blackpool development’ in the much fruit before 2011 or is a classic example of this absence of usable definitions 2012. In the meantime the phenomenon at work.20 Similar or methodologies; poverty of existing models, arguments might be applied to • the general lack of timely especially at the local level, has public transport. Most railways information of all kinds to been thoroughly exposed. The to resorts, most of the time, feed into rational age of STEAM may well be probably did not make a profit management decisions. drawing to its close.19 in their own right, depending on the accounting conventions This was a scathing indictment Beyond all this, an unhealthy adopted; but they did enable of current practice and of the aspect of the ruling assumptions others to invest successfully in absence of any sort of central underlying the collection of providing goods and services for direction or even advice.17 tourism statistics is the exclusive those who used their facilities.21 focus on businesses that levy We must not lose sight of this charges for the services and dimension in developing new It now seems that this nettle is experiences they supply. This tourism statistics. about to be grasped, although neglects the importance of free The unreliability of quantitative there have been so many false access and the uncommodified tourism data is, not surprisingly, starts that a certain enduring enjoyment of views, tranquillity, also evident in other settings. A scepticism remains permissible. relaxation or wildlife as part current Italian study informs us The establishment of ETIP of what draws people to the that:22 by the Partners for England coast and makes destinations

Researching the coast 126 Data comparison demonstrates one-third the area, one-third the role of local authorities that the real volume of tourism the visitor numbers. This in small and medium-sized reaching the Italian coastal approach would have predicted resorts in trying to meet visitor destinations is five times higher eight million visitors even if the expectations, provides essential than what is measured through proposed development had underpinning.23 The role of live the official statistics. been on St Kilda or Rockall. entertainment in regeneration The local authority had simply should be an important But the British case is, overall, accepted the projection. dimension wherever a coastal particularly problematic, destination has an infrastructure, and there is an urgent and That is a reminder that the a tradition of provision or recognised need to improve quality of consultants’ work a potentially responsive the quality of British statistics to may vary from the excellent to market. Evidence of successful meet the EU standards that are the flimsy, that the nature and practice and its potential now required by Eurostat. expected scope of commissions transferability needs to be need to be carefully specified, carefully investigated, as in the Part of the problem at the local and that the outcomes should case of Blackpool’s Admission level is the very variable quality be analysed critically. It may All Classes, which during its of the resources provided often be better to do the work 2007/8 season effectively by consultants’ analyses. It in-house, if qualified employees combined the traditional, the might be thought invidious to with appropriate skills, contacts innovative and the edgy in a single out and name coastal and a professional ethic of setting that does admittedly examples, but a very recent public service are available. The boast a uniquely strong and illustration from personal lack of reliable local tourism full-flavoured reputation for experience in an inland location statistics makes this problem popular entertainment, with may be helpful. A consultant’s particularly pressing. a challengingly large number report on the likely visitor of seats to fill.24 Here as demand for an edge-of-town But there is a great deal more elsewhere, the challenges are shopping mall development to the informed, research-led to attract new generations and in a north-western town pursuit of coastal regeneration visiting publics without alienating predicted an annual footfall of than the accumulation of existing visitors and residents, eight million. This appeared quantitative economic and and to sustain the momentum implausible, not least in the demographic data, important after the completion of a single light of data submitted to as this is to providing basic major project. the Casino Advisory Panel, information if considered and the objectors sought properly in context. Such Admission All Classes is an clarification of the methodology material can inform policy but excellent example of an used. It transpired that the should not determine it. attempt to regenerate coastal consultants had taken the entertainment provision by current annual estimate for Evidence on the nature and building on a tradition while Greater Manchester’s Trafford popularity of live entertainment transforming and updating Centre, compared the size provision in coastal towns is it from within, so as to of that centre with that of the highly relevant, and Stephen appeal to an array of niche proposed development, and Hayler’s assessment of the markets nesting in a broad assumed that visitor numbers changing nature of provision and inclusive cross-section could be ‘read off’ pro rata: and size of audiences, and of popular audiences. This

127 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 seductive combination of living form an essential aspect of locally organised exhibitions heritage, including that of the the necessary research in celebrating ‘unofficial’ aspects of ‘recent past’ and of veteran support of seaside regeneration their recent remembered past, but still attractive performers, projects, not least as part of the as at the Blott Artist Studios with current technologies, necessary discouragement of in Blackpool.29 The tradition allusions and modes of routine, ‘could-be-anywhere’ of seaside photography has presentation, contributes to a developments and urban embraced a particularly strong ‘cultural landscape’ of the sort cloning. Coastal towns need to strand of celebrating the untidy, UNESCO had in mind when regenerate in ways that respect relaxed and spontaneous constructing new categories and build on their distinctive aspects of ‘ordinary people’ for World Heritage Sites.25 The features, otherwise they will at leisure and play, often necessary research in such fail to attract visitors, residents affectionate, sometimes areas entails looking at local and businesses that have an incorporating elements of the live entertainment traditions in unprecedented range of choices voyeuristic or censorious, but a broader context over time of location in an internationally always creating and sustaining and space, thinking about what competitive market.27 Public those shared traditions of might be distinctively ‘seaside’ art is also part of this picture, nostalgia and self-mockery that or place-specific about them, as Chapter 7 in this Handbook keep British coastal tourism becoming aware of what has underlines. alive and inhibit attempts to take worked in other places and it seriously. An understanding how its positive outcomes A further aspect that needs of this almost anarchic might be transferable, and to be considered, however, dimension of coastal pleasures seeking advice and inputs from is what might be called the and imagery, evident in the people with relevant records of ‘informal coast’ and the ‘plotland’ settlements of the attested achievement in these representation of fishing and inter-war years and attempts to areas. beach tourism (especially) by defend their informality against artists, photographers and commercial redevelopment Similar points might be related visual commentators, (as at Humberston Fitties, made about architectural from Constable and Turner to Cleethorpes), is essential and town planning heritage, Paul Martin and Frank Meadow to underpin the sort of where the relevant expertise Sutcliffe, in their contrasting regeneration that will enliven is more established and idioms, and on to Tony Ray- and not sterilise, and that will accessible through English Jones and Martin Parr.28 Many liberate a sense of fun and Heritage (especially), resorts have had recent frolic.30 As David Chandler has CABE and campaigning organisations like SAVE Britain’s Heritage.26 Awareness of the distinctiveness, significance and value of seaside architecture as living heritage has increased considerably in accessibility over the last decade, through the expansion of listing and awareness of the ‘heritage of the recent past’. It should

Researching the coast 128 evidence of our own eyes.

This is not to advocate the abandonment of quantitative and classificatory modes of analysis. It is to suggest rather that they are not infallible, and that their terms of reference are often ambiguous and value- laden. We need to be able to look holistically at issues, to take observed:31 to identify positive changes that account of the unquantifiable march in step with regeneration and intangible alongside those Going to the seaside was like initiatives, and to ascribe the phenomena that we can going back in time, in a sense, former to the latter through legitimately attempt to count, to a country that was still a simple, and tempting, to be particularly sceptical struggling to become modern. ‘post hoc ergo propter hoc’ about surveys based on loaded ... There’s a sort of abandon argument.32 We need to questions or subjective grading about the seaside, you find remain aware of the complexity on scales of 1 to 5, and to be people performing in a way of the interactions between creatively critical of whatever that they wouldn’t do at home amenity, recreational provision, expertise we buy in. and then in that performance ‘natural’ and built environment, they’re revealing something of security, comfort, tradition, Above all, we should talk to themselves that they wouldn’t innovation and excitement in each other across imagined normally do. creating a ‘spirit of place’ and disciplinary boundaries, liberate a ‘place-myth’ to generate an ourselves from silo mentalities, This kind of empathetic ambience that will attract and and regenerate in fully informed understanding, ‘from the retain the loyalty and affection ways that embrace traditions, bottom up’, will be an essential of a sustainable and renewable cultural landscapes, attachment part of open, participatory sufficiency of people. Such to place and the ‘heritage of approaches to coastal awareness should inhibit us the recent past’ alongside, and regeneration. from the uncritical adoption of in dialogue with, the necessary mechanistic statistical measures economic, demographic and How should we assess of success or failure. We can social indicators that normally the impact of regeneration witness in other chapters dominate such discourses. This interventions? The problems of this Handbook that such chapter is, then, a plea for the of statistical measurement findings are often at odds with eclectic, the interactive and the have been discussed above. observed reality, and the pitfalls open-minded. Moreover, as the Casino of statistical methodologies are Advisory Panel noted in its obvious enough to discourage report, it would be all too easy us from discounting the

129 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Resorts of the world: Development of an Adriatic coastal resort by Tomi Brezovec, University of Primorska, Slovenia

Portorož is situated on the Each has distinctly marked its infrastructure were very northern coast of Istria, a period. Until the First World limited. peninsula in the northern War, Portorož was a resort Adriatic. Until the late in Austria–Hungary. Tourism After 1954, Portorož and nineteenth century, Portorož development was based on its surroundings became (or Portorose at the time) was climate and spa treatments. part of Yugoslavia. Soon only a name for a scarcely The growing elite tourism was after, intense renovation and populated area covered with stopped by the war. After the investments in necessary olive trees, vineyards and war the area found itself under facilities turned Portorož Mediterranean greenery. Italian rule and became one into a classical mass-tourism The development of tourism of many Italian seaside resort destination. The number of has significantly changed destinations offering classical arrivals was growing rapidly the scenery of the place. sun and beach. Despite until the 1980s when tourism Investments in the tourism investments in tourism the needed new investment but industry have transformed number of arrivals could not the funds were not available. this area into an important match pre-war figures. Decline of tourism was further regional tourism destination accelerated by the dissolution generating over 1.5 million Immediately after the Second of Yugoslavia in 1991. The war bed–nights. World War, Portorož was of independence of Slovenia included in a Free Triest had a long-term effect on Development of tourism in Territory (FTT), a temporary tourism. Repositioning of Portorož has been strongly entity set up to overcome the destination and large influenced by political reality. border disputes between investments in infrastructure Since the beginning of tourism Italy and Yugoslavia. Military renovation have accelerated development, the Istrian government of the area the destination’s recovery peninsula frequently passed did not stimulate tourism, process. from one authority to another. and investments in tourism

for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

Researching the coast 130 Regenerating coastal towns: balanced housing and sustainable populations? - Darren P. Smith, University of Brighton, UK

This paper considers the of enforcement powers and irresponsible private landlords key housing and population- strategic intervention (Use to create unsustainable and related challenges for the Classes Order). This would deprived local populations. It regeneration of some involve the de-conversion of is suggested that placemaking coastal towns, which have HMO and new housebuilding. strategies will be vital for the experienced long-term It is contended that this rebalancing of housing and decline. It is contended will realign many coastal populations in coastal towns that there is an urgent towns with the impulsion by encouraging specific flows need to rebalance local for mixed, balanced and of immigration and countering housing markets dominated sustainable communities. It the depopulation of some by Housing in Multiple is suggested that the system social groups from coastal Occupation (HMOs) – by for the funding of Housing towns. delivering a more sensitive Benefit is a major factor mix of housing, via the use here, which has encouraged for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

131 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Chapter 9 Cultural regeneration in four South East coastal towns by Fred Gray and David Powell

Barriers and unintentional consequences by Tim Brennan This chapter reports on decreasing levels of public and focus on coastal regeneration, research conducted in the private regeneration funding. the role of culture in coastal first six months of 2009 on Funded by the South East regeneration is widely regeneration programmes England Development Agency acknowledged and has assumed in four coastal towns in the (SEEDA), the research focused a high profile in some places. South East of England (SECTs) on Margate, Folkestone, The role of higher education is with substantial cultural and Bognor Regis and Portsmouth. less well understood both in the higher educational (HE) The central research methods coastal context, and in terms activity. The research examined were documentary and of universities’ and colleges’ how such approaches to statistical analysis and qualitative contributions to the cultural regeneration based on cultural interviews.1 vibrancy and prosperity of their and HE interventions might own localities. offer practical solutions to the As part of central and regional challenges of the recession, and government’s developing

Culture, HE and the renewal of the four coastal towns

The research placed the approached in each of the four in the Butlins resort, is four SECTs in the context places. building on programme of the post-war decline of delivery in partnership with many coastal towns and the • In Margate there is a strong the University of Chichester. regeneration strategies that arts and cultural emphasis in • Regeneration in Portsmouth have been used in attempting to the regeneration has an established array of reverse decline. We recognised programme and a focus naval, maritime and related the distinctiveness of individual on major investment heritage attractions, and coastal towns, each with its projects with Turner visitor and retail destinations unique geography and history Contemporary art gallery with an established and set within a particular locality and the Dreamland expanding relationship with and sub-region. Many coastal amusement park. the University of towns see cultural activity as an • There is a broadly based Portsmouth and a range of integral part of their approach arts, cultural and education mature cultural producers. to regeneration, and with approach to regeneration universities have realised the in Folkestone driven by The research identified role of higher education (HE) events, festivals and fixed- important positive synergies in transforming local prospects. term projects to develop between cultural regeneration There is no single model shared local capacity, aspiration programmes and HE between the four towns, in and new cultural initiatives in coastal towns terms of exploiting the optimum markets, and delivered by that hitherto have been often benefits from connecting an autonomous social unacknowledged in strategic regeneration, culture and HE. enterprise body. and policy terms. The clearest • In Bognor Regis, large-scale differences are in the way in There are significant differences investment, with which the contribution of higher in the way in which culture commercial leisure including education institutions (HEIs) and regeneration has been substantial new investment have been planned, and/or in

133 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 which the roles of the individual place to integrate higher interesting ways to the wider universities have been engaged education in town centre/ pattern of coastal regeneration as partners. cultural quarter practice. However, the value regeneration. derived from the ways in which • HEIs are not involved • Long-term higher education they are engaging culture and yet in Margate as an active presence in Portsmouth education in regeneration regeneration partner, has enabled the HEI to is under threat from new nor with a significant physical become a substantial priorities generated by the presence in the town. regeneration partner, economic crisis and imminent • In Folkestone, HEIs are developing solid and expected constraints in part of a major education relationships and joint public and private spending. transformation, and help projects with cultural These are challenges both to with intensifying the partners, and building the the four towns in the study and regeneration impact of the capacity and sustainability of the wider coastal regeneration creative quarter. the local cultural and community. • In Bognor Regis, HEI activity creative sector. is being rolled out through programmes, but planned We believe that the four SECTs investment is not yet in contribute in different and

Major findings

How can this research assist • Cultural vitality people and companies across local partnerships to sustain the whole local economy. themselves in the face of Cultural vitality is as important significant upheavals and as business vitality. Each of the Culture, creativity and higher continuing great financial coastal towns was looking to education play a substantial stringency? What are the develop its own combination of role in place-making. Higher important messages for cultural activity for its residents education investment and local government, delivery and programmes, events activity can be harnessed partnerships, cultural agencies, and places which can attract effectively to local regeneration higher education and for visitors and tourists. This works and development processes. the cultural and creative best through investment in Cultural talent, activity and community? In each of the four the quality of programmes infrastructure are already towns, the local civic, cultural and on local distinctiveness. helping to raise the profile and educational leadership can Giving residents and visitors of the place and individuals’ take steps better to identify and the best possible experience aspirations in towns like make use of local strengths and is essential. On the coast as Folkestone. Cultural, opportunities to support the in many places, local civic and educational and civic bodies continued role of culture and business leadership recognise need to work together education through challenging that places with vibrant creative effectively to make their towns times. and cultural communities help work better. attract and retain talented

Economic challenges and cultural regeneration in four South East coastal towns 134 Regis shows the potential of enriching and complementing the investment in high-quality culture and/or education with commercial leisure attractions. In any event, the prognosis for the reduction in public sector funding is both challenge and opportunity: projects will need to work out how best to survive with reduced, little • Scale and locality experience, and provide the or no dependency on public kinds of high-quality programme sector funding. Some culture and education- which small coastal towns could led regeneration programmes not sustain year round. • The long view have large scale projects at Ownership, leadership and their heart. Where this is the autonomy are determining You don’t turn around a failing case, all partners involved factors in seeing projects seaside town in a few years. need to do whatever they from idea to actuality, and The data shows how little can to ensure that they are into the long-term success. relative change has been sustainable, and bring the Portsmouth’s Love Albert experienced between these benefits that investment of scale Road is just one example of four towns and regional and demands. However, there is recognising and supporting local national benchmarks through equal, though different value champions, and supporting the years that preceded the in encouraging small-scale, effective grassroots and locally recession. These places are still autonomous, artist-driven and driven, community and business haunted by embedded poverty. community-led projects as facing regeneration. This Decades of poverty and low well as seasonal and occasional approach can provide locally self-esteem take more than a activity. The range of artists’ embedded, cost-effective ways few time-limited projects to studios, galleries, cafés, small of generating commitment and remedy. music venues and other arts change. projects help build a rich offer in The long view also commends Margate: Turner Contemporary • Independence of means early and sustained action. The Creative Foundation manages requires a critical and successful The leadership and delivery role its charitably owned properties mass of such venues and of the Creative Foundation and on 125-year leases. Early businesses for its own survival the Roger De Haan Charitable and continued commitment and sustainability as much as it Trust demonstrate the strength should help secure the value of offers these smaller enterprises of the social enterprise model, new projects and investment, the benefits of a major where it is using commercial paving the way – for example attraction. disciplines in sustainable and as Turner Contemporary socially focused development is doing – for new venues Events and fixed-term programmes, and in particular and attractions by investing programmes enable local where it can develop an asset- in programmes and capacity agencies to test markets and based approach to culture and building activity and pre- ideas. Seasonal events and education-led regeneration. opening programmes. The festivals intensify local cultural The case of Butlins in Bognor

135 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 universities of Chichester and similar sustained commitment Portsmouth demonstrate a to their home places.

Actions The partners in this research and educational bodies, and this analysis and these have placed a high value on by sharing resources and responsibilities will sit in sharing intelligence and taking joint action. the new institutional concerted action across their • Cultural organisations arrangements. Leadership local communities. They should prepare for in the four coastal towns recognise the local, collective involvement in planning should work collaboratively and mutual benefits of and direction of local in support of this, and the partnerships between agencies delivery, identifying where actions that should result. and simplifying decision-making and how they might and delivery processes. They contribute. Local delivery The substantive are interested in continued agencies should rethink recommendation to sharing of knowledge and good ways of involving cultural government is that coastal practice as part of a south-east and education bodies in towns and their challenges and and national coastal towns’ planning and governance. opportunities are a legitimate network of leaders, with reliable Higher education institutions special interest group. These local intelligence mechanisms need to deliver effective towns should continue to be and indicators for tracking ways of engaging with and regarded as places in need of impacts and opportunities. supporting local cultural focused attention. Investment organisations and networks, in cultural and educational In the context of the radical and of delivering infrastructure and activity needs consequences of economic professional development to be sustained because it change on the public, not- and management support to demonstrably contributes to the for-profit and private sectors, small cultural businesses. broad regeneration process, the research indicates some • Cultural and regeneration delivering layers of value important messages and leadership are encouraged beyond the primary outputs of recommendations for action to work closely with private cultural and creative activity and for all those involved in sector champions and teaching, training and research. the continued cultural and networks to engage Excellent practice, nationally educational transformation of business skills in local and within these four towns, coastal towns. These may be governance arrangements shows how asset-based social summarised as follows. for cultural and education enterprise can deliver effective projects. Cultural and change. The government • Local authorities, delivery education projects must be should continue to encourage agencies and partnerships encouraged to participate in these kinds of locally controlled, should review their local business networks. socially responsive and effective regeneration delivery • National and regional agencies. To enable this to plans and see how and cultural agencies should happen, everyone involved where less expenditure- agree where, at board must invest in strengthening intensive approaches might and senior management local civic, cultural, educational be delivered by increased level, the ownership of and private sector leadership. involvement of cultural

Economic challenges and cultural regeneration in four South East coastal towns 136 English Heritage: barriers and unintended consequences in coastal regeneration!

There now appears to be a visitors and businesses in the departments within the national consensus that coastal first place. English Heritage’s local authority and external communities are worthy experience suggests that stakeholders there is an of significant investment, regeneration projects that obvious risk that a project but that any such initiatives integrate investment in will focus on a single will face major challenges. the historic environment objective without taking Most of these are faced by within wider regeneration account of other issues or any community seeking to programmes are those that ongoing projects in the strengthen their economy have the greatest impact and locality. and enhance their historic create the most eye-catching character, but some issues and long-lasting results. • Leadership. Strong are peculiar to coastal political leadership is vital communities. From a heritage- Analysis of successful to get key decisions made, sector perspective, our regeneration projects identifies strategies agreed and experience tells us that there a number of common funding delivered. are two ways to consider the principles and valuable Clear reporting lines with issues that can arise in projects transferable lessons running straightforward governance such as these: through them, and these are structures are also set out in Regeneration and important in terms of • as barriers to achieving the Historic Environment. ensuring projects continue regeneration objectives; But equally there are a to reflect corporate • as unintended number of common barriers priorities and are fully consequences for the that can delay, disrupt or supported by other historic environment even ultimately derail the parts of the local authority. created by regeneration best intentions of heritage- English Heritage’s network schemes. led regeneration. Some of of elected member these are perhaps well known ‘Heritage Champions’ in Barriers to achieving and create similar problems local authorities (around regeneration objectives in all types of regeneration 80 per cent of English schemes: councils have now In many coastal towns, appointed a Champion) the historic environment • Partnership working/ offers an excellent (eclectic architecture, stakeholders. All types of opportunity for political colourful gardens, exotic regeneration projects leadership of heritage-led piers, extravagant bandstands, need the widest possible regeneration projects busy promenades, bustling range of stakeholders to and a direct link to embed harbours etc.) is a significant maximise their chances of ‘heritage thinking’ in a local element in the original ‘unique success. Without authority’s future strategy. selling point’ that attracted establishing links to other

137 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 • Challenges. There is public art focusing on the need for affordable sometimes a short-term maritime history of housing. view that fails to see Whitehaven. The historic beyond the challenges and environment will play • Measuring impact. It towards the benefits of the some kind of role, even if can be difficult for historic environment. only as a backdrop, in heritage-led regeneration There is an often a almost every coastal projects to quantify the perception that historic regeneration project. effect that they have had buildings and areas Ensuring that it is integrated on their local area, and in are difficult to deal with – as a prominent, high- particular the impact they awkward to navigate quality component to have had in non-monetary through the planning these kinds of project will terms – for example, system with extra red- create an excellent attitudes to the local tape and expense to platform for increased environment or the way deal with. However, confidence in the locality that people regard the historic buildings provide and will reinforce a sense retail offer. Evidence of a quality environment to of place and belonging for such impacts is crucial in live and work in. the community. demonstrating the Refurbishment and reuse benefits of such projects, will also ensure the • Using the historic and benchmarking of the retention of the sense of environment to initial situation is important place and the distinctive address local to be able to measure coastal character that circumstances. There success. Nevertheless, matters to residents and is a risk that the focus of a projects such as the visitors. project on the retention of evaluation of the an historic building will Falmouth Heritage There are also some issues overlook issues about its Economic Regeneration that are peculiar to heritage- end-use and revenue Scheme have been able led regeneration projects: costs. However, the to demonstrate the reverse of this situation impact and achievements • The balancing act. is that heritage assets can of heritage-focused Heritage can play a be used to address funding. Similarly, an variety of roles in coastal specific local issues, such in-depth analysis by the regeneration. It can be the as the lack of affordable Heritage Lottery Fund catalyst for local housing. For example, (HLF) of its Townscape revitalisation (e.g. the Great Yarmouth Borough Heritage Initiative funding refurbishment of Council has created a stream has not only Cromer Pier), or it can number of innovative focused on economic be complementary to partnerships with regeneration and other regeneration housing associations to improvements to physical strategies that are already refurbish and convert appearance, but has also some way to achieving vacant historic buildings to looked at measuring effects their goals, such as the address the pressing local on public perception and

Economic challenges and cultural regeneration in four South East coastal towns 138 the quality of life. These and social regeneration. that such development have demonstrated clear As part of an overall does not ‘jar’ with its benefits, including a programme, regeneration surroundings. ‘multiplier’ effect where schemes will often have the HLF’s funding has consequent implications • The implications of climate been aligned with other for local character and change, such as coastal regeneration projects. distinctiveness. erosion, potentially higher Undertaking proper sea levels and increasing Unintended consequences research and ensuring it numbers of storms, will for the historic environment informs the masterplanning endanger historic created by regeneration of regeneration strategies buildings and archaeology. schemes allows informed decisions However, responses to to be made about future these issues, such as the Regeneration projects are, by development. Historic increasing numbers of definition, intended to have landscape characterisation sea defence projects, can a significant impact on the and historic area themselves create area in question and aim to assessments are problems. Flood defences raise the quality of the local central to establishing such can impair the character environment. Nevertheless, understanding and much and setting of historic owing to their scale, major work has been done quaysides and waterfront projects can also have by English Heritage and buildings as well as having unforeseen consequences others that can be filtered an impact on archaeology. for local distinctiveness and into this process. Ensuring However, well-designed, the character of the historic that development is both large-scale projects such as environment. There is a sympathetic and responds the new sea wall at danger that development to its context is a vital Blackpool demonstrate designed to regenerate coastal step in ensuring its long- how sea defences can be towns could potentially detract term sustainability. Without installed or upgraded from the special character starting from this position without affecting historic that originally made them of understanding, character, and potentially attractive. Interventions regeneration projects can can even enhance the that are inappropriate can cause urban design historic environment. be caused by a number of conflicts. Regeneration underlying reasons. strategies such as those • Many historic coastal containing plans for towns suffer from poor • Physical improvements iconic new buildings or transport links and the to the local environment large scale retail perception of being at the are only one element of development can ‘end of the line’. comprehensive compromise distinctive Regeneration projects regeneration and will coastal or maritime involving the improvement almost always need to be character, and careful of transport links can complemented by efforts consideration is needed at have obvious implications to stimulate economic an early stage to ensure for heritage assets and local

139 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 character, while the It then entered into a joint demand for such upgrading of port facilities ownership agreement with buildings (or an alternative can damage historic a new purchaser and use) as few buildings can harbour structures and retained half the justify preservation without associated archaeology. ownership. The benefits a clear function or an The increasing popularity are twofold: houses in the income. of sailing and consequent locality are better increase in the number of maintained so retaining and In seeking to harness the local new marinas also has enhancing local character historic environment’s capacity implications for historic and attractiveness, while a to contribute to economic, harbours and ports. greater stock of affordable social and environmental housing is also created. regeneration, practitioners • Historic coastal towns need to ensure that their often have large numbers • Clarity about the end- projects have a full and of lodging and boarding use of buildings and a proper understanding of local houses originally built for clear business plan character and distinctiveness. week-long family quantifying costs and This is the essential first step holidays, and many have income are essential in ensuring that the vision for been converted into features for the long-term the area makes the best use of houses of multiple sustainability of a existing heritage. Celebrating occupation. Regeneration regeneration project. the colourful past of England’s projects that include the Landmark buildings and coastal towns should help to modernisation of structures in coastal towns guarantee that they have a accommodation such as that have become disused bright future. this can affect the or are at risk, such as significance and character theatres or piers, create Information: For further of the locality. Innovative strong feelings locally detail of English Heritage, schemes, such as that and it is not uncommon its activities and guidance undertaken by Lancaster for campaigns to be publications, see www. City Council in the started to retain them. english-heritage.org.uk and West End of Morecambe, Such campaigns need to www.helm.org.uk. have been able to avoid be clear about the the incremental erosion of character. The local authority purchased a number of HMOs in the area and converted each property into two or three high-quality flats.

Economic challenges and cultural regeneration in four South East coastal towns 140 In the Realm of the Raucous. Donald McGill: King of the Saucy Seaside Postcard.

well might he wear his crown. within the passing of time, Although his kingdom was the paper focuses on the extensive, the seaside was high culture/ low culture his true domain. It was there class values that underpin, or in the heady atmosphere of rather undermine, much of the hustle and bustle of the today’s thinking on tourism, milling crowds that McGill’s notably the charade of ego/ medium worked its magic. eco/sustainable tourism. And it was there, in the realm As academics we should of the raucous, that sales of his eschew the absurd notions cards burgeoned as the visiting of objectivity, declare our hordes took to his humour respective interests and with gusto. Achieving sales proceed enthusiastically. Here well in excess of 250 million is no exception. Indeed, The risqué, near the knuckle cards, it is the sheer volume, McGill is the perfect subject but worth a chuckle, seaside the extraordinary proliferation with which to embrace postcard was once an integral of his work that astounds. another of my long held part of the holiday routine. beliefs….the power of the But no more. Superseded It is, essentially, English visual. And the paper draws by technology and changing humour: captured and on an eclectic range of tastes, the saucy seaside contextualised in time and material by way of illustration. postcard is of another time. space – epitomising the Combining the ‘personal’ Or is it? From pier revue English seaside holiday of with ‘visual’, the presentation to peer re-view, the paper a by-gone era. Perhaps assesses McGill’s relevance to explores the legacy of Donald no single resort is so the study, and analysis, of McGill – the undisputed evocatively captured by, nor contemporary tourism. doyen of the genre. representative of, McGill’s work as Blackpool of the Brian Wheeller NHTV Breda, The past master of the late 1940’s and 1950’s. With The Netherlands University of pithy innuendo and double- McGill’s life and work as Tasmania entendre he was the King of exemplar, and contextualised Seaside Saucy Postcard. And for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

141 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Chapter 10 Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment by Ivan Annibal The development of the boundaries similar to those on the rebuilding of London on duty for local authorities which Regional Assemblies and almost the exact same street to undertake an economic RDAs function today. pattern after the Great Fire of assessment – unveiled in 1666 to Hausmann’s complete the Sub-National Review of Unfortunately, somewhere remodelling of Paris in the Economic Development and between 1966 and 1972 the 1860s. Or think about the Regeneration – puts economic wiring got twisted and the evolution of our system of geography at the heart of pattern of local authorities that government without a written local economic development.1 came into being lost its focus constitution. This is not new, but it is a on functioning economic areas. theme that had lain dormant Instead there came into being a If we therefore choose to for most of the 1980s and patchwork of authorities based ‘go with the flow’ in terms 90s. The modern origins of the on local lobbying, compromise of seeking to make the best debate go back to the Redcliffe and tradition. No change there, of the new powers local Maud Commission instituted then! This largely dysfunctional authorities have been given in by Prime Minister Ted Heath in pattern has predominated for recent years, starting with the 1966. a generation, and now we Power of Well-Being in the have an ad hoc ‘pick and mix’ 2000 Local Government Act, Broadly, the report approach to boundaries based and building through Michael recommended the abolition of on incremental changes, with Lyons’ exhortation to us all to all the existing county, county still relatively little focus on the get on and shape our places, borough, borough, urban actual functioning of places. what does the requirement district and rural district councils, to undertake an economic which had been created at the To be fair, in parallel with the assessment mean for coastal end of the nineteenth century, evolution of administrative areas? and replacing them with new boundaries there has been unitary authorities. These new a debate about how local As evidenced elsewhere in this authorities were largely based authorities can be empowered Handbook, coastal places are on major towns, which acted to work across their boundaries different. They have a number as regional employment, to form alliances based on of generic features that make commercial, social and economic geography; and them different and we can also recreational centres and took how, if all are willing, these differentiate between them. into account local transport arrangements can be put on a Generically they are different infrastructure and travel statutory footing through the for these reasons: patterns. implementation of the sub- national review referred to • They are liminal. That is, The report triggered a debate above. Perhaps it is the ability they exist between two which, in its watered down to be flexible in creating sense planes – physically and in form, led to the introduction from complexity that is more the mind – being on the of the current system and important than creating simple cusp of the land and sea more importantly boundaries structures themselves. There and having only an of local authorities in 1972. is a strong tradition in Britain 180-degree hinterland Interestingly, Redcliffe Maud of hanging on to strange and (albeit the sea itself is a also proposed a regional tier evolving systems rather than resource). of government based on sweeping them away. Compare • They have a terminus feel,

143 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 all being literally ‘at the end actual techniques used to measurement is bad – some of the line’. prepare the assessment are approaches are underpinned by • They have a set of special largely irrelevant provided it is more reason than others. environmental challenges done technically well. There around their relationship are any number of consultants The National Performance with the sea. offering a ‘stop me and buy Indicators introduced for • In the context of an island one’ approach to this aspect of local government are a case nation they have a the task. in point: top-down; imposed fascination for people. by central government; some This creates sentimental What the creation of the hard to measure in technical and, in some senses, first statutory duty for local terms and others based on irrational approaches to authorities in terms of perception. The jury is still out investment in them. You economic development is in terms of their usefulness. only have to take a trip to about – and there are some They sit alongside school league the theme park at Lands del who have operated at tables, which recently led a End to get a sense of this. the margins of local authority London headteacher to reflect discretion for years and who that we should concentrate It is important to begin to have mixed views about this more on fattening the pig draw out some shades of new statutory status – is the than constantly weighing it. grey – particularly in terms of challenge for local authorities to Continuing with this analogy, functionality – when thinking prove they understand what is the economic assessment offers about coastal settlements. We happening ‘on their patch’. enlightenment and provides the need to distinguish them into opportunity for local authorities, more distinct and individual Approaches to monitoring and based on their own analyses, categories based on their performance management in to explain and justify how they economic geographies. the public sector are cyclical, have used their discretion and we seem to be coming to to tackle local economic In considering the intersection the end of one cycle of micro- challenges. of economy and geography on recording and management. our coastline I have come up I foresee new approaches There has been a debate with a four-fold categorisation arising very soon that within the development of the of places based on deprivation concentrate more on action guidance for the assessment and the ways in which it than measurement. This will itself about prescription. A manifests itself. Of course this is be partly driven by the need to number of voices have been not the only way of considering respond to recession, and partly arguing for a standard approach the matter, but it does drive out by the weight of the current to assessment. Others, led some interesting insights. Why regulatory regime collapsing in by the Local Government is this important in the context on itself. In my view that will be Association, have argued for of the duty to undertake a good thing because there is a a light touch based on the fact an economic assessment? tendency in local government that local authorities – and The answer is that the duty for measurement and process more specifically places – all to undertake an economic to become a proxy for actually have unique characteristics assessment is not predicated on doing. This is a feature also and narratives and should not the basis of creating something of other areas of the public be shoe-horned into some that sits on a shelf. In fact the sector. This is not to say that all sort of standard template.

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 144 is ‘embeddedness’, a well- established concept based on describing how patterns and traditions of human interaction in places condition their development. Social and group norms often lead to economic behaviours that appear counter-intuitive but which are conditioned by the history and traditions of a place. Approaches to developing an review of rural economies and For example, Mablethorpe – economic assessment ought housing has raised the level threatened by rapid inundation to use comparable statistical of debate around the need from the sea according to the bases, but it is important that to consider things on a wider Environment Agency – has a far local authorities be allowed basis than the current housing/ more vibrant housing market the discretion to prepare the planning-led dialogue about than anyone would imagine. assessments in a way that what makes a settlement This is based on retirees who reflectstheir understanding and sustainable.3 Interestingly it is have ‘always holidayed there’ allows them to express it freely proposed that the economic selling their homes in the rather than requiring them to assessment’s primary audience Midlands and circumventing follow a prescriptive format. should be the Local Strategic the normal constraints in These economic assessments Partnership (LSP) – this the market by coming in as also have to find a place within provides real opportunities to cash buyers. With regard to the framework of plans and avoid it becoming the technical the technical operation of assessments that exist already in preserve of a few statisticians the assessment, the Local the context of local government within councils. Government Improvement – ranging from the regional and Development Agency evidence underpinning Spatial So at the heart of the (IDeA) and the Planning Strategies to the local analysis assessment is the need to Advisory Service (PAS) in development frameworks bring out the distinctive have commissioned some (LDFs). nature of places and to demonstrate (notwithstanding sector-led guidance. This has The process of considering some geographically flawed been developed by Globe where the assessment fits administrative boundaries) the Regeneration and Rocket in will inevitably cause some basis on which local authorities Science, working with 17 tension and debate, but that use their discretion to work local authorities, and it can be is a good thing if it challenges collectively or independently to viewed on-line. The sparser established approaches that ‘do’ economic development. and in many senses companion put land use at the heart of guidance from the Department In rising to this challenge it is economic thinking. The new for Communities and Local important to consider not just proposals for Planning Policy Government (DCLG), quantitative but also qualitative Statement (PPS) 4 point to a developed in parallel and with evidence that is based on positive and more integrated many a useful conversation tradition and informal activities. way forward in this context.2 between the two groups in the One key issue to surface in 4 Matthew Taylor’s recent process, is also available. writing the narrative of place

145 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 There are two key components describes how the assessment it. The planning cycle for the that are relevant in terms of might be undertaken to assessment is shown in Figure the sectoral guidance: a list of squeeze the maximum 10-1. sources of data, and a cycle that insights and dynamism out of

Figure 10-1 Review and revision Final Vision, scope assessment and purpose

Initial Testing and evidence refinement collation

Draft Gap analysis assessment Commission additional evidence Figure 10-3

Linkage and flows

Environment Demography

Housing, Key areas for planning and Skills analysis connectivity

Enterprise Economic and business inclusion

Employment

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 146 This simple cycle is to ensure the assessment questions are set out in Figure underpinned by ten key works effectively in terms of 10-2. questions that need to be asked the collection of data. The Figure 10-2

Ten key questions to ask in developing an economic assessment

1. What do we already know that can be justified with reference to the evidence we hold?

2. Does this enable us to describe both what is going on directly in our area and the global, national, regional and local forces driving it?

3. Can we describe the economic geography of our area in terms of the impact of other places on it and its impact on them?

4. Can we supplement this with forecasting information that will show future trends and developments?

5. In light of the above, how can we best describe our economy in terms of: (a) economic sub-areas? (b) the key characteristics of those areas in terms of demography, skills, employment and enterprise? (c) the drivers for change in terms of each of those factors in each area? (d) the relative importance in each area of supplementary contexts around inclusion, environment, housing, planning and connectivity?

6. If this represents a ‘factual’ description of place, what anecdotal or other impressions exist that challenge or validate it?

7. Do these reveal gaps in data or knowledge, for each of the sub-areas and categories of relevant information set out above, which can/need to be collected/mapped?

8. Can this data be collected easily, can proxies be developed, and can it be accessed on a commercial basis?

9. What other documents, produced by the authority and its partners, can be used to challenge or confirm your analysis?

10. How can we use the evidence within the LEA to support our planning and policy activities?

Other challenges in undertaking through carefully how it will be The key categories of data and the assessment involve building used to plan and monitor the their sources are set out in a consensus among partners economic interventions in an Figure 10-3 and Tables 10-1 about its content, and thinking area. and 10-2.

147 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Table 10-1 Recommended data sets

Data Set Main Source What it tells you Key sources Linkages and Commuting by place of The level of self TTWA data (ONS), Commuting Flows residence and work containment and data – 2001 census, Strategic interdependence of your Housing Market Area ONS Nomis geographies Assessments (Local Authorities), ON S commuter view Forecasting models in Regional ONS Commuter Flow Spatial Strategy and Regional Economic Strategy documents. Proprietorial databases

Demography Population Structure by The economic potential Age, Ethnic group, Residential age, sex and demography and challenges in terms of population and Sex distribution and patterns of change the components of your (ONS), Disability (ONS, nomis), resident population Age structure change over ONS Mid year estimates decade, No. Of Households (ONS, NESS)

Skills Proportion of population The skills base and Census and Labour Force with qualifications in the “human” potential of Survey, Key figures for education, range NVQ 2-4 and no your area along with the skills and training (ONS), NEET qualifications challenges it faces in terms (DCSF and Connexions CCIS) of employment and skills ONS Nomis from APS

Percentage of 16-19 year olds not in Education of Employment with Training DCSF via Connexions

Employment Economic Activity, The relative level of your Annual Survey of Hours and employment and employment structure and Earnings workplace income data, unemployment rates trends around those in Job density data, Unemployment and out of work rate 16+ (nomis), Local units by ONS Nomis from APS employment size band, (ONS) rolling years figures

Enterprise ONS: Inter-Departmental The level of Valuation Office Agency (VOA) Business Register and entrepreneurship in your register, Companies House Business Demography area its relative dynamism database, Homeworkers Nomis: Annual Business and its structure in terms Census, Self-employment Inquiry of sectors and types of (nomis), VAT based businesses Annual Survey of Hours business and employment by age, employment group and and Earnings size industry group, Floor space & rateable value (ONS, nomis, Commuterview), Proprietorial databases

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 148 Productivity ONS: GVA per head The economic potential GVA per head, Gross Fixed and Gross Fixed Capital and relative position of Capital Formation (GFCF) - Formation – in addition for your authority’s economy (ONS ), 5 Drivers: Investment a really useful discussion in Physical Capital / Workforce see: “Productivity in the Skills / Innovation / Competition UK The Evidence and the / Enterprise Government’s Approach” HM Treasury 2007

Table 10-2 Contextual Data

Data Set What it tells you Sources of information Inclusion You will have a sense from anecdotal Notifiable offences recorded, Benefits data, perspectives about the relative deprivation and Index of Multiple Deprivation, Life expectancy, challenges facing your authority in the context Infant mortality, All age/all cause mortality rate of inclusion – this should guide your thinking, (NCHOD), Worklessness, Ethnicity (ONS), Active in what is an economic assessment about how people Sport Survey (Sport England) much of the data from the identified sources of information you should include in this aspect of the context of the assessment

Housing, You should have a sense about the physical VOA register, Census, Road Accidents, Household Planning and configuration of your area, the challenges it spaces and accommodation type, Vacant Connectivity faces in terms of its residential characteristics dwellings, Tenure (ONS), Annual Business Inquiry in terms of issues such as affordable housing (employment changes), House price to income or housing renewal, the availability and quality ratios (DCLG), Housing Market Area Assessments, of industrial and commercial workspace – this Land Use data (local authorities), LA & RSL should inform how much attention you pay to Housing stock (local authorities), No. of additional/ these issues in the context of this aspect of the affordable homes delivered (local authorities), Core assessment national accessibility indicators (Dept. for Transport)

Environment The National Performance Indicators for Agricultural Census (Defra), Domestic Energy Local Government bracket Environment consumption (ONS), Land use database (CLG), and Economy together. Whilst this is not Land use change statistics (CLG LUCS), CO2 the only way to consider the importance consumption (Defra), Shoreline Management of environmental indicators, pulling out the Plans (Environment Agency), Strategic Flood Risk relationship between environmental issues and Assessments (Local Authorities), Household waste your economy is very important to provide a collected per head (Defra), Waste recycling rates rounded picture. (Defra), Biodiversity/Habitat Inventory (MAGIC), SSSIs/AONB (NE), Joint Character Areas & LA Landscape Character Assessments (CQC)

Spatial The development of the 2004 Rural_Urban Rural_urban definitions: Commission for Rural Definitions definitions has enabled those authorities outside Communities of urban cores to map the functionality of their areas far more effectively and is a boon to the process of rural proofing. This may be more relevant the the majority of coastal resorts.

149 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 • Linkages and flows also help to examine the role of prevalence of worklessness the authority in supporting the issues in your area, the Economic forces do not follow economy as an employer. assessment itself should identify administrative boundaries. This key areas of need to inform the dataset is really important in • Skills Work and Skills Plan – a key helping you to determine the outcome requirement from economic geography of your This will set out, more clearly the worklessness assessment. area and to map how it relates than any other element of the Taking this a step further, to the areas surrounding it. The assessment, the supply-side this plan could also inform a most robust data for this area of strength of your economy. It is ‘commissioning blueprint’ for analysis is based on the Census also very important for scoping your authority which you could and is therefore somewhat out out the speed with which use to ensure that skills and of date. However, using Census your economy might make employment commissioning data in conjunction with Travel the transition out of recession. within the authority and with to Work Area data and Housing It will also put into clear partners at local and regional Market Area Assessments is perspective the real challenges level reflects local needs. a good starting point for the facing your area in terms of process of mapping out where responding to the worklessness • Economic inclusion your residents live, work and agenda. The national play and how this affects the Regeneration Framework5 This category of information overall functioning of the sub- and the Houghton Review6 will again play an important role economies in your area. It is have set out the importance of in helping to sketch out the important to note that there are local authorities undertaking a worklessness issues facing your no formally agreed areas when worklessness assessment. economy. It will also identify using this approach. key issues and opportunities An important aspect of the around how the social and • Demography development of your economic economic cohesion of your assessment is that it should area impacts on its sustainability This is particularly important for provide all the key elements of and economic viability. understanding the economic analysis to ensure this can be potential of your area. It should effectively achieved. It should • Employment not be seen just as an indicator be integral to the assessment around the age profile of the rather than a stand-alone This will further build the profile workforce (and therefore the exercise. According to the of the supply-side of your productive potential of your area). In addition, particularly in those areas with a high proportion of more elderly populations, the potential for the development of economic activities and approaches that maximise the volunteering, spending potential and adult social care opportunities should also be examined. This should

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 150 economy, informing the view economists feel underpin the There are a significant number of demand and indicate how dynamism of local economies. of sources of data available. your economy compares with Rather than just concentrating Many of them, such as the the national picture in terms on data around companies, it is Valuation Office area database, of its relative strengths and also very useful to consider the are very current and up to weaknesses as an employment inferences that can be drawn date. Not enough use is made environment. It is important from business premises and within economic analyses of in this area of analysis to draw Valuation Office area data as this range of data, considering out the sectoral nature of a means of developing further that it provides real insights that your employment base to get information on the dynamics should not be missed. Housing a sense of how diverse (and of the enterprise agenda in completions, trajectories and therefore relatively vulnerable your area. This includes the targets are also very important or robust) your economy is. percentage of self-employed in in assessing the economic It is also important to look at the workforce. vibrancy and sustainability of employment structures and key places within your area, issues alongside the flows and • Housing, planning and particularly in terms of the linkages section. connectivity relationship between housing and jobs. An analysis of these It is useful in considering the This is a crucial area of analysis. issues should form a key sustainability of your economy The data sources we have part of your local economic in this context to consider identified are a good starting assessment. how self-contained it is. How point for considering how high is the proportion of those the requirements for the • Environment who live and work in the area development of the economic compared with those who live development components There has been considerable in it and work elsewhere, or of Local Development debate about whether vice versa? Frameworks in terms of the issues in this category Planning Policy Statement 4 should be a cross-cutting or • Enterprise and business (PPS4) can be brought together discrete theme within the with the economic indicators local economic assessment. With enterprise we enter the that describe another key Ultimately it is up to you to demand side of the economy. element of the supply side of decide how best to introduce It is important in developing economies. Bringing together these to draw out the most a profile of enterprise in your an analysis of compelling and authentic area to take account of the narrative of your area. You fact that self-employment and (a) the location and densities of should definitely be able to businesses not VAT-registered non domestic properties show that your assessment has are important alongside the (b) the relationship of the skills covered the evidence sources more standard and easy to base which sits alongside, and set out in Table 10-2, as a access data around VAT- (c) a consideration of its relative minimum. registered businesses. Sectoral accessibility or remoteness is analysis is also important, really important in scoping out • Spatial definitions as is a concentration on the its economic strengths and distribution of knowledge- weaknesses. The rural and urban definitions intensive businesses that many set out effectively how rural or

151 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 urban each component part of datasets which enable GVA measure these indicators and your area is. They provide real to be measured at more local listed them Table 10-1. insights into the relationships levels; however there are real between key service centres challenges in being able to • Local government national and their hinterlands. When attribute productive capacity to performance indicators used to underpin the analysis specific work sites and plants. on linkages and flows, This is because productivity is In addition to the key areas these provide a powerful measured at the workplace but of analysis set out above, a means of understanding the takes no account of the home number of local authorities interdependency of different locations of the individuals who will have committed smaller and larger settlements work in those plants. themselves to economic within and outside of your development, environmental administrative boundaries. They There are also reporting and inclusion targets as part help flesh out the challenges distinctions between head of the development of their of achieving the same level of and sub-office locations of assessment. It is clearly service delivery across rural and companies and the actual places important to cross-reference urban areas, and they provide where the companies produce these targets and the rationale an excellent context for the the goods concerned. This for choosing them with the development of rural proofing further affects the story arising development of the economic approaches. from the evidence, particularly assessment. It is also important below the NUTS3 picture.7 to look at these in terms of how • Productivity In addition to mapping the the assessment will be judged productive capacity of your as part of the Comprehensive This continues to sit at the heart area by taking these issues Area Assessment (CAA) of regional policy in terms of into account, it is important to process. The economic the RDA Tasking Framework. think about how the individual assessment itself is unlikely It is important to scope out the components of productivity, to be checked and verified contribution your area makes its five drivers, manifest by a government agency; to the productive capacity of themselves in your area. There however the process by which the region. It is useful to bear in is an ongoing debate about the LEA is used to inform mind that the principal indicator how best to manage each how your authority responds of productivity, gross value- element, so no prescriptive appropriately to the area will added (GVA), only really works approaches are suggested be judged through the CAA. at county levels of geography here. I have instead just raised Therefore making these distinct and above. There are now the importance of seeking to links will be very important.

Why are coasts special?

Returning to the theme of different from their surrounding has more in common with coasts, it is clear that they hinterlands. They also do not Hunstanton and Bridlington have a unique narrative that always fit straightforwardly – regionally removed to the needs to be drawn out by into the regional mindset south and north respectively – the assessment. In a number for economic interventions. than it does with Mansfield or of local authorities they are Skegness, for example, Corby or Glossop in its own

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 152 rural coastal area is. However, there is a way of homing in on the issues which is straightforward but which embraces some of the complexity. • There are four stages of evidence to consider: (a) the depth to which places are urban or rural using the rural–urban definitions; region. We have to be careful Haven Gateway (b) how places link to in making simple statements like southwards, influenced in each other by looking at the this, however, as with seasonal terms of transport, flows of people, goods and patterns of tourism it is possible migration and employment services between them; to buy the Nottingham Evening by Greater London; (c) how environmental/ Post and Leicester Mercury • an internationally significant climate change impacts in the town, demonstrating coast subject, in a number upon them; and (d) how deep seasonal links with of areas, to significant traditional patterns of other settlements in the East coastal erosion and economic activity, Midlands. sea-flood risk challenging particularly tourism, have the viability of a number affected them. Nevertheless it is possible to of settlements along with begin thinking about patterns of significant areas of grade 1 This led me to an approach how places work using some agricultural land; based on considering the of the approaches relevant to • an underperforming distribution of disadvantage and both coasts and the economic economy on most the factors that condition it in assessment process. I shall seek measures of economic terms of rural settlements, with to demonstrate this here with vitality when compared to respect to the space where reference to the work I did the East of England as a they sit, how things move recently on coasts and rural whole; around within that space, how deprivation. This work was • particular challenges around the environment is changing the prepared for evidence I gave deprivation and context of that space, and how to an All Party Parliamentary worklessness in Yarmouth, traditions and ways of doing Inquiry into rural coastal Lowestoft and Tendring. business have and continue deprivation.8 to condition the nature of that In thinking about how space. The work was based on looking deprivation manifests itself at the East of England coastline, in rural settlements on this • The space where a place which is very significant in size coastline, and what drives it, I sits and scale. It comprises: formed the following views. It is now a straightforward • 1.6 million people and a • Everywhere is different, process to determine the GVA of £24 billion (greater and it is difficult – perhaps gradations of rurality in any than Northern Ireland); even dangerous – to have given place using the rural– • significant ports from a simple view of what a

153 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 urban definitions developed means how densely populated of connectivity and patterns of by Professor John Shepherd and built up it is. This raises a commuting, based on linkages for the 2004 Rural Strategy.9 really interesting connection between settlements and flows This helps us to determine between economic mass and of people, goods and services, it how sparsely populated places connectedness which suggests is possible to suggest that those are, and to think about how that economic potential – or places with poor connections their connectedness might lack of it and consequent and poor economic mass may impact both on their economic levels of deprivation – are well suffer deprivation driven potential and the deprivation strongly affected in rural coastal principally by their location. This they experience. settlements by their density of can be characterised by looking population and their level of at the linkages and flows of rural In a recent study, Productivity, connectedness to other major places and their consequences Peripherality and Place, John settlements. on the basis of Figure 10-4. Bibby at the University of Sheffield argues that the vast • How things move around majority of the variation of within the space productivity in any place is determined by ‘economic Looking in more detail at how mass’.10 In simple terms this things move around in terms

Figure 10-4

Linkage and flow issues Linkage and flow consequences

Mapping how people move for work in and The seasonal nature of all coasts conditions out of places brings out their true economic their viability and deprivation character Whilst bigger and better connected rural We need to understand the inter-relation of coasts may have distinctive deprivation places to truly understand the issues around features, the reasons for the nature of their deprivation they manifest deprivation and strategies for tackling it need to be based in part on the external major settlements that drive them

Isolated small rural settlements have distinctive, not always common, but more difficult to tackle deprivation and mainstreaming approaches may work less well in them

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 154 The relationship between each place. In considering these I developed inferences by connectedness and economic issues in relation to rural coastal looking at the policy and data mass is further affected by settlements, following the same issues around each of these environmental and custom- ‘issues and consequences’ themes (see Figures 10-5 and and-practice issues unique to approach modelled above, 10-6).

Figure 10-5

Environment issues Environment consequences

Flood risk affects the viability of coastal Settlements with greater critical mass settlements irrespective of their size and will have higher priority in terms of flood connectedness protection

Flood protection issues focus in a major way A number of unique features that don’t have on economic value straightforwardly measurable economic values are not adequately recognised in less Flood protection strategies focusing on well connected and peripheral rural areas larger settlements run the risk of creating a ‘cuspate’ coast Peripheral and smaller rural settlements are not only more at risk but larger settlement flood protection can exacerbate the position Figure 10-6

Tradition issues Tradition consequences

Many coastal settlements were developed as The principal rationale for the development holiday locations in the nineteenth century of coastal settlements has in many cases been superceded Clacton Patterns of visitors and settlement have often significantly changed over the last 30 years Larger coastal settlements have had more scope to diversify. Southend is a city by the sea, others with good connections or attractive landscapes have re-invented themselves Southwold

Other, less well connected locations have deteriorated through reduced connectivity and changing habits Leiston

155 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 The schematic in Figure 10-6 traditions enables us to make • For less connected smaller demonstrates how the post- inferences about the factors settlements, focused policy Victorian evolution of coastal underpinning deprivation in interventions, taking account settlements has conditioned them, categorise them in of the market failure which their role and function and groups, and then begin to think sits at their heart arising has an impact on the issues through the issues linked to from their low economic underpinning their deprivation. how we might intervene in mass, requires more them. innovative and individual Looking at these four issues settlement by settlement in combination, we are able In big-picture terms, the thinking. to draw out the interrelations outcome in relation to this between connectedness and particular area of analysis is that In Figure 10-7 I have set out economic mass as a means of policy interventions need to be my thinking on how the four categorising rural coastal places based on a two-fold approach. categories of settlement, in terms of their deprivation. in terms of the relationship • For connected or larger between economic mass and To summarise: Bringing rural settlements the connectedness, experience together the spatial context of solution lies in traditional deprivation – referenced by rural coastal settlements and approaches to tackling real places. Figure 10-8 shows considering their wider context deprivation and focusing on how deprivation in each of the around linkages and flows, the key settlements with four categories of rural coastal environment and customs/ which they interact. settlement manifests itself.

Figure 10-7

Deprivation driven by links with other Complex and varied deprivation not linked settlements having a seasonal character solely to rural or coast less likely to face linked to flows of visitors and workers - flood protection issues have scope for re- complex issues around flood protection invention and development. where they are outside the envelope of bigger places close by.

Unique deprivation linked to former roles Settlements likely to be in transition or no as visitor locations, often shrinking in terms longer to a tourism rationale in need of of function and viability, market failure significant re-invention and development. and not able to justify significant flood protection.

Connectedness Economic mass

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 156 Figure 10-8

Migrant workers, high proportions of Urban style deprivation, high incapacity caravans some in long-term ooccupation, benefit, low economic activity rates, low ‘turned off’ in winter, low-skill low- skills, low wages, often, ‘resort driven’ value jobs, seasonal visitors with ‘urban’ negative demography, houses in multiple deprivation occupation

Devalued properties, poor access to Poor employment prospects (high services, dormant declining economies, unemployment), market failure in terms market failure restricting investment of investment, attracts incapacity benefit claimants and early retirees because of low property prices

Connectedness Economic mass

The duty to undertake an the council and its partners, and is that local authorities seize economic assessment provides could re-energise commitments the opportunity to renew and local authorities with the to coastal regeneration from the refocus their discretion and opportunity to develop a national tier downwards. There engage others in the coastal unique narrative about how are many ways of looking at regeneration agenda, rather their coast works. This has coasts and I have provided just than letting their economic the potential to provide a new one example in this part of the assessment sit on the shelf and impetus to joined-up thinking by Handbook. What is important gather dust.

Tramore by the Sea: the ‘Margate of Ireland’ by Irene Furlong, Ireland

From its metamorphosis from itself to adapt to changing reincarnations in its efforts to a pleasant retreat for those holiday patterns. continue to exploit its beautiful who assembled there for the beach and surroundings. benefit of the salt water in the Once the resort of the mid-eighteenth century, to ‘dournawns’, the hobnailed The first amenities were its present incarnation as the visitors from Kilkenny who provided in the eighteenth leading holiday resort in the stayed in local farmhouses century by local landowners south-east of Ireland, Tramore and fishermen’s cottages, it such as Lord Doneraile, who has consistently reinvented has experienced innumerable laid out private access for the

157 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 gentry to its secluded coves, The most important event stage for concerts and boxing while resident entrepreneurs in the expansion of Tramore tournaments was built in such as Bartholomew Rivers as a holiday resort was the 1918. built hotels and houses for opening of the railway line letting, assembly rooms and to Waterford in 1853 and a Thus was set the scene bathing lodges. Rivers also racecourse and golf links were for almost a century of ups founded local industries, established in the 1880s, by and downs as Tramore initiated horse races on the which time the town boasted experienced the vicissitudes of beach, obtained a charter seven hotels. A pier, sea the Irish seaside resort in the for the holding of fairs, and wall and promenade were modern age. developed a spa outside the completed in 1915, and a town in the 1780s. cinema which also provided a for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

Coastal areas and their duty to undertake an economic assessment 158 Chapter 11 Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts by Ben Cave1 Enjoyment of the highest public health professionals, Health and wellbeing are attainable standard of health is regeneration practitioners central to most people’s one of the fundamental rights and spatial planners in coastal understanding of, and of every human being without resorts. relationship with, the coast. The distinction of race, religion, coast is seen as being good for political belief, economic or Local neighbourhood renewal and your health: a review of coastal social condition.2 other regeneration initiatives are towns found that one of the in a particularly good position most important reasons for Coastal town needs tend to to address health inequalities moving to the coast was simply be intense ... The isolation because they have responsibility that respondents wanted to live of coastal towns reinforces for dealing with the wider there.6 limited outlooks and poverty of determinants that have impact ambition.3 on people’s physical and mental Spatial planners, regeneration health.4 practitioners and public health Much of what affects our professionals in coastal resorts health lies outside the domain In this chapter, the terms ‘health have similar strategic agendas of the health sector. Local and wellbeing’, ‘coastal resort’, in terms of creating sustainable authorities are responsible for ‘inequality’ and ‘regeneration’ environments, improving the maintenance and creation are defined with reference to people’s life experiences and of healthy environments for coastal communities. It looks addressing social exclusion. everyone. They occupy a at examples of good practice, These are reflected in the range vital role in our democracy, and draws on the results of a of issues that respondents to providing governance, survey of coastal health issues our survey cited as affecting the coordination and strategic conducted with directors of health of coastal communities: leadership. Public health public health in primary care joint top were alcohol and explicitly recognises the trusts having coastline in their in-migration of older people, role played by the state in area.5 Above all, we invite followed by houses in multiple preventing disease, prolonging readers to use this chapter as occupation (HMOs) and life and promoting health. Public a basis for local discussion on opportunities for younger health professionals reach an agenda for coastal public people. Note that these issues outside the usual National health, and to contribute are outside NHS control. Table Health Service structures further examples on health and 11-1 highlights the shared and work in partnership wellbeing in coastal resorts to relevance of these issues to with different agencies. This support the work of the Coastal public health and regeneration chapter aspires to be the start Communities Alliance. professionals. of a dialogue between coastal

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 160 Table 11-1: Key issues for public health and regeneration in coastal resorts

Key coastal issue Relevance to public health and regeneration Alcohol Recent gains made by NHS through clinical improvements in interventions for cancers and heart disease have been almost cancelled out by the continuing steep rise in alcohol related morbidity and mortality over the past five to ten years. This reflects increases in alcohol consumption across the whole population and is driven by increased availability and reduced cost of alcohol relative to disposable income. Economic regeneration policies focused on alcohol and the night-time economy are a major driver (4).

In-migration of older Can create additional pressures on social care and NHS services people / demographic Poor mental health eg older people becoming isolated and requiring change support following bereavement Prevention agenda becomes key: this may require regeneration policies to provide relevant opportunities/services.

Houses in multiple HMOs may attract vulnerable groups or those already receiving benefit, requiring occupation specific support and long term collaborative planning that reduces

HMOs numbers overall and supports homeless and vulnerably housed.

Opportunities for young Limited opportunities may lead to low self-esteem, poor mental health, harmful people behaviours, and difficulties in providing a stable workforce.

Coastal resorts have been services, to education and to unprotected sex. The emphasis noted for in-migration of older employment difficult (case on entertainment and the night- people, many arriving with no study 2). Coastal populations time economy does not always family support and some with tend to be more deprived benefit residents of coastal pre-existing health conditions than their counterparts living resorts (case studies 4 and 5). (see case study 2). Housing inland: 21 of the 88 most is an issue as in-migrants may deprived authorities are in Public health has a broad remit live in poor accommodation coastal areas.8 Looked-after and we would expect priorities such as caravan parks (case children from urban areas for action to vary between study 3) or HMOs, creating are moved to seaside towns areas and resorts. A recent a population hidden from for care. Opportunities for independent review lists public primary care and other services young people are limited: health priorities in England (case study 5). Some coastal employment opportunities as: cardiovascular disease and resorts have a preponderance centre on tourism, they are cancer; obesity; risk-taking of second homes which thus seasonal and tend to be behaviours in younger adults reduces the housing stock low-paid. Tourists also create (alcohol, drugs, violence); available to permanent particular public health issues: mental ill-health throughout life; residents. Smaller coastal they may indulge in risky and the threats to wellbeing in resorts can be geographically behaviour ranging from too older people.9 Minimising, and isolated, making access to much sun to excess alcohol or adapting to, climate change is

161 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 also a critical issue for public identified and then sought to plays a central role in this work. health.10 Our case studies show address public health priorities, how some coastal resorts have and how local government

Definitions

Coastal resorts are defined as and physical wellbeing. This in society is a main driver having one or more of the broad definition continues to for public health policy.19 A following features:11 be relevant and challenging. look at the national picture Figure 11-1 shows how healthy shows that inequalities have • tourism as the dominant public policy looks beyond persisted even though average industry; health services, which help measures have improved. • a specialist tourist people once they are ill, and For example, if we compare infrastructure (promenades, emphasises factors that maintain life expectancy between the piers, parks etc.); health. When we realise that ‘routine and manual’ groups and • housing stock that includes core functions of local and the population as a whole we HMOs and caravan sites. regional government such as see that, for men in the period employment, transport, access 2005–7, the gap between Regeneration has been defined to green spaces, social support, these social groups was 4 as the broad process of education and housing are per cent wider than it was in reversing physical, economic all components of a healthy 1995–7; for women this gap and social decline in an area community,15 we recognise the was 11 per cent wider.20 The where market forces will not importance of regeneration and case studies repeatedly show do this without intervention.12 public policy in improving and that populations in coastal In seaside resorts this means protecting health and wellbeing. resorts are older and more a focus on the specific shared Mental health, which ranges likely to be materially deprived challenges for coastal public from anxiety to more severe than their counterparts inland. policy and regeneration, such conditions, is very much a Since 1997, nationally there has as:13 part of this picture and was a been a 2.2 per cent increase in recurring theme in our survey the number of people claiming • in-migration; responses. Poor mental health incapacity benefit, special • decline of the traditional is believed to cost the economy disability allowance or income tourist industry;14 £77 billion a year and the cost support for disability, compared • failure to diversify from in terms of GDP is expected with a 12.3 per cent rise in the traditional tourism; to double to over 10 per cent number of claimants in coastal • traditional building stock by 2026. The indirect costs towns.21 that is highly suitable for of poor mental health include single-resident occupancy poor educational attainment, Community health profiles dwellings. unemployment and increased provide data on a local authority In 1946 the World Health crime and antisocial behaviour.16 basis on a number of health Organization defined health outcomes and indicators of as being not just the absence Reducing inequalities in health deprivation.22 These are a good of sickness but the attainment and improving the health of introduction to local health of a complete state of mental the most deprived people concerns and help to highlight

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 162 where health is poorest. by the rest of the area.23 This health inequalities can be Pooling this information can mean that the needs reduced.24 Table 11-2 shows with relevant economic and of small coastal resorts get how our case studies can be regeneration indicators creates overlooked. The case studies grouped under Whitehead’s a richer understanding of life show how NHS organisations typologies and illustrate the in a coastal resort. This gives have commissioned studies and variety of issues faced by coastal us part of the picture, but one Health Impact Assessments to communities and the ways of the problems with using investigate specific concerns of in which local authorities can routine data is that many small areas in coastal resorts. influence health. There are six indicators are not readily case studies presented in this available below local authority Whitehead offers a useful chapter and two on the IDeA level and so issues in smaller typology of policies and website.25 coastal resorts can be masked interventions through which

Figure 11-1 L ECOS GLOBA YSTEM

RAL ENVIRO ATU NME N NT

UILT ENVIRONME B NT

TIVIT AC IES

CAL ECONO LO M Y g in v L o i OMMUNI vi m C TY e n g s , g A t g , B n n S ir a a s p , io it pi l t h e ST a r w d b c p n LIFE YLE y e c i a a e a v l o io ty in e h h t i t t e t p iv W g s e l s a t r a , l c o , , a e r s g a a r l r , r g, r t l k e i m i N o l t i u n a / M a y l i n C p l a t c i u a i f e r n a d s PEOPLE e l ki h a t C i t n d r t C y w r e l b i u h k N o a l a n s o e a p g B e i la , r t W c t n k s

W o e c s i S e

D

Age, sex & hereditary factors

Other neighbourhoods other

regions

forces

Macro-economy, politics global The determinants of health and well-being in our neighbourhoods

163 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Table 11-2 : typology of actions to reduce health inequalities

Category 1: strengthening Figure 3 shows how access to good and sympathetic primary care, individuals. as well as to exercise classes and green gyms, improves people’s confidence and sense of wellbeing. Developing an individual’s knowledge, beliefs, self-esteem, practical competence Figure 4 reports how NHS East Riding of Yorkshire and East Riding in life skills or powerlessness. of Yorkshire Council conducted specific research into the needs of people on caravan sites. This has lead to a programme with people in caravan sites that are tailored to individual needs.

Category 2: strengthening Figure 2 describes key messages from a Health Impact Assessment communities. (HIA) of an Area Action Plan in Herne Bay.

Covers a wide spectrum of interventions Figure 4 reports how NHS East Riding of Yorkshire and East Riding aimed at strengthening communities of Yorkshire Council conducted specific research into the needs of through building social cohesion and people on caravan sites and how this work has informed service mutual support and addressing social delivery. exclusion / isolation experienced by some deprived communities A case study on the IDeA website looks at work with HMOs and vulnerably housed in Central St Leonards.3

Category 3: improving living Figure 3 looks at some of the challenges faced, and achievements and working conditions and of, Mablethorpe Health Centre in East Lindsey District Council. associated access to essential Figure 5 reports on some of the adverse health effects of the services. night-time economy and steps taken to mitigate these effects.

Reducing exposure to health-damaging Figure 6 shows how Blackpool Council is co-ordinating efforts to environments, both at home and at work, increase living and working conditions. and ensuring access to essential goods and services. A case study on the IDeA website shows how the Environment Agency and local authorities work with the emergency services to protect health.3

Category 4: promoting healthy Figure 7 looks at how partnership working is developing a shared macro-policies. and a sustainable vision for the coast in the South West.

The interventions in this category aim to alter the macroeconomic or cultural environment to reduce poverty and the wider adverse effects of inequality on society.

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 164 Case study 1 Health Impact Assessment, planning and regeneration26

In 2008, Canterbury City positive health and wellbeing Some of the key findings Council issued a draft Area impacts of the AAP. include concerns that new Action Plan (AAP) that set employment may be of low out a number of preferred The HIA included policy quality and that any benefits options for the regeneration analysis, a review of relevant may bypass local people and of Herne Bay.27 AAPs are part literature, community profile lower income groups, and of the Local Development and workshops and interviews that inter-group tensions Framework (LDF) which is, in with people living and working could develop between those turn, the spatial expression of in Herne Bay. The HIA favouring conservation and a local authority’s Sustainable concludes with a Public Health those seeking innovation. Community Strategy. LDFs set Management Plan that lists the The tensions would be inter- the framework for planning and suggested actions and identifies generational or between development in a local authority the agencies with a potential residents and tourists. for 15–20 years. role in delivering the actions. This was presented to the The HIA suggests using AAPs provide a specific focus on Local Strategic Partnership, community development to a particular area: the majority of the Canterbury Health and determine an inclusive image the Herne Bay AAP is in Heron Wellbeing Partnership and the and identity for Herne Bay. ward which is one of five wards Neighbourhood Development Integrating healthy lifestyle in Herne Bay. Team. interventions with this work NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent may contribute to mitigating commissioned a Health Impact Herne Bay is characterised potential impacts on health- Assessment (HIA) of the Herne by marked age polarization related behaviour. Bay AAP.28 The HIA had three and relatively low numbers objectives: of people of working age. Since some of the The AAP has a strong focus recommendations concern • appraise the potential on business growth and education and training, the HIA positive and negative health local employment. The HIA has been shared with the Local and wellbeing impacts of the concludes that this may help Children’s Services Partnership, AAP on people who live to encourage more people the Head and Senior and work in Herne Bay and of working age to stay in Management Team of the those who visit the town; the community, with social, main secondary school for the • highlight potential differential economic and subsequently town, and other stakeholders. distribution effects of health health benefits. The HIA As a result of the HIA it is now and wellbeing impacts emphasises the importance of accepted that the AAP is mainly among population groups local skills development and directed towards the physical by asking ‘who is affected’; signposting in relation to new environment. Social issues have • suggest actions that aim to employment opportunities, since been introduced and minimise potential negative including higher quality jobs for consolidated by an action plan health and wellbeing impacts local people. that cuts across directorates. and maximise potential This was developed by the city

165 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 council with full participation by the PCT’s Health and representatives). The work-plan of the Primary Care Trust Wellbeing group (a partnership envisages a timescale of some (PCT). This is long-term work. of city council, social services, years, as does the AAP Progress will be monitored voluntary sector and PCT

Case study 2 Providing primary health care to a coastal resort29

Mablethorpe is one of three or by car and come for the dedication and hard work from seaside resorts in East Lindsey sea and the sand. staff and care providers alike. District where the main Holiday times are busy for staff industries are agriculture and As with many rural, isolated and this creates difficulty with tourism.30 The 2001 Census communities there are annual leave. There are two lists the Mablethorpe and relatively few activities and other secrets to their success: Sutton Parish as having a opportunities for young population of 11,780. The people. Local organisations • the building out of which resident population of the and businesses want positive they operate; parish is older than the national change in Mablethorpe through • the services they provide. average and has high levels of developing new markets In April 2000, the Practice long-term limiting illness. This and branding to reflect their Manager began discussions resident population is swollen aspirations for Mablethorpe as a with organisations providing each year by people visiting on place to live, work31 and visit. care in the town. The GPs holiday. These are made up of and nurses, the ambulance three groups. The Mablethorpe Health service, the primary care Centre is part of this new trust and the district council • An older population vision. It has come up with all agreed that services typically come from ex- ingenious ways in which to offer would be improved if mining communities in care to residents and visitors they were located under a South Yorkshire. They may alike. The Practice Manager single roof. The district have been coming to the explains that their patient list council provided the land resort all their lives, as has approximately 40 per cent and the primary care trust children, as young adults who are over 65 and the list funded the private finance and now as retired people. has three times the national initiative (PFI) build. The They come because it is average for conditions such as new practice building familiar and because they obesity, hypertension, coronary opened in 2007. love it. This group tend to heart disease and diabetes. This spend about 3–4 months of means that, although the patient The Mablethorpe Health the year in Mablethorpe and list is 14,000, they are operating Centre is an impressive new live in the caravan parks and as though they had a list size build in which the design of the rented accommodation. of 21,000 patients. This is not building is integral to the way • Holidaymakers come for currently recognised in the in which staff are able to offer 2–3 weeks, during the funding allocations. services. The Health Centre school holidays, often with plays an important part in young children. Success is hard to come by contributing to the regeneration • Day-trippers arrive by coach and is a result of continuing of Mablethorpe.

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 166 is set up so that patients can get all they need in one visit, creating a ‘one stop shop’. Staff at the Centre provide fitness classes and green gyms which boost people’s confidence. They provide care to everyone in Mablethorpe, including the resident population and the visitor populations. The Mablethorpe Health Centre The Health Centre helps physiotherapy and dentistry. aims to bring services to their to attract staff. There are They have a minor operating elderly patients, avoiding currently eight GP partners suite and an independent them travelling long distances and two trainees. The Health pharmacy. The ambulance to hospitals for outpatient Centre offers many services service also operates from the appointments, countering the including community nurses, site. Everything, from the design coastal isolation of communities. health visitors, district nurses, of the building to the way in Macmillan nurses, podiatry, which services are provided,

Case study 3 Assessing hidden need: the caravan park population32

Caravan parks are popular park communities experienced caravan park residents it along the British coastline, and greater socioeconomic and was decided to administer a considerable proportion of health problems than the a postal health and lifestyle people in parts of the UK reside general population in South questionnaire to GP-registered in static caravans for much of East Holderness, which is itself caravan residents. Basing the the year. Residents in caravan a deprived coastal area. A sample on the GP-registered parks can be a group hard to substantial proportion of the population was acknowledged reach, and they may have an caravan park community was to risk excluding people, but ambiguous legal status (caravans understood to be elderly, frail it allowed comparison with a are often used as permanent and materially deprived. Many recent survey of the general homes irrespective of whether of the caravan park community population. Data was gathered the caravan park has a license were understood to have on respiratory problems, for long-term residential use). migrated to the area, perhaps falls, smoking, alcohol, body Residents of caravan parks to escape financial hardship. mass index (BMI) and service are less likely to be registered utilisation and compared with a GP and less likely to be The predecessor organisation to national and regional represented on the Census. for the NHS East Riding of information. The authors state Yorkshire commissioned a that to avoid intrusion and to In South East Holderness, on survey of the caravan park achieve reasonable response the Yorkshire coast, there are community. This was done rates the survey deliberately more than 2,500 caravans. The jointly with East Riding of omitted questions on mental PCT had anecdotal evidence Yorkshire Council. After and sexual health, domestic that residents in the caravan exploratory discussions with violence or suicide. These

167 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 were noted as topics for future over 55 years of age were areas; consideration. more than twice as likely as • a health improvement their counterparts in the local programme covering Residents in caravan park population to be current anxiety and depression, communities reported greater smokers and 2.3 times as likely healthy eating, confidence levels of poor health than in to be obese. The survey found building, relaxation, eating England. Compared with the rates of chronic cough and rates to a budget, and living a local population survey, caravan of wheezing which exceeded healthy lifestyle; respondents over 55 years of twice the national average. • future plans (e.g. a Health age were almost twice as likely Asthma and other chest Bus); to report poor health. Three problems were also frequently • development of new health lifestyle areas were addressed: reported. interventions, accelerated alcohol consumption, smoking by linking up with local and BMI. Caravan park NHS East Riding of Yorkshire economic regeneration residents drank alcoholic drinks have used the results to inform resources. less often, they drank smaller resource allocation and service amounts, and were less likely delivery. These include: A special East Riding of to exceed safe weekly limits Yorkshire council overview and than their regional and national • continued caravan research scrutiny review has recently counterparts, but they were linked with health focused on coastal health. also less likely to be non- promotion; drinkers. Caravan respondents • health trainers in coastal

Case study 4 The night-time economy33

Brighton and Hove has a alcohol-related harm than the alcohol-related harm thriving tourist economy. By national and regional averages. or other alcohol-specific or night it is a popular destination Compared with the England alcohol-attributable reasons; for stag and hen parties and its population, there are greater • committed more alcohol- restaurants, nightclubs and bars alcohol-specific mortality and related crimes, including make up a bustling centre of hospital admission rates among violent crimes and sexual entertainment. Pubs and clubs men; among women, hospital offences; play an important role in our admission rates are higher.35 • more frequently made city’s culture and economy but Compared with regional alcohol-related claims for alcohol is a factor in at least 40 averages, residents of Brighton incapacity benefits among per cent of violent crime ... and Hove have: working-age people. Brighton and Hove is known as a good place to enjoy pubs and • greater alcohol-specific As part of their ongoing work to clubs but people want to be mortality, alcohol manage the public health effects confident drunken behaviour attributable mortality and of alcohol use, Brighton and won’t spoil their enjoyment.34 mortality from chronic liver Hove City Council and the PCT disease; conducted a Health Impact Residents in Brighton and Hove • been admitted to hospital Assessment on the provisions also have a worse profile for more frequently due to for flexible alcohol licensing.36

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 168 These provisions are contained antisocial behaviour since the be used to inform other in the Licensing Act 2003 and introduction of flexible alcohol corporate strategies such they enable premises to apply hours and the increase in the as planning documents and for a licence to serve alcohol at length of time over which guidance, the local transport any time.37 such behaviour takes place. In plan and tourism strategy. It was addition, service providers were proposed to report the study The HIA involved data concerned about difficulties to the Licensing Committee analysis to look at health in managing alcohol-related so that licensing members outcomes before and after the antisocial behaviour. Residents, would have the opportunity to introduction of the Act and licensees and service providers comment, discuss and make wide consultation. were concerned about noise, recommendations that in turn in particular the level of noise in may be used to inform licensing Is there a discernible residential areas and the length policy, including matters such as pattern before and after the of time during which that noise cumulative impact, special stress introduction of the Act? Early is generated (it carries on into areas, dealing with off-licences results suggest that if knowledge the early morning) since the and high-volume vertical of alcohol consumption introduction of flexible alcohol drinking, current practices in is relevant to services, for hours. Residents described terms of local crime prevention example specialist health care the impacts on their health strategies and enforcement treatments or hostels, data and wellbeing arising from loss pathways, and ensuring about alcohol consumption of sleep, inability to sleep and community safety, particularly is perceived to be recorded sleep deprivation as a result of around licensed premises, late- well and may bear closer disturbances due to noise and/ night transport and large events. inspection. It is harder to draw or antisocial behaviour. Both conclusions about the health residents and service providers Tackling alcohol issues is one effects of the Act from data were particularly concerned of the PCT’s World Class relating to services which deal about the adverse effects of Commissioning priorities and with the indirect effects of such disturbances on vulnerable specifically reducing alcohol- the night-time economy such groups in the community such related hospital admissions is a as street cleaning. The data as children, older people and priority health outcome against analysis is ongoing. Results will families. which the PCT has committed be presented to Brighton and to measure itself. This work is Hove later. The city council as licensing an important part of that overall authority intends to use the approach and will inform the The HIA team consulted widely HIA to inform its statement interventions that the PCT will with residents, licensees, of licensing policy. It needs be seeking to see implemented service providers and elected to be careful as public health across the city with the support members. All stakeholder protection is not a statutory of local authority, private sector groups expressed concerns licensing objective; however, and voluntary sector colleagues. about antisocial behaviour, access to alcohol is dependent particularly the increase in on licensing. The HIA would

169 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Case study 5 Blackpool38

Blackpool has more than 10 became known as having a unintentionally prolonged the million visitors a year, seven plentiful supply of cheap rented life of unwanted properties. miles of beaches, many tourist accommodation, and agencies attractions, hotels and guest such as probation and youth Towards the end of 2008, houses.39 The health profile of services across the region Blackpool issued a clear policy its 142,500 residents shows began to advise their clients to statement that there would be that their health is generally go to Blackpool to find housing. no permanent accommodation worse than the England The number of HMOs grew in the holiday area; agencies average, with higher rates of and the lifestyles of the HMO began to take action in violent crime, hospital stays residents, often chaotic and partnership. Instead of the for alcohol-related harm damaging, proved incompatible previous piecemeal approach and drug misuse. There are with families and holidaymakers. agencies now moved straight to inequalities in life expectancy by HMOs in the main holiday action and pursued all possible both deprivation and gender. areas were beginning to affect options for enforcement. And while there have been the main tourist economy. Attention was given to the decreases in death rates from In some wards the numbers three Ps: property, place and all causes and in early death of young people and care- people. People had traditionally rates from heart disease and leavers, ex-offenders and dropped out of the equation. stroke, and cancer, these rates homeless people spiralled. This partnership approach to remain well above the England The concentration of HMOs dealing with people was the average.40 meant that the volume of work culmination of many years’ for the fire brigade and the work and drew on housing We look below at two police, probation services and options assessments and examples whereby agencies council services such as quality lessons from previous projects in Blackpool are working with standards and adult social care in the town whereby intensive each other to enforce standards and housing also began to support had been offered to and improve living conditions grow. Each agency knew about families and to people in need. for Blackpool’s residents and the problems but responses Council officers are spreading visitors. With the support of were dealt with individually. the word that Blackpool no elected members, council Enforcement was long and longer has a plentiful supply of officers in Blackpool have been drawn-out and sometimes was cheap accommodation: new able to send out a message that standards across the town will be robustly enforced.

Over recent years the number of visitors to Blackpool has fallen. This decline set in train a grim cycle whereby some of the struggling hotels gradually became permanent accommodation, often as HMOs. Blackpool then

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 170 arrivals are counselled and facial injuries. As part of ALTN8, elected members and offered practical help to return NHS Blackpool distributed senior management for home. 20,000 polycarbonate glasses council officers to take bold to licensed premises. These steps to improve standards The council, NHS Blackpool glasses were also marked with in Blackpool. and the police all recognise that the units of alcohol.42 • Officers are empowered to alcohol is a priority and since prosecute for all 2005 have been developing Blackpool is working with transgressions and to take joint approaches. The Night- licensed premises to improve careful and calculated risks. time Economy Strategy is standards: the council offers This means that some losses a multisectoral group that subsidised training in all are inevitable but also that meets bi-monthly: approaches aspects of running licensed Blackpool becomes known include ensuring that the town premises. The council also has for its robust approach and centre includes restaurants and an important policy of robust high standards. alternative entertainment such and repeated interventions • Innovative approaches to as ten-pin bowling; marshals for premises that transgress enforcement mean that assist the police and work at standards. During the financial officers visit hotels, HMOs taxi-ranks to avoid fights and year 2007/8, Trading Standards and licensed premises when conflict; and entertainment is initiated 170 prosecutions. conditions are most likely to provided throughout the town Over the same period the total be broken (e.g. at 3 o’clock centre to keep the atmosphere number of prosecutions for the on a Saturday or Sunday light. ALTN8 is a public health 30 other unitary authorities in morning) rather than at a campaign that encourages England that submitted returns prearranged appointment in alcohol awareness including was 258.43 the middle of the day. advising people to drink soft • There is a focus on drinks in between alcoholic There are common threads protecting the residents of, drinks.41 The police strongly between these two examples: and visitors to, Blackpool favour polycarbonate glasses as and on enhancing the quality these reduce the incidence of • There is support from the of life in Blackpool.

Case study 6 Regional planning for a sustainable coast44

The South West of England The conference ‘Our Coast and between social, economic and has 62 per cent of the region’s Public Health’ has been held environmental considerations in 5.2 million population residing every two years since 2004. any decision. in the coastal area, and living The conference is organised within 10 kilometres of the by the South West Regional Tourism is one of the key planks sea.45 With a 700 mile coastline Public Health Group and is now in the south-west’s coastal that includes more than 60 drawing together a wide range economy. It also creates an per cent of England’s heritage of partners to take stock of the environmental footprint and coast, it has good reason to challenges to sustainable living imposes a growing demand concentrate on the sustainability in the south-western coastal on infrastructure. People and vitality of its coastal areas. Sustainable development holidaying, as well as people communities. is all about achieving a balance who live and work, at the coast

171 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 need roads, healthcare, power, The regional average of people a wide membership including waste disposal facilities, water who have reached retirement the Environment Agency, supplies and sewage treatment age is even more noticeable Department of Health South etc. Providing this infrastructure in some of the counties and West, South West Strategic can come into conflict with the towns. For example, the 2004 Health Authority, Plymouth qualities of attractive coastal mid-year population estimates Marine Laboratory, South West resorts. For example 40–50 showed Dorset county Public Health Observatory, million people walk along the and Torbay as each having South West Tourism, Chartered SW Coast Path every year. more than a quarter of their Institute of Environmental The people who travel to the populations of retirement age Health, academia and region contribute to the local and above. The combination government. These groups economy, and over 89 per of longevity and a high ratio of will shape the conference as cent of these walks are over elderly to general population they consider and report on an hour46 so good for body will increase the burden of what is going to be required and soul. Wherever possible both primary and domiciliary over the next two decades, by this path needs to be sheltered healthcare. which time the population of from all the infrastructure the South West is expected to needed to support the walkers. In 2008, the conference agreed have grown by approximately to work towards an action 900,000 people. It is projected How can we characterise the plan with, and for, all coastal the region will have 6.1 million population? Two key facts are communities in the South West residents by 2026, twenty per that, of the nine English regions, to ensure an ongoing, cohesive, cent more than in 2006. This the South West has inter-sectoral approach to is higher than the projected UK sustainable development. The increase of 14 per cent. • the highest life expectancy Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for women (82.0 years has been identified as the key The RSS will now become a compared with 80.9 for policy document as this sets the single regional strategy and England) and for men (77.8 spatial planning framework for have regional objectives for years versus 76.6); the South West for the next 20 economic growth. This moves • the highest percentage of years. the goalposts in favour of people of retirement age economic policies. The current As preparation for the 2010 and above (21.7 per cent challenge is to demonstrate conference, the Health compared with 18.5 per how social and environmental Protection Agency (HPA) set cent for England; males policies for coastal communities up groups to look at tourism, 65+, females 60+). are integral to economic stability infrastructure, environment in the South West of England. and health. The groups enjoy Conclusion

Survey respondents Physical improvements to [the] access to training/life skills; demonstrate the breadth of built environment [have had an access to affordable/improved the agenda that public health effect on the] wider determinants accommodation, improved covers. They were clear that [of health]. Impact on mental access to facilities eg leisure; regeneration contributes to health [and] community working closer with faith sector improved health. cohesion; improvement in to engage with communities

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 172 (spiritual health) Planning and health are also on economic factors. The ... regeneration has been directly beginning to develop closer challenge will be to show linked to the development of links. The Royal Town Planning how social and environmental new health services and there Institute and the NHS Healthy factors, including health, are indications of improved Urban Development Unit contribute to economic security perceptions of wellbeing among have each issued good practice (see case study 6). How should local people. guidance on delivering healthy planning and regeneration communities.48 The National work with public health? We Local government and NHS Heart Forum and the National are not talking about full-time colleagues have a range of Institute for Health and Clinical hand-in-hand work but about mechanisms available to Excellence (NICE) have partnership work that might be improve public health. For prepared guidance for physical time-specific and designed to example: activity and the environment.49 achieve particular outcomes. Health Impact Assessments Whitehead’s typology is useful • Local government has are cited in several case studies for framing an agenda.51 powers to promote the as ways in which public health wellbeing of its citizens.47 considers, and presents, the A note of caution. Much of • Local authorities lead a potential effects of planning and the work described above range of local partners regeneration policy. Strategic will contribute to improving through Local Strategic Environmental Assessments health, but it is hard to link Partnerships. (SEAs) apply to a range of improved health outcomes • Joint Overview and Scrutiny strategic plans including Local directly to regeneration Committees police health Development Frameworks and activities.52 If we are to see outcomes/services and the Shoreline Management Plans. improvement in health and extent to which inequalities The Department of Health has reduced health inequalities we are being tackled. issued draft guidance as SEAs must be clear about the aims • Local Area Agreements are legally required to identify and objectives of regeneration (LAAs) bring local authorities effects on human health.50 programmes and they must and the NHS together to This is a big opportunity for be properly monitored and develop and deliver health health professionals to take on evaluated.53 Local knowledge targets. a greater role in influencing and the experience of health • Joint Strategic Needs planning and regeneration professionals, regeneration Assessments are a policy. NHS colleagues and practitioners and community responsibility of the joint processes such as the Joint members are key to charting directors of public health, Strategic Needs Assessment the best course in each coastal adult social services and (JSNA) can play a key role community. children’s services, designed in enabling regeneration and to inform long-term planning colleagues to better There is much excellent work planning and commissioning understand the health needs of in coastal communities across for health and wellbeing. local communities and support England that is not cited here. These should draw on a appropriate planning to meet This chapter could be the wide range of information these. start of a dialogue and we and drive the local vision for look forward to continuing health improvement. The current economic this discussion with readers situation is focusing attention via IDeA’s Health Community

173 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 of Practice: this is an online • What are the five or six improvement and health community that brings together key health issues in your inequalities? local government and public area and how can • How can regeneration and health colleagues from across regeneration and planning planning contribute to the country to share activity help to address them? meeting needs identified in and work collaboratively on • Who is your local director the local Joint Strategic improving health and reducing of public health and his/ Needs Assessment (JSNA)? inequalities.54 her team? Have you met • Can health impact to discuss the health impact assessment be used within We leave readers with some of regeneration and regeneration and planning key questions for effective planning? to ensure positive health partnerships between local • Who, in your council, holds outcomes? authorities and the NHS. the portfolio for health services, health

Improvement and Development Agency for local government (IDeA): support for healthy communities

The Healthy Communities peer review process; social determinants of health, Programme is funded by the • a health, care and partnership working for health Department of Health and wellbeing leadership and workforce health. managed by the IDeA. The academy for elected programme aims to build the members; Recent publications from capacity of local authorities to: • a wide variety of good the programme include practice examples from Valuing Health: Developing • tackle local health around the country via the a Business Case for Health inequalities; Knowledge website (www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/ • provide leadership to (www.idea.gov.uk/health); page.do?pageId=15246382) promote wellbeing; • opportunities to build and Leading Together Better • work in partnership to networks, collaborate on (www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/ improve health locally. challenges and debate page.do?pageId=15727555). The programme provides topical issues (www. a range of support to local communities.idea.gov.uk); Contact: Julia Sherfield (julia. authorities and their health [email protected]). partners. This includes: IDeA also undertakes specific • the healthy communities activities on issues like the

Health, wellbeing and regeneration in coastal resorts 174 Chapter 12 Ageing and coastal communities by Jane Atterton Advances in medicine, In common with other minor contribution to the education, diet, living sections of the population, the greying countryside, with only conditions and material older generation of today is around 10 per cent of rural in- wealth throughout the last increasingly diverse in terms of migrants being retired.8 century contributed to its cultural background, skills, increased longevity, falling lifetime experiences, health, Behind the headline median age mortality and a falling birth mobility and geographical figures are marked geographic rate among the populations location. Some older people variations in the age structure of most advanced societies. are wealthy, whereas others of the population. Britain’s This led to a changing live in poverty – and evidence coasts have long been popular population age profile, so suggests that the gap is destinations for in-migrants that older age groups now increasing. This heterogeneity in older age groups. Data outnumber younger age is an important aspect of the presented by the Commission groups – a situation described policy context around age.3 for Rural Communities in 2007 as demographic ageing. shows a concentration of older In the UK’s rural areas the people in the population of Populations are ageing in both ageing population trend is coastal locations of England, the developed and developing particularly marked. This is including Lincolnshire, East worlds, although at varying a result of the out-migration Anglia, the South East and the rates in different countries. of younger age groups and South West (with the latter In the United Kingdom, the selective migration into rural being particularly striking).9 proportion of the population and coastal areas by older age aged under 16 years fell from groups – especially those aged Daniel Vickers and colleagues 25 to 19 per cent between over 35 who then age in situ.4 at the University of Leeds 1971 and 2004. In contrast, In 2006, the median age of produced a classification of the proportion aged 65 and the rural population in England UK local authorities. In the over increased from 13 to 16 was 44.4, compared to 38.5 classification there are nine per cent. The most marked for the urban population.5 This classes within the category increase has been in the median figure is rising faster ‘Family B, Rural UK’, three of proportion of the population in rural than urban areas, and which make up ‘Group B2 – aged over 85, due largely particularly in the sparse areas.6 Coastal Britain’ which includes to people living longer.1 In Compared to urban areas, a total of 44 local authorities. August 2009, it was reported rural communities, especially The 44 local authorities in that there were 1.3 million the smaller ones, now have a ‘Coastal Britain’ account for 7.6 people aged over 85 in the higher proportion of people in per cent of the UK population UK, a record number, making the age groups 40–64 and 65 and are generally characterised up 2 per cent of the total and over. Conversely, in the by a large number of retired population.2 This ageing trend last 20 years, the proportion people, many of whom live is expected to continue to of people aged 15–24 in rural alone. There are also many increase in future as those areas has fallen from 21 to 15 couples without children, born in the ‘baby boom’ after per cent.7 Despite a common women working on a part-time the Second World War reach perception of ‘retirement to basis, below average health and retirement and as the number the countryside’ in the UK, some holiday/second home of people in the younger age generally speaking, retirement accommodation.10 groups continues to decline. in-migration makes only a

Ageing and coastal communities 176 Within ‘Coastal Britain’ there and no children, low full- resorts’ in 2001 (21.5 per are three classifications that time female employment cent), compared to 17.4 per were used as the basis for and a higher than expected cent in ‘aged coastal extremities’ analysing demographic data number of people in self- and 16.1 per cent in ‘coastal from the 2001 Census: employment. resorts’ (13.6 per cent in Great Britain as a whole). • Coastal resorts – local The median age of residents in authorities that contain large 2001 was found to be highest in Looking at trends over time towns/cities that are holiday ‘aged coastal resorts’ (48 years), reveals a complex and variable centres (mostly beach although ‘coastal resorts’ (41) pattern in the age structures resorts), a high proportion and ‘aged coastal extremities’ of these areas. The general of very old people many (42) also had median ages pattern is that ‘aged coastal of whom live alone, higher than those in Great extremities’ experienced an below average health Britain (38) and in urban increase in the proportion of (linked to the older England (36). ‘Aged coastal their population aged over 65 population), and a significant resorts’ also had the highest between 1981 and 2001. As number of households with proportion of their population a whole, ‘aged coastal resorts’ two adults and no children. aged over 65 (26.4 per cent), experienced a slight fluctuation • Aged coastal although the proportions in in the proportion of their extremities – local ‘aged coastal extremities’ and population aged 65 and over authorities that are all on ‘coastal resorts’ (20.2 and 21.1 between 1981 and 2001, while the coast with no urban per cent, respectively) were ‘coastal resorts’ have seen a areas of any great size, an again higher than the Great decrease in the proportion. It aged population with below Britain average (16 per cent). is important to note that these average health, few women changes reflect somewhat working full-time, a higher ‘Aged coastal resorts’ had 13.7 lower birth rates during the than average proportion per cent of their population inter-war years, so they are not of the workforce employed aged 75 and over in 2001, necessarily a good indication in agriculture, many compared to 11.3 per cent of likely patterns over the next pensioners living alone, and in ‘coastal resorts’ and 9.8 20 years as baby-boomers a higher than expected per cent in ‘aged coastal reach later working age and number of homes with no extremities’ (and 7.5 per cent retirement. central heating. in Great Britain). In terms of the • Aged coastal resorts – proportion of people aged 85 Beatty and Fothergill’s work local authorities that all have and over, it was again highest revealed substantial net in- a coastal location and in ‘aged coastal resorts’ (3.9 migration to seaside towns contain several small towns per cent), compared to ‘coastal amongst both men and women but no major urban areas, resorts’ (3.4 per cent), ‘aged during the last few decades.11 many areas contain coastal coastal extremities’ (2.6 per The authors note the resorts that are in decline, cent) and Great Britain as a importance of this in-migration a very old population whole (1.9 per cent). as a driver for economic structure with a high development as most of these proportion of pensioners Retirees made up the highest ‘pre-retired’ are not wanting to living alone, many proportion of the population give up work and may be keen households with two adults aged 16–74 in ‘aged coastal to take local jobs. It can also

177 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 drive employment growth in groupings of towns have hotel and restaurant workers, consumer and public services been developed based on part-time and home workers, such as education and health, the demographic, economic and second-home owners. The and generate extra spending. and social characteristics of average size of the 123 towns the people who live in them in this group is 4,950 (the total Before moving on to talk about (48 variables from the 2001 population is 0.61 million) and the implications of demographic Census were used). Although they saw an average growth ageing for coastal locations, small coastal towns feature in a in population of 3.8 per cent it is interesting to note that number of the groups, Group between 2001 and 2006. More the Rural Evidence Research 3 (older persons, leisure jobs) information about the RERC Centre (RERC) at Birkbeck has has an overwhelmingly coastal work is available on-line,12 and recently developed a typology geography. In terms of their this typology may be useful in of the 1,353 settlements characteristics, towns in this future as a means of analysing in England and Wales with group are characterised by the changing characteristics of populations between 1,500 older people, single pensioners, coastal towns. and 40,000 (in 2001). Eight

Tourism and sea turtles: the “Zakynthos Saga” - Lily Venizelos, MEDASSET-Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles, Greece

The first footsteps of man environmental interaction European Court of Justice in had little impact on the sand between tourism and sea 2002. of the world’s beaches. It is turtles, focusing on the way only in very recent times that tourism has affected the To sustainably manage human activities are showing very significant loggerhead tourism it is necessary to fully their disastrous effects on (Caretta caretta) nesting understand all the varying the planet’s shores. With rookery at Laganas Bay on the facets of the industry and the the aid of modern means of Greek island of Zakynthos, very diverse types of tourists, travel, the formalised annual drawing on a 25-year ranging from educational or migration we call tourism, history of environmental eco-tourism to mass tourism. burst out towards the coasts. nongovernmental It is vitally important that Endangered sea turtle species campaigning, monitoring and authorities, local communities are now in direct conflict study. Since the early 1980’s, and also tour operators are with tourists, their nesting local economic motives made responsible to clearly coinciding with the tourism started to clash with ecological define which sector they are high season. protection, leading to rampant aiming at, if protected areas illegal tourist development and fragile ecosystems are to This paper examines and culminating in legal be preserved. the socio-political and action against Greece by the for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

Ageing and coastal communities 178 proactive approaches to dealing with the implications of this trend. Two possible models may be pursued, which can be termed the pre-retirement model and the retirement industry model. Both represent progressive approaches focusing on deliberately drawing in more people in the pre- retired and retired age groups. Up until now, demographic or over state pensionable age, The key is to make the most ageing has tended to be seen want to remain economically of the resources that both the as a ‘pensions and care’ issue and socially active. While indigenous population and the in the UK, with older people some wish to remain in full or in-migrants in these age groups viewed as dependent and as part-time employment, others have to offer as a catalyst for a growing burden on society. may wish to start up their own future economic development. Stereotypes of older people as business, work on a flexible ‘takers’ rather than ‘givers’ can basis from home, provide An approach that simply tries to contribute to discrimination, care for grandchildren, elderly deal with an increasingly elderly social exclusion and isolation.13 parents and friends, or engage population restricts the process Ageing has profound in learning opportunities. Levels of demographic ageing to too implications for wider economic of participation in voluntary and much of a problem: instead and social policymaking social enterprise activities are the focus is on enhancing the and is critical for policies increasing among those in later capacity of coastal areas to related to economic growth, life, and many older people are develop economically and employment, productivity and active in community groups, socially by operating models social cohesion.14 However, churches and schemes such as that are based on seeing the it is increasingly recognised Neighbourhood Watch. Many opportunities provided by that older people, while older people are more wealthy demographic ageing. bringing challenges for local than ever before and do not and regional infrastructure, wish to save money ‘for a rainy Analysis suggests that coastal can also provide a potential day’ or to pass an inheritance areas are attracting large driver for a regional economy. to family. They are increasingly numbers of people who have A recent survey by Saga (as discerning consumers who reached later working age. The reported in the Guardian) demand choice and quality. pre-retirement model draws revealed the aspirational nature on the positive resources and of older people: they didn’t Rural areas, and particularly benefits that these individuals see retirement as something rural areas along Britain’s can bring, not least in terms that comes at the end of life, coast, are at the forefront of of continuing economic but rather as something that demographic ageing, which activity and employment marked a new life.15 will become more marked (be it full-time, part-time, in future. This represents self-employment or flexible A growing body of research a tremendous opportunity work from home). Evidence shows that older people, for these areas to develop suggests that older people are including those approaching innovative, cutting-edge and

179 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 more successful in starting and thus will undergo a transition suggests that older people tend sustaining a new business than out of the labour market rather to use local services.23 While their younger counterparts,16 than taking an abrupt step into the idea of attracting retirees to and Atherton and Frith suggest retirement and ‘old age’. Other a locality in the UK is somewhat that the pre-retired may retirees wish to spend time new, evidence from the United have a crucial role to play in engaged in voluntary activities. States suggests that rural places raising productivity and the Work by the Office for National benefit from retirement in- rate of new business starts in Statistics in 1997 revealed that migration, not least through the Lincolnshire, for example.17 45 per cent of those aged stimulation of local markets, Evidence also suggests that 65–74 and 35 per cent of those raising the standard of existing in-migrating pre-retirees have aged over 75 engaged in some local services and creating a a high level of educational form of organised voluntary demand for new services and and vocational qualifications,18 work. Wenger, in her 1992 through the influx of new skills and many wish to further study of the over-65s in rural and knowledge.24 their qualifications. The pre- areas, found that most older retired also make a sizeable people continued to lead social There are many examples of contribution through their and domestic lives as usual initiatives and strategies adopted spending patterns, and Baker and many more gave help elsewhere in the European and Speakman suggest that than received it, particularly in Union and in the United States people in their fifties are more supporting adult children and to deal with demographic likely than their predecessors to grandchildren.21 ageing from which coastal try new ideas and approaches locations in the UK can learn. in consumer products and At the same time, some Such strategies may be based behaviour.19 The pre-retired older people will require a on ensuring older people have can also make a substantial range of health, transport access to vital health services, contribution to the vitality of and retail services, and the or they may be broader, their local communities through increasing demand may encouraging a change in their engagement in social result in improvements in the attitudes towards older people enterprises and voluntary and current infrastructure and the and ageing among government community sector activities, creation of new employment bodies and the public, helping including caring responsibilities opportunities that may help enterprises to respond to the for family members, friends or to stem the out-migration opportunities offered by ageing, neighbours.20 of young people. Evidence and running conferences and also suggests that planned pilot projects. In the USA, Analysis also suggests that retirement villages, which are a a number of states actively coastal locations are home relatively new phenomenon in pursue retiree in-migration as to substantial numbers of the UK, bring positive impacts an economic development people who have reached for local communities as well as strategy.25 retirement age. As with the for older people themselves.22 pre-retired, many of these Much of the income of While these two suggested individuals are more active, retirees comes from transfer models are based on a healthy and wealthy than ever payments and pensions, and recognition of the benefits before. Many wish to remain these sources provide high and opportunities provided economically active beyond employment multipliers in local by demographic ageing, it is the state retirement age, and economies since evidence important not to lose sight

Ageing and coastal communities 180 of the challenges that ageing retired people to live in, as Policymakers and decision- brings. Many older people do chosen by one in ten survey makers looking for ways to not enjoy good health, are respondents. The survey boost the economic and reliant on low incomes, live in revealed that for many of the social development of coastal inadequate housing, lack access older generation, raised in an communities could do worse to essential services, and do island nation with a strong bond than build strategies based not have good social networks with its seaside resorts and on the wealth, skills, energy – and thus find themselves bucket-and-spade days out, and time that older people excluded from society. It is the sea is still a major draw. In have to devote to starting important that these positive the survey people rated the new businesses and social strategies do not overlook, sea over the countryside as enterprises, or to participating or further contribute to, the their aspirational retirement in voluntary and community isolation and exclusion of destination.27 Policymakers and sector activities. However, these individuals. Moreover, it planners in coastal locations there are a number of issues is important to acknowledge will need to respond to the that policymakers should the long-term implications of diversity of the older population consider when adopting such drawing in more older people by offering a range of activities strategies. These include: as they age in situ and place and services. ever-growing demands on local • the need to change negative services. A new trend which has been perceptions of ageing; reported in the British media • the need to take a broad One of the most important recently is return migration approach beyond pensions features of today’s older of older British ex-pats from and care to address the population is its diversity. countries such as Spain and economic, social and civic While coastal locations have Portugal.28 There has long been aspects of ageing; long been regarded as popular a outflow of British people • the need for better research places in which to spend later to the warmer climates of and information on older life, a series of articles in the Mediterranean countries in people; Sunday Times in April 2006 search of a better quality of life • the need to recognise the noted an increasing preference at lower cost.29 However, the diversity of older people; among older people to move falling value of the pound against • the need for a more to non-coastal rural and the euro during the current strategic approach to small town locations. These economic downturn has meant encourage older people to towns are seen to be offering that many retirees (who receive remain economically active better services in the form of their pension in sterling) have or to take up voluntary restaurants, art galleries and faced massive increases in roles; theatres and a stronger sense the cost of living. Emerging • the need to ensure both of community as they are less evidence suggests that some compatibility with other affected by seasonal changes older ex-pats are being forced local objectives and local in population.26 However, to return to the UK, and it will community buy-in. in contrast a recent study of be interesting to observe the 14,000 people in the UK locations that these individuals commissioned by Saga revealed choose to settle in on their Devon as the best county for return.

181 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 First Contact supports ‘Sure Start to Later Life’

Lincolnshire is pioneering agencies. Coordinators use it Policy Unit and voluntary a project to ensure people to address any concerns they centre services. enjoy a full, independent, may have for the safety and healthy life as they enter old wellbeing of customers. Mrs Clark (73) from age. Mablethorpe is a fine example The scheme is simple to use. of how the scheme can Sure Start to Later Life Partner agencies and scheme provide valuable support. recognises that older people coordinators complete She is the main carer for her want services delivered not a checklist with an older husband who was in hospital as isolated elements but as person or speak to them at the time of her referral. joined-up provision. The Sure on the phone. First Contact Her family lives hundreds of Start to Later Life programme volunteers living in local miles away so they were not has been put together to: communities offer advice able to provide much practical and support to vulnerable support. She says; ‘I used • encourage agencies to adults and people aged 60 the voluntary car schemes to work together; and over. Leaflets containing visit my husband in hospital • help the over-sixties the checklist are also available which halved the cost. It was navigate public and third around the county for a lifeline as I felt I couldn’t ask sector services; customers to complete on friends and neighbours to • avoid agencies duplicating their own. Referrals are made help in the long-term. ... First work; to relevant listed agencies if Contact was a great help to • help the over-sixties the answers to the checklist me at a time I needed it the receive the services they show that help and support is most. I had no idea there may be entitled to; needed. was such a range of help and • work preventatively rather support. It’s great to know than reactively. This prompts agencies that someone can visit you at The building block for this to contact the customer home and take some of the Sure Start approach is a within 28 days and provide strain of caring for a loved signposting and referral information and advice one.’ scheme called First Contact on their services. Jointly for people aged 60 and managed by Lincolnshire Graham Marsh, Lincolnshire over who require low-level County Council’s adult social County Council’s executive preventative services from care and Age Concern, it is councillor for adult social a range of public and third delivered in partnership with care, says: ‘We are proud sector partners. Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, of the scheme we have district council housing teams, set up to help support our First Contact works as Lincolnshire Affordable older residents. First Contact a simple checklist that Warmth Partnership, has proved itself to our customers can complete to Lincolnshire Police, Local customers, providing a quick access services from different Pension Scheme, Accessibility and easy way to access 11

Ageing and coastal communities 182 services and providing them ... Partners benefit by Contact: John.Giblin@ with support they are entitled strengthening relationships and lincolnshire.gov.uk. to. Older people feel more the scheme provides them valued, it helps them remain with a quick and easy tool for safe and independent, and signposting to give customers they can easily ask for help guaranteed contact from the while maintaining dignity. agency they are referred to.’

The Pursuit of Health and the Origins of the English Seaside Resort - Gary Winter, English Heritage, UK

This paper explores the a fresh-water spring in the Ultimately, the medical fundamental importance of cliffs at Scarborough in circa ‘evidence’ was robust enough the pursuit of health to the 1626. However, in order to give credence to the act of creation and development of for Scarborough and other resorting to the coast, and in the seaside resort in England, coastal settlements to evolve particular to the act of bathing and is based on extensive into seaside resorts, they in the sea. The strength of documentary research required their own health- the seaside health culture undertaken by Gary Winter related selling points to stimulated confidence to and Allan Brodie as part of distinguish them from the invest in the infrastructure of English Heritage’s recent inland freshwater spas. This the fledgling seaside resorts, Seaside Resorts project. was provided through the resulting in the creation of publication of numerous new architectural forms such The pursuit of health was the papers and treatises by as the bathing machine and principal motivation for those physicians and others bathing room. Although with the disposable time who, through their own the pursuit of pleasure and income to resort to the historical research, medical eventually superseded the coast, and it was this health observations and analysis, had pursuit of health, the seaside culture that led to the creation begun to advocate the seaside continued to be advocated as and early development of environment, and the unique a health-giving environment England’s seaside resorts. It elements it could provide, throughout the 20th century. was a culture that had been not only as a place in which established at the inland spa health could be sustained, but resorts, and was arguably also one that could provide exported to the seaside remedies to scores of medical following the discovery of conditions. for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

183 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Chapter 13 Light entertainment by Steve Hayler Fairgrounds, penny-arcades by Anya Chapman Beach huts Kathryn Ferry Light entertainment by Steve Hayler

This brief comment on live drive time.2 Apart from the mothballing – although some, entertainment at the seaside changing specifics of the live such as Cromer Pier, have been provides a context in which entertainment programmes refurbished as public/private to begin to consider its role (which do not materially affect initiatives. in coastal regeneration. Live the actual continuation of entertainment is not only the live entertainment offer), Perhaps too often, theatres suggested as an important consideration also needs to have been considered a ingredient in the mix of be given to the key issues of ‘given’. It may be the case that cultural activities but, at the ownership, management, councillors and the private many seaside locations, it is control, and preservation companies involved simply proposed as an essential part of the theatres where live believe the opening statements of the critical mass required entertainment is performed. of this brief resume – live for basic sustainability of the This issue is linked to the entertainment is a cultural town, let alone its potential changing patterns and tastes norm at the seaside and must role in regeneration. Perhaps of patrons but broadens the be provided albeit in changing controversially, ‘basic debate by taking into account formats and, perhaps, in a sustainability’ might be more the significance of the built variety of locations within the to do with the preservation structures that provide the live resort. of any cultural norms that live entertainment spaces. entertainment represents, Rather like swimming pools as opposed to any economic Clearly, there has been a in hotels, these theatres are imperative. decline in staying visitors at something visitors and residents the English seaside that has led alike expect but may not always Background data and research to a consequent prioritisation patronise. Economic necessity confirms that, during the first of capital spend for seaside and social and cultural change, decade of the twenty-first buildings by local councils and along with local and national century, live entertainment others. So, should a theatre political imperatives, suggests continues to be a ‘given’ in the be maintained if its original a need to firmly establish ‘mosaic’ of the cultural offer rationale/function for staying the future role for seaside at many seaside locations.1 visitors (tourists) is reduced? theatres. From an architectural It has been changing over During the last 15 years or point of view, owing to their the years and has become more, certain councils have construction and development less focused on traditional allowed the private sector to during the ‘hey-day’ of English seaside entertainment such manage a number of seaside seaside holidays, when councils as variety shows and is now, theatres. Not necessarily as and private investors competed in many resorts, a somewhat a consequence of this, but to out-do other resorts, many eclectic mix of mostly ‘low’ certainly out of economic of England’s seaside theatres but some ‘high’ (performing) necessity (not enough funding are fine examples of their arts that caters for tourists – for all the seaside buildings genre, superb examples of including long-stay, short-stay that might be considered the Victorian and Edwardian and day-trippers but often, worthy of preservation), this drive towards architectural increasingly, for residents and has led to many theatres being ‘extravagance’. However, patrons within a 45-minute under threat of demolition or many years’ exposure to the

185 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 elements, shifts in the patterns in decisions regarding the resorts being transformed and patronage of audiences, future use and preservation of into ‘towns by the sea’. These and in councils’ and owners’ these examples of England’s shifts need to accommodate priorities, has meant many of seaside heritage. Any such an emerging description these theatres are in a poor taxonomy needs to take and perhaps a prioritisation state of repair. Clearly, there on the contentious issue of aspects of the cultural is particular architectural merit concerning how far seaside live capital (yet to be agreed) that to be considered – a ‘heritage’ entertainment is art/culture, might be acquired by people role. Additionally, crucially, close and thus how far it might patronising live entertainment consideration must be given to be included in regeneration performances at seaside resorts. the role these buildings (and the initiatives noted for their cultural There is a need to establish content performed in them) will content – be they culture- a much firmer foundation in play in the economic, social, led regeneration, cultural relation to any theoretical and but particularly cultural, and regeneration, or culture and practical acceptance of a cultural sometimes political context, regeneration.3 capital taxonomy as applied of England’s seaside locations to English seaside resorts and during the early part of this Certainly, a (new) morphology the live entertainment therein. century. of cultural capital at English This may lead to certain resorts may be usefully resorts acquiring a particular, There has been no significant postulated, and may be and possibly unique, widely research to establish the emerging, as seaside live understood level of cultural contemporary relative entertainment changes to sit standing/capital – including the significance of seaside theatres somewhere between the position of (the town’s) live and identify those ‘at risk’ – exclusive entertainments entertainment in all of this. In both as physical structures provided at the early spa turn, this branding/marketing but also as no longer fully resorts, the traditional live (cultural) perspective might then performing their original entertainment provided during be more closely incorporated or adapted tasks. A cultural the period of mass tourism, and into any regeneration initiatives capital taxonomy – that would the live entertainment provided that suggest cultural activities include in any such list the during the subsequent decline are either fundamental, or categorising of seaside theatres of the traditional visiting tourists. tangential via any of the three and the performances in Significantly, these trends may (Dryburgh) regeneration them – is needed in order to also be part of a broader shift models, mentioned above. assist planners and strategists that is seeing some seaside

Fairground culture: part of our seaside heritage, or something the resorts would rather forget? by Anya Chapman

Think of the British seaside overlooking the beach and the rides have seen better days, fairground. Do your thoughts fun house? Or do you think of the paint is peeling, the burgers turn to images of candy floss a very different environment; are undercooked, and the and sticks of rock, hooplas and one where gangs of youths staff look like they have been hook-a-ducks, adrenaline rides dominate the scene, where the in a fight? This contribution

Light entertainment, fairgrounds, penny-arcades and beach huts 186 attractive for their sense of quiet sophistication and their contemporary preservation of their spirit of the traditional seaside resort’. In 2008 it was announced that Southport would not be replacing its fairground, but instead developers Urban Splash would be regenerating the site into a ‘Marine Park’ featuring a to the Handbook looks at the and progress to a ‘theme winter garden, a lido-style pool, contrasting images of the British park’ associated with safety, accommodation and a marine seaside fairground, drawing on technology, and modernity. lake. This development is interview data with employees considered by the developers, and customers at a former Southport is currently aspiring Sefton Council, and other fairground/amusement park for ‘Classic Resort’ status. tourism organisations within in Southport as this attraction Sefton Council defines classic Southport to be representative struggled to distance itself from resorts as having quality as of a ‘classic resort’ rather than a its past image of ‘fairground’ their main focus and ‘of being fairground.

Penny arcades: trading on nostalgia, but still the future? by Anya Chapman

Amusement arcades have been seaside family amusement of Amusement With Prizes a fundamental component of arcade has been bombarded by (‘fruit machines’), ‘penny falls’, the British seaside resort offer a range of issues, leaving these and ‘cranes’ or ‘grabbers’ since the early 1900s, when the attractions struggling to survive. (teddy bear machines). In 2005 first ‘sports arcades’ began to The arcades’ heyday of the late the Gambling Act was passed, open at the resorts’ fairgrounds. 1970s was fuelled by the new making legislation on these Since then almost every town developments in video games, gambling and gaming machines that lays claim to the title of but many arcades today cannot much tighter. The arcade ‘seaside resort’ has at least one compete with the home games industry claimed that the Act amusement arcade in order to consoles that provide better made their operations much entertain visitors. Indeed, at the graphics, interactive game less competitive as gambling start of the twenty-first century, play, and online gaming and establishments, meaning that many smaller resorts featured downloads. the seaside arcades sought to few other indoor activities with diversify their product offering. which to occupy their guests As the seaside arcades moved In recent times a new type of (for example New Brighton or away from the videos and amusement arcade began to Barmouth). simulators in the 1990s they open in Britain’s seaside resorts became more dependent on – the arcade that traded on However, in recent years the the gambling and gaming offers nostalgia, or the ‘penny’ arcade.

187 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 These arcades represented a games on offer – all for one old resorts themselves? Is this just move away from the gambling penny! Are the penny arcades a repositioning of the seaside and gaming products and the acceptable, gentrified arcade product, or just a niche a return to ‘harmless’ or and ‘heritagised’ face of the market within the arcade ‘innocent’ fun and amusement amusement arcade industry industry? with fortune telling, test your in changing times – not only strength, and old-style pinball for the arcades, but for the

From bathing machines to beach huts: evolution of a seaside icon by Kathryn Ferry

Interest in the humble men from women. But bylaws War, but by this time the beach beach hut has reached new only ever enjoyed partial hut had already defined its role heights, with prices climbing success. As support grew for as a ‘home-from-home’, a place to unprecedented levels mixed bathing in the 1890s, to hide from summer showers as a reflection of demand. the need for mobile changing and to brew a reviving cup of The beach hut has become accommodation diminished. tea. Indeed it is these simple a tangible symbol of coastal Tents, bungalows and early pleasures that still attract people regeneration, but behind its beach huts appeared on the in the twenty-first century. brightly painted silhouette is a sands; and as the craze for sun history that stretches back to worship took hold during the Despite a heritage of nearly the earliest days of the seaside. inter-war years modesty was off 300 years, beach hut design has the agenda. On the beach or change little. An international Its wheeled predecessor, the at the vast modern lidos, Bright architectural competition in bathing machine, emerged as Young Things wore tight-fitting 2006 (www.bathingbeauties. an aid to fashionable sea bathing costumes and stretched out in org.uk) proved that this need in the early eighteenth century, the sun. not be the case in the future, offering a private changing and that these diminutive room with direct access to Bathing machines continued to structures can be not only icons the waves. The Victorians cater for an older generation of the seaside but also icons of subsequently relied on bathing until at least the Second World design. machines as a necessary intermediary between sea and shore, employing them to separate rich from poor,

Light entertainment, fairgrounds, penny-arcades and beach huts 188 Gentrification and family migration in Old Town, Hastings- Jenna Truder, University of Brighton, UK

Focusing on the regeneration practices, an enhanced quality more robust understanding of Hastings, South-east of of life, and an alternative of how specific appeals England, this paper argues lifestyle ‘by the sea’. It is and enticements are re- for a more encompassing argued that long-distance shaping how processes of perspective of long-distance migrants are placing more gentrification unfold, at what migrants as potential emphasis on the meanings rate and with what effects, can gentrifiers, and as key actors of place, and are increasingly be captured. By unravelling in the regeneration of seaside motivated by distinctive the connections between spaces. Key here is the need cultural and historical appeals, long-distance migration and to more fully acknowledge the allure of the sea, and the processes of gentrification, a the diverse and complex desire for local character. It broader perspective of how decision-making processes of is argued that by examining the processes and effects of inmigrants as gentrifiers. This the sociocultural impacts of gentrification unfold within the includes the appeals of more DFL’s (Down from London) margins of the ‘’seaside’ may family-friendly employment in Old Town, Hastings, a be adopted. for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

189 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Chapter 14 The planning system and coastal regeneration by Christopher Bamber Planning Brighton by Martin Taylor National planning

The spatial planning system and decision-making Planning policy focuses on operates at three levels – context. The government long-term adaptation, and how national, regional and local has recently consulted on spatial planning should provide – with the latter being more a draft ‘Development and for the reshaping of settlements practically relevant for coastal Coastal Change’ PPS (July vulnerable to managed coastal resorts. We start at the top! 2009) that focuses on coastal change or sea level rise and protection. There is no specific associated flooding. While there is no national policy guidance on coastal spatial plan for England, regeneration. This is included Most coastal communities are topic-based Planning Policy in generic regeneration policy protected under the ‘hold Guidance notes (PPGs), and such as PPS3 ‘Housing’ and the the line’ regime in Shoreline more recent Planning Policy emerging PPS4 ‘Planning for Management Plans (SMPs), and Statements (PPSs), set out the Prosperous Communities’. physically at least, regarded by government’s planning policy. national planning policy much Planning policy for the coast is the same as inland towns. PPS25, ‘Development and evolving into a framework that However, SMPs are increasingly Flood Risk’ (2006), includes dovetails with planning policy considering managed policy advice for regional and on flood protection, along realignment in the longer local authorities on appraising with the emerging river basin term (50–100 years) given the and managing coastal flood management plans and updated impacts of climate change and risk in a spatial policymaking Shoreline Management Plans. sea level rise.

Regional planning

The key planning policy vehicle RSS, as are the priorities of the The RSS is also the document in the last ten years has been Regional Housing Strategy and which allocates housing the Regional Spatial Strategy other key documents, such as numbers to be delivered at (RSS, formerly ‘Regional the Regional Environmental a local authority level. These Planning Guidance’ or RPG). Strategy. figures are usually ‘annualised’ This is part of a tripartite (the total figure is divided approach. The Regional RSSs have been prepared by the number of years the Economic Strategy, essentially by Regional Planning Bodies plan covers), and this gives a prepared by the Regional (RPBs), their powers being general indication of the scale Development Agency as an vested in Regional Assemblies, of development expected each expression of its priorities for which are federations year. Each local authority will spending, but by extension for dominated by local authority have to distribute that housing the economic development representatives but also involve development through the Local of the region, is an important the private and voluntary sector Development Framework, input. The Regional Transport bodies, universities and others. and this may have a particular Strategy is incorporated in the impact on coastal towns where

191 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 new housing can be a significant of Integrated Coastal Zone homes. A North West regional contributor to the local Management (ICZM) led to coastal trail, with individual economy. a better appreciation among stretches linking towns on regional planners of the the coast and connecting into From 2010 it is expected that need to take a holistic look residential neighbourhoods in there will be a single regional at the onshore coastal zone, those towns, is similarly being strategy prepared by the the economy and at coastal promoted using the Regional Regional Development Agency, communities. In the North Park policy in the Regional as the Regional Planning Board West of England, for example, Spatial Strategy. (RPB). Regional Assemblies are a quarter of the regional being replaced by ‘leadership population can be regarded as The ongoing Partial Review boards’ representing local coastal. of the East Midlands Regional government, and the Regional Plan will be informed by the Strategy will be endorsed Additionally, the Regional Lincolnshire Coastal Study, by the new boards. In some Strategy can be a vehicle for mandated by the Secretary regions the Regional Strategy is taking forward development of State. This will consider already under preparation, in concepts which otherwise long-term spatial planning anticipation of the legislation. might founder on lack of will options for the Lincolnshire The nature of the strategy among local authorities to work coastal districts of East Lindsey, and its ‘ownership’ will together. One example is the South Holland and Boston, change, buy for the purposes concept of the ‘regional park’, which include extensive areas of local planning and coastal which is not a less grand version and settlements within the regeneration this ‘higher level’ of a National Park but a means coastal flood plain. The study planning context will remain of developing concepts of linked considers the environmental, much the same. attractions or developments social and economic that can be marketed and consequences of sea level Early Regional Strategies enjoyed as a larger whole. rise and climate change and is tended to include ‘coastal’ a partnership between local with ‘rural’ areas. This remains The Mersey waterfront regional authorities, the Environment understandable in some park, for instance, includes the Agency, Government Office regions, where the coast urban waterfront of Liverpool, East Midlands, East Midlands is predominantly rural; but plus country parks on the Wirral Regional Assembly and Natural in others areas the coast is and around the estuary, and England. extensively built up. In the other visitor destinations such late 1990s, the emergence as parks, museums and stately

Local Development Frameworks

It is in the Local Development issues affecting individual coastal Strategy does not have to be Framework (LDF) of every resorts. comprehensive, but should local planning authority, with its focus on issues critical to the constituent Local Development The key component of the LDF district’s development strategy. Documents, that the planning is the Core Strategy and, unlike Its objectives should flow from system will develop locally an ‘old style’ Local or Unitary the Sustainable Community distinctive responses to the Development Plan, the Core Strategy (SCS) for the area, and

The planning system and coastal regeneration 192 – the coastal resorts USP! Resorts can lend themselves to additional town centre developments, such as creative quarters or public administration – for example, the existence of thousands of public sector jobs in Lancashire resort towns. • demonstrate that the community can take the the Local Strategic Partnership • ensure that there is land to level of development (LSP) should be involved in its provide enough jobs over envisaged (traffic, water preparation. the next 15 years; supply, drainage, This may be an issue for broadband); The Core Strategy is an resorts that are hemmed in Flood risk in many areas, opportunity for coastal by AONB, cliffs, and/or utility capacity in others authorities to develop positive valuable agricultural lands. and poor infrastructure can planning strategies that are However, for many resorts all combine to influence ‘bought into’ by other bodies the real issue is attracting the capacity of a community such as development agencies, new business sectors to the to effectively accommodate health authorities, further area and to the available needed development. education and infrastructure sites and premises. A few • protect and enhance providers. Further than that, larger resort towns have the built environment, there is the freedom to develop grown and diversified both heritage ‘assets’ and plans which speak with a – Bournemouth, Brighton, the local character of distinctive voice in ‘selling’ the Scarborough – but many streets, neighbourhoods town to investors as well as resorts will require creativity and open spaces; acting as lobbying documents and external funding to The built environment and for external funding from stimulate economic the ‘heritage assets’ of resorts central government or Regional diversification. determine their popularity Development Agencies. • establish how much and attractiveness that investment in retail and require robust protection and The Core Strategy of the LDF other relevant development visionary enhancement in should: is needed in town centres order to maintain and (not to mention other parts maximise the expectation • provide for enough housing of the town such as resort and satisfaction for residents to meet the needs of the or port areas); and visitors alike. community over the next A healthy town centre will • make sure the natural 15 years; provide a ‘wet weather’ draw environment is looked In resort towns, providing involving our most prevalent after – particularly, protected affordable housing for a leisure activity, shopping, areas, which are much low-income community may as well as making the town more likely to be very close be a particular challenge, not more appealing to the wider to coastal settlements than least where there is coastal hinterland for leisure is usually the case inland – significant flood risk. and entertainment purposes

193 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 and these are tourism port for tourism or housing-led and combat any tendency assets; mixed-use development. And for elected members or chief The natural coast clearly of course, any coastal town executives to look for low- contextualises seaside resorts is likely to want to develop grade ‘easy win’ development. in historic, aesthetic and a planning framework for its liminal contexts and, as with town centre, or a residential The same also goes for the heritage assets, combine to or industrial area undergoing enforcement of planning make areas unique, change, just as an inland town conditions and against evocative and desirable. As would, albeit perhaps with unauthorised development – with the coastal build-up particular attention being though admittedly there is a areas, deterioration of the given to characteristics of the line, very indistinct perhaps, natural environment can community, the economy or to be drawn between what deter visitors and reduce the the built environment which is off-puttingly tawdry and quality of life for residents. derive from its coastal location. what captures the ‘cheap and • keep housing, community cheerful’ spirit that makes the and key infrastructure • Planning implementation. British resort so distinctive. development away from areas vulnerable to flooding. Policies have to be put into With regard to the role effect, and it is important that of compulsory purchase in Sitting ‘beneath’ the Core ‘development management’ is regeneration, the 2004 Act Strategy may be a number of operated both sensitively and was intended to revamp CPO more detailed documents, proactively. Modern tourists powers to make them less including, where necessary, site are much less tolerant of ‘tat’ cumbersome. Unfortunately, allocations documents, setting than their forebears; for too the decline of positive, out the specific sites that will many years, too many resorts comprehensive planning in help deliver the strategy. took a laissez-faire approach to the 1980s and 90s has left (for example) hotel frontages many local authorities short Many authorities are producing and roofscapes, and paid scant of expertise in negotiating Area Action Plans (AAPs), respect to their architectural the pitfalls that can stymie or, where they may want and public realm heritage. The redevelopment needing to provide additional clarity result is that most British resorts compulsory purchase. The use to existing policies or sites, became very unattractive of consultants is one option, Supplementary Planning compared to the places people but Regional Development Documents (SPDs)) for could afford to go to in Greece Agencies have increasingly particular areas of significant or Portugal. This trend has been stepped in to undertake that change, or conservation, reversed, of course, Llandudno phase of regeneration schemes. within their districts. A resort being a noted pioneer. We see town might produce an AAP a stark contrast in Southport If you wish to contribute to the promoting the regeneration of between the striking new debate on the role of planning an area dominated by B&Bs, bridge over the boating lake, in coastal regeneration, please for instance; or a port might and the 1990s retail sheds contact Patrick.Browne@ do so to guide the evolution or which turn their back on it. lincolnshire.gov.uk . redevelopment of parts of its Planners need to be vigilant

The planning system and coastal regeneration 194 Brighton: Regeneration of a major resort by Martin Taylor MRTPI, MIED, MTS, Director – Planning and Consulting, HLL Humberts Leisure

In the 1970s, Brighton Council resort in all its ‘faded glory’. council led by the Director of was one of the first to respond Arts and Leisure. This team to the threat to British resorts By 1992, I was working in managed to find a more from cheap overseas package the newly formed Economic modest but not insignificant holidays to the Mediterranean Development Unit. Meetings sum of £1 million from a budget by successfully diversifying its with local business leaders that would otherwise have tourism economy through revealed that the city’s major been used simply to maintain the opening of Brighton hotels were advising their the seafront in its then soulless Conference Centre in 1974. guests to avoid Brighton state. At the same time, the council seafront as a dangerous place supported the growth of occupied by drunks, beggars This money was not itself Brighton’s office sector as a and drug users. Clearly, with sufficient to regenerate the base for the financial services the seafront being Brighton’s whole of the seafront, so industry. ‘shop window’, something the project was split up into had to be done. Following phases. The first phase took When I arrived in Brighton meetings with the then South place between the main pier to take up my new post as a East of England Tourist Board, and the main road leading Senior Planning Officer in 1988, a small pool of funding was from Brighton station. This the town was booming with identified to support a Strategic stretch, which was fronted by a terrific buzz, and sky-high Development Initiative (SDI) to deep arches, had the most property prices. That boom regenerate the seafront. opportunity to attract private quickly turned to bust in the late sector investment. A young 1980s and early 90s, and by Consultants were in-house landscape architect 1992 the city’s unemployment commissioned to take a fresh was recruited to the team who had risen to 15 per cent with look at the seafront. Their drew up innovative designs for rates as high as 30 per cent in report found little support for the landscaping of the lower some parts of the inner city and investment in the resort from promenade area. This new outlying council estates. With major multiple players, and landscaping was implemented a large private rented sector, recommended that little could while at the same time central Brighton became a focus be done to regenerate the marketing the arches for private for people living on breadline seafront without first restoring sector investment. The fact that benefits and with the recession the West Pier – which had the council had shown its faith particularly hitting the financial been closed since 1976. in the seafront by implementing services and retail sectors Unfortunately the council new landscaping proposals Brighton quickly resembled a did not own the West Pier, meant that local private ghost town of empty shops nor did they have the £30 investors and entrepreneurs and offices. The closeness million needed to restore it. placed their own faith in the of London made it easy for Undeterred, the council set up seafront. A number of exciting journalists to travel to Brighton a corporate team with officers enterprises began to prosper and print articles featuring the from departments across the on the seafront.

195 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 The first phase of the funding developers failed to Culture was a key theme in regeneration coincided with a deliver a scheme acceptable the regeneration of the city, national crackdown on ‘raves’, to English Heritage before with SRB funding used for so people were seeking new the pier burnt down, and redevelopment of the Dome legal locations in which to subsequently partly fell down, arts complex, and funding cater for dance music. The and the funding was withdrawn. towards several other fringe seafront represented an ideal A new proposal for an elevated theatre and arts centres. An location and was given a viewing platform called the award-winning new library market edge with the granting i360 by Marks Byfield (the was developed through an of entertainment licences architects behind the London innovative PFI scheme. A until 5 o’clock in the morning. Eye) has now been approved, ‘Percent for Art’ programme This meant a great deal of the but this has been delayed by is applied to all new investment was in nightclubs, funding difficulties in the current developments across the city extending Brighton’s ‘club recession. The important and many examples have been scene’ along the seafront. It was point, however, is that the showcased on the seafront. also time for the ‘chameleon regeneration of the seafront bar’ concept, and operators was not allowed to become Tourism, culture and the arts were encouraged to develop dependent on restoration of the provide a buzzing city life the arches as bar–restaurants West Pier which was, and still attractive to young innovative by day, nightclubs by night. This is, largely outside the control of entrepreneurs in the media meant that the seafront was just the council. sector. Therefore, with further as vibrant by day as it became enabling from the council, at night. Of course, regeneration of Brighton town centre also Brighton’s seafront did not became a location for new Later phases of the SDI happen in splendid isolation. It media professionals and successfully sourced funding was part of an overall corporate businesses. Small amounts of from the Single Regeneration and city-wide regeneration public sector funding were used Budget as Brighton had strategy. People visit Brighton to support the development demonstrated a track record as much for its historic core of a first, and then a second, in both project and matched and independent shopping Brighton Media Centre, while funding delivery during the areas as they do for its vibrant the private sector followed first phase. These later seafront. A Town Centre suit in dividing redundant phases addressed different Strategy and Action Plan was industrial and office spaces resort markets, including an drawn up which resulted in into flexible high-tech office artists’ quarter, sports such as the appointment of one of the suites for budding media and IT basketball and beach volleyball, country’s first Town Centre professionals. and more family-orientated Managers, replacement of areas with children’s play. Churchill Square (the city’s Brighton was already a major ailing 1960s concrete shopping centre for education, with Some £14 million of centre) with a new £90 million two universities, technical funding was sourced for the covered shopping centre, and sixth-form colleges, and regeneration of the West Pier and reinvestment in the a large number of language from the Heritage Lottery independent shopping quarters schools. The council worked Fund. However, protracted of the Lanes and the North proactively with the education negotiations with matched Laines sector through the ‘Academic

The planning system and coastal regeneration 196 Corridor’ initiative, resulting cross-sectoral programme. All So here we are now, during in one of the first Innovation resorts, big and small, need to a recession that is reportedly Centres outside of Cambridge try to avoid reliance on one deeper and worse than that and in the growth of the city’s (tourism) business sector alone. of the early 1990s. Yet, I education businesses. There However, they can use tourism look out of my window and are some 30,000 students in – and the vibrancy it can bring Brighton is still thriving. Sure, the city, who add to its vibrancy, to a place – to attract other businesses are still finding it supporting pubs, nightclubs, business sectors. The other key hard, and there are a few shop theatres and independent lesson was that regeneration vacancies. However, without shopping districts, and provide was a corporate responsibility. exception these vacancies have a pool of graduate employment Regeneration was not confined been caused by the closure for local businesses. Compared to one small team within a of national multiple chains, to most university cities, many larger department; rather it was whereas the independent more students from Brighton’s led by the Chief Executive and sector has remained more universities seek to stay in the Corporate Management Team resilient. In this recession, city after graduation. with the support of the Leader Brighton has been less reliant of the Council with key projects on the decisions of major The regeneration of Brighton targeted, and achieved through national and international provides important lessons for corporate teams working companies with most business other resorts. While part of across the council and involving decisions being undertaken by the effort was concentrated different groups of business local entrepreneurs based here on key features of the resort, leaders from across the city. in the city. The resort looks well especially the seafront, this was set for a prosperous future. just a part of a city-wide and

Resorts of the world: From Cap Saint-Jacques to Vung Tau, the spatial path of a Vietnamese seaside resort by Emmanuelle Peyvel, University of Lyon, France

Using an approach of cultural Cap Saint-Jacques and was resorts of Indochina – was geography, I have been created for the benefit of spatially modelled on French studying the seaside resort of French colonials, especially seaside resorts of the Riviera, Vung Tau (South Vietnam), for those who lived in Saigon. as can be seen from its urban from its colonial inception Its primary function was to morphology and the French- to today, and so put into provide them with rest during style architecture of the large perspective the longstanding their holidays, often linked residential houses. but ever-changing relationship with medical infrastructures between humans and the such as – but not limited to Following the end of the oceans. – sanatoriums. In order to war period (1954–75), compensate for the blandness Vung Tau remained one of During the colonial period, of the mother country, Cap the major seaside resorts of Vung Tau used to be called Saint-Jacques – like all colonial Vietnam. Currently, however,

197 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 the majority of tourists are meaning ascribed to the place of sea, sand and shore in Vietnamese. The practices of have profoundly changed the specific framework of domestic tourists differ from even though its location and a developing Asian country those of the former French functions remain identical. like Vietnam – especially as colonials because Vietnamese this former French colony, tourists have different Vung Tau thus provides a good currently under a socialist conceptions of ‘beauty’ and opportunity to analyse the government, has seen the ‘rest’. In consequence, their patterns and trends in how successive development of tourist territories and the tourists mobilise the resources two different tourist cultures. for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

The planning system and coastal regeneration 198 Chapter 15 In their own words… services for coastal regeneration by National and regional players In researching this local organisations not here, you can be book we requested on the services they on the website www. information from provide to coastal coastalcommunities. national, regional and communities. If you are co.uk

Government departments and coastal regeneration

Department for further education. In order Its activity impacts on Business, Innovation to do this the Learning and infrastructure, educational and Skills (BIS) Skills Council works with key attainment and recruitment in partners such as: coastal towns. The BIS is currently working • local authorities – to deliver with city regions to develop Looking to the future, planned provision for 16 to Multi Area Agreements (MAAs). changes to the machinery 18 year-olds; These provide local partners of government will result in • Regional Development with the opportunity to secure the Council’s responsibilities Agencies (RDAs), the specific flexibilities in the being taken over by a new Department for Work and national skills arrangements in Skills Funding Agency and a Pensions and Jobcentre Plus order to meet local needs. For new learning agency for young – for those aged 19 and example, MAAs offer city region people, alongside an increased over. partnerships the opportunity role for local authorities. to establish an employer-led The Council also focuses Employment and Skills Board on meeting individuals’ and Department for (ESB) with formal strategy- employers’ needs and the Culture, Media and setting powers. These powers identified needs of the local Sport (DCMS) will allow ESBs to develop economy. It works to: an ‘employment and skills The government invests almost strategy’ that will guide the • secure greater integration of £50 million a year in tourism Skills Funding Agency’s (SFA) employment and skills; marketing through VisitBritain. delivery. In areas where there • prepare young people for Each of VisitBritain’s campaigns are no MAA partnerships, the the world of work; features a different location, but SFA Regional Director will work • strengthen links between it aims to achieve a balanced with local and regional partners skills and regeneration; regional spread overall and to determine the skills priorities • improve the flexibility and recognises the continuing for the area. responsiveness of the skills importance of the seaside system. within British tourism. In addition the BIS, through the Learning and Skills Council, In this way the Council Seaside destinations are delivers skills to support local covers many of the coastal promoted through VisitBritain’s economies, including coastal issues identified, especially international offices, campaigns, towns. These are delivered those concerned with low public relations and websites, to employers through employment levels, skills and the attractions of the apprenticeships and Train to for local tourism, economic seaside are included in a variety Gain, and to individuals through diversification and regeneration.

In their own words 200 of themed campaigns. At the Longer term planning for the October 2007, English national Tourism Summit on development of the visitor Heritage published An Asset 8 January 2009 in Liverpool, economy is contained in and a Challenge; Heritage the prime minister emphasised ‘Winning: a tourism strategy and Regeneration in Coastal the importance of taking for 2012 and beyond’, which Towns in England which was advantage of the competitive was released by the DCMS in accompanied by a conference tourism product available in October 2007. The strategy in Hastings discussing some of the UK. In response to this, looks towards: the issues. The report brought VisitBritain launched a £6.5 together a range of case million marketing campaign • maximising the benefits studies from around the coast, in April, themed around of the 2012 Olympic and looking at drivers for success ‘value for money’, to highlight Paralympic Games and the role of the historic cultural and historical heritage, opportunity; environment as a dynamic landscape and natural heritage, • providing the best possible resource for regeneration in vibrant cities and exciting sports visitor welcome and seaside towns as diverse as and cultural events. Seaside showcasing the UK to the Whitehaven and Margate. The destinations will benefit from world; case studies put an increased this initiative. • creating a platform for the emphasis on ‘local’ bottom- longer term development up approaches to addressing In April, responsibility for and sustainability of the longstanding regeneration marketing England within the industry. issues, with many examples of UK moved from VisitBritain effective partnership working to VisitEngland. VisitEngland The government’s SeaChange across sectors. They bring is working with the English programme, led by the out the continuing value Regional Development Commission for Architecture and importance of tourism Agencies (RDAs), which have and the Built Environment to coastal economies. The had responsibility for tourism (CABE) on behalf of DCMS, has report is available on the in the regions since 2003, also boosted wider economic Historic Environment Local and which have developed regeneration in coastal areas Management website (www. regional tourism strategies through investment in culture helm.org.uk) along with other and delivery structures based and heritage. Funding so far guidance on management of around marketing and branding, to 35 resorts allocated grants coastal heritage issues. product quality assessment and of £38 million to create new investment, skills development, performance spaces, improve Some museums in coastal sustainable tourism frameworks theatres, restore promenades, towns have benefited from and improved accessibility. enable spectacular beach-front regional museum investment There has been significant redesigns and provide new through the Renaissance in the research into tourism and exhibition spaces. Regions programme, combined seaside destinations as part with Single Regeneration of RDA wider research Coastal towns have also Budget and European programmes. The challenges benefited from other policies Development cultural funding faced by coastal towns are well and programmes through for deprived areas – including understood in the context of cultural regeneration and Hull, Plymouth, Bournemouth regional economic strategies, investment in the built and and Chatham. Hull also has led by the RDAs. historic environment. In the award-winning The Deep

201 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 science centre and aquarium, Tourism is only one of the change. Defra is working with which is a real boost to tourism employment sectors in such communities and national and in the town and was funded by towns but remains significant, local partners to understand the Millennium Commission. and has reportedly been the risks associated with climate The Deep has continued to win boosted by the effects of change and is developing tourism awards in 2008/9. the economic downturn a range of approaches The Heritage Lottery Fund affecting holiday choices. As to support community (HLF) supports a wide variety the English Heritage report adaptation, particularly in those of schemes in coastal towns, noted, one of the challenges communities where it will not ranging from parks and for seaside resorts is to be possible to defend. regeneration, to museums define a unique visitor offer and community projects. for each town, whether Significant progress has already The main funding stream for focusing on culinary heritage been made with a programme this has been the Townscape tourism (e.g. Whitstable, of activities designed to support Heritage Initiative, now in Seahouses), iconic heritage adaptation. These include the its eleventh year. Funding sites or maritime associations provision of better planning is allocated through local (Whitby, Portsmouth, Battle information through shoreline authorities in partnership with Abbey), museums and art management plans, and support private businesses to improve galleries (Margate, Falmouth) or for households to protect historic street frontages and adventure tourism (Hunstanton, against flood risk through a £5 other street features. The HLF Saltburn-by-the-Sea). Each offer million grants scheme. has given over £234 million should compete on quality as The government published a to 864 projects in English well as price. new Coastal Change policy coastal resorts to support their consultation on 15 June regeneration since 1997. This Department for the 2009, including the launch of funding has included well over a pathfinder programme to £100 million to coastal resorts environment, farming pilot a new coastal change fund in deprived areas, including and rural areas (Defra) of up to £11 million. Local Blackpool, Falmouth, Great authorities were able to bid to Yarmouth, Hastings, North Coastal change is a natural become pathfinders and use Shields, Penzance, Redcar, process that has and will money from this fund to run Saltburn-by-the Sea and continue to shape and mould their own adaptation schemes, Southport. our coastline. We know from working in partnership with the latest science on climate their local communities. Money Some seaside towns are under change that the risks of coastal could be spent, for example, threat from climate change and erosion and flooding will on restoring coastal footpaths, coastal erosion. The DCMS increase over the next 100 maintaining public car parks and English Heritage’s policy on years. We will defend where and beach access points at risk the historic environment at risk it is sustainable and affordable from erosion, or supporting re- from coastal erosion has been to do so, but it will not be routing of coastal roads. outlined in Defra’s consultation possible to protect every piece The three-month consultation on coastal change policy, of coastline. sought views on the way launched on 15 June 2009. forward on providing financial Communities likely to be help for demolition and moving affected will need to start costs to the few homeowners preparing for and managing

In their own words 202 will extend to the mean high- water mark, with local authority boundaries going down to low water – this means that there will be an overlap between planning systems. This overlap will mean that the MMO and local authorities will need to work very closely. Indeed, the government is considering how best to enable local authorities who in the next 20 years will achievement of sustainable to be fully involved in the lose their homes to erosion. development of the marine development of marine plans. area. Marine planning will be The consultation also included one of the major functions of • For more information on details of how communities the new Marine Management the Marine and Coastal can plan for change as well Organisation (MMO), which Access Act, see www.defra. as looking at what managing will have responsibility for gov.uk/environment/marine/ change might mean for preparing marine plans for the legislation/index.htm. properties, businesses, local English inshore and offshore • For more information on infrastructure and our historic regions in accordance with the MMO, see www.mfa. and natural environment. the policies and objectives set gov.uk/mmo/planning.htm. out by the government in the There is an important link Marine Policy Statement. Department for Works between the Coastal Change and Pensions (DWP) policy and Communities The Marine Policy Statement and Local Government’s will provide a clear framework The DWP provides a national (forthcoming) consultation on for managing our seas, clarifying welfare system, and the support new planning policy for the objectives and priorities, and available to people who are out coast. This aims to ensure that directing decision-makers, users of work largely depends on the the impact of coastal change is and stakeholders to a more type of benefit they claim and taken into account at all stages strategic and efficient approach their individual characteristics. of the planning process so that towards the sustainable As a department, the DWP the government strikes the right development of marine provides part of the overall help balance between economic resources. The marine plans and support that people receive prosperity and reducing the that will be developed by the when they are out of work. consequences of coastal change MMO are in accordance with Principally the policies cover the on communities. the Marine Policy Statement. national offer – those elements that people expect should be • Marine planning from Defra The MMO and other public the same regardless of where authorities will then have a they live, such as access to The Marine and Coastal duty to take licensing and benefits on a fair and consistent Access Act 2009 introduces enforcement decisions in basis and minimum levels of a marine planning system in accordance with the Marine help and support at different UK waters for the first time Policy Statement and the stages of unemployment or in order to contribute to the marine plans. The marine plans worklessness.

203 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 However, although it is a Agreements, and the Working government has targeted areas national offer it is delivered Neighbourhoods Fund. with the highest concentrations locally. Since benefit payments Partly as a result of the of worklessness – this includes and labour market programmes success of this approach, some, but not all, coastal are delivered direct to the there is evidence that over towns. individual, areas that have the last decade the biggest higher rates of worklessness improvements in employment Data from the Annual and benefit dependency and unemployment have been Population Survey suggests that automatically receive a greater in areas that started in the around 7 per cent of the UK level of support from Jobcentre worst position, leading to some population live in coastal towns, Plus (JCP) and through narrowing in labour market and 1 in 10 of those people live contracted provision such as disparities across the country. in wards that receive Working the New Deal. The Sub-National Review Neighbourhoods Funds. of Economic Development On top of the national system, and Regeneration (SNR) Claimants of incapacity benefit there are a number of area- recommended that, to (IB) or employment and based initiatives supported by maximise the impact of area support allowance (ESA) in the DWP that target additional funding, the government should coastal towns will benefit from resource at the most deprived focus on a smaller number the national Pathways to Work areas. These include the City of areas where deprivation programme which is available Strategy Pathfinders, Local Area is most acute. In pursuit of to everyone in Great Britain Agreements and Multi Area this recommendation, the receiving IB or ESA.

Regional Development Agencies and coastal regeneration

RDAs were established in 1999 regional and local East of England and are the responsibility of government; Development Agency the Department for Business, • provide a focus on good (www.eeda.org.uk) Innovation and Skills. The practice dissemination; primary role of the RDAs • identify barriers to policy The RDA contributed £6 is to act as the strategic implementation. million in Kings Lynn to a £23 drivers of regional economic The network brings together million programme to support development. representatives from all the redevelopment of 50 the coastal RDAs, and hectares of brownfield land In 2007 the government, includes central government for a mixed-use development in response to the Select departments, agencies and local scheme. The project enabled Committee Inquiry into coastal authorities with an interest in the major inward investment towns, established the RDA the costal towns’ agenda. by Palm Paper to be located Coastal Towns Network which in Kings Lynn, plus associated aims to: What follows are samples of infrastructure, new homes and RDA activities with coastal integration with the town. • improve coordination of communities in their areas. OrbisEnergy is a regional centre interventions in coastal Fuller details are available on of excellence in Lowestoft, towns between central, RDA websites. which has created a business

In their own words 204 environment that promotes and In Blyth, the RDA has invested Hotel and feasibility work fosters the development of the significantly in an internationally for the refurbishment of offshore wind sector. recognised centre of new and Morecambe Winter Gardens. renewable energy research The new £7.9 million Jerwood (NaREC) and has stimulated In Blackpool, NWDA has been DanceHouse on Ipswich a cluster of innovative providing ongoing support Waterfront was provided with manufacturing around this for ReBlackpool, the urban £1 million of EEDA funding to critical new economic sector. regeneration company and the create a performance space main delivery mechanism for and a headquarters for dance In other areas, such as Seaham, Blackpool’s regeneration. agency DanceEast. a former colliery town with significant economic challenges, South East of England EEDA has contributed over the RDA has invested in £10 million for regeneration place-based regeneration and Development Agency schemes, including public realm supported the attraction of (www.seeda.co.uk) and tourism enhancements in businesses through business Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft accommodation projects and SEEDA produced, with including OrbisEnergy. public realm investment. partners, a Coastal South East Framework in 2008 that is reflected within both the East Midlands North West Regional Economic Strategy and Development Agency Development Agency Corporate Plan of the agency. (www.emda.org.uk) (www.nwde.co.uk) This identifies a number of actions to support regional and EMDA allocated £2 million, In Southport, completion of the local action. under the LEADER approach Lord Street area improvement element of the Rural initiative benefited from a A number of the region’s coastal Development Programme for contribution of £2.6 million in areas are identified as priority England (RDPE), to the East total from the RDA. There was places for investment and Lindsay coastal action zone, and refurbishment of Southport growth: Hastings, Margate and is working with Boston Borough Floral Hall and Theatre 2009 Dover for major regeneration, Council and South Holland with a total RDA contribution whilst Portsmouth and urban District Council to develop their of £4.4 million, and support for South Hampshire is one of the RDPE programmes. the acquisition of Pleasureland initial MAAs and a Diamond for amusement park by Sefton Investment and Growth. EMDA provided capital funding Metropolitan Borough Council to public realm work in with a total RDA contribution of Brighton and Hove, West Mablethorpe, and is working £2.7 million. and East Sussex and Thames with the owners of Fantasy Gateway, Kent are identified Island theme park at Skegness In Morecambe, NWDA has as a Diamond and a potential on their development plans. signed a Resort Action Plan MAA. with the local authority to One North East (www. provide the framework for SEEDA is supporting new Morecambe’s regeneration, university campuses in Hastings, onenortheast.com) including funding for the Folkestone and Bognor Regis, restoration of the Midland and major infrastructure

205 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 projects in Hastings, project, new fish market, Royal Naval air station on Southampton and Chatham employment and residential Portland where it is investing Maritime. uses on the harbour; in excess of £40 million to • providing road and other create a centre for sailing South West infrastructure for the excellence and a magnet for opening of the 35-acre leisure and marine industries. Development Agency White Rock Business Park at The agency is also making (www.southwestrda. Paignton, a prime site for almost £10 million available for org.uk) 2,000 high-quality jobs; the Twin Sails Bridge scheme • development of a new in Poole Harbour. Both these The RDA is currently higher education centre at projects are employment-led contributing funding to the South Devon College, regeneration schemes that aim region’s Market and Coastal Paignton, to provide higher to deliver thousands of new Towns Network (MCTN). level skills for graduates jobs. Each county network receives entering into business approximately £70,000 over and commerce, subject to Apart from the £30.5 million three years (total funding confirmation of LSC funding. already invested at Portland, £450,000). The MCTN’s other major RDA investments purpose is to maintain and There is also an ERDF include £4.73 million to expand a comprehensive Competitiveness Programme to upgrade the Bournemouth network of town partnerships fund business start-ups and new International Centre – which across the region to provide enterprise in deprived parts helped it generate an estimated mutual support, advocacy and of Torbay. Cockington Court £127 million for the local development of closer links to creative industries incubation economy last year compared Local Strategic Partnerships, the centre is being considered for with £70 million before the Local Area Agreement delivery funding within this European upgrade. The RDA invested framework and statutory Union programme. £2.5 million in the Enterprise community planning. Pavilion at the Arts Institute The RDA is supporting at Bournemouth, which now • Torbay businesses across Devon supports 90 jobs; and spent through its contact with strategic £1.4 million to help free up a The RDA has invested companies, its funding of site next to Sunseeker in Poole £2.9 million in the Torbay Business Link, sustained support to help the company expand, Development Agency which for the ‘Bites Back’ campaign, creating 500 jobs. will support the Mayor’s Vision as well as supporting individual setting out the 20 key projects events (such as the Mayor’s Through the Rural for the future success of the bay event on the recession). Area Development Programme for by encouraging private sector Action Forces are established to England, the RDA is providing investment in regeneration deal with instances of significant almost £6 million to community and a prosperous economy. job losses. groups in north, south and Examples of projects for west Dorset to support rural investment in Torbay: • Dorset regeneration and business • £8.4 million investment in support projects. Around £12.8 the completion of the The RDA’s priority investment million of RDPE investment Brixham regeneration in Dorset remains the former has also been earmarked for

In their own words 206 sustainable tourism projects Yorkshire Forward Marina. A major improvement across the region, including (www.yourshire_ scheme has commenced an off-road cycling hub on the forward.com) around the Spa Complex to outskirts of Bournemouth, and upgrade the public areas and investment to interpret and Yorkshire Forward has invested provide outdoor performance conserve 83 heritage sites along £9.5 million in Scarborough’s spaces. the South West Coast Path. economic development through its Renaissance In Cleethorpes, under the The RDA is also contributing Programme. This includes Renaissance Programme, considerable investment to the a new creative and digital work has been completed highly innovative Wave Hub business centre, Woodend, on the Lakeside Arena. project – to create the world’s the Rotunda Museum, and Currently there is a process largest wave energy farm off developments of the marina of commissioning a strategic the north Cornwall coast. and spa theatre. Over £200 development framework for The agency is also continuing million of private sector the whole of Cleethorpes. A £7.3 million investment in the investment has been secured ‘Town Team’ has been formed Peninsular Research Institute for the town. from interested residents and for Marine Renewable Energy businesses to steer the process (PRIMARE), to make the South Refurbishment of the of remaking their town. West a world leader in marine Bridlington Spa Complex was renewables. completed early in 2008, and discussions are continuing with regard to redevelopment of the

Regional Government Offices and coastal regeneration

The Government Office (GO) alongside Regional Assemblies policy and intentions to network brings together central and Regional Development the area, enabling successful government departments’ Agencies to implement the Sub- implementation; interests in the regions. The national Review and ensuring a • broker agreements between GO’s role is to be a key smooth transition. local partners and between intermediary between local and the locality and Whitehall; regional delivery and national GOs have locality managers • manage agreements policymaking. This includes allocated to a local authority between government and facilitating the development area. Their role is to: the local area, in particular and implementation of strong Local Area Agreements local strategies, as well as • know the area in order to ‘troubleshooting’ key issues, represent it to Whitehall GO – East Midlands and ensuring they reflect and give the opportunity the needs of both rural and for the area to influence (GOEM) urban areas. Government government policy and GOEM is a member of Defra’s Offices are centrally involved activity; Coastal Policy Steering Group. in managing existing regional • represent, interpret and This group works with Defra to governance structures, working explain government

207 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 advise and support them on the the region’s coast, including: and in supporting these localities development of coastal change in responding to the challenges policy – see the earlier section • the need to understand and opportunities arising from from Defra. the possibilities and tensions their coastal location. created by high-quality GOEM is a key partner in the natural environments and GO – Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Coastal Study areas in need of that seeks to assess the future regeneration; Humberside (GOYH) needs of the coastal areas on • the additional pressures The national Government the Lincolnshire coast, large presented by climate change Office Coastal Network is led parts of which are at or below and the need to identify by the GOYH Environment sea level. The study will inform ways in which the coast and Directorate. Defra has provided the review of the East Midlands its communities can adapt; support to the network to help Regional Plan, and will report in • the need for more regions: March 2010. consistent approaches to coastal management and for • build up a coalition of GOEM is a member of all improved policy integration. engaged partners, work seven district Local Strategic with them to identify future Partnerships (LSPs), including GOE has negotiated challenging coastal challenges and fill East Lindsey, Boston and South LAAs with Norfolk, Suffolk, gaps within the coastal Holland, which all contain Essex, Southend and Thurrock. evidence and knowledge coastal communities. Recognising the adaptation base; challenge that will be faced • ensure that coastal GOEM responds where particularly on the coast, all of challenges, priorities and possible to specific requests these LAAs include National evidence are understood – for example, securing Indicator 188, adapting to by partners and reflected in a consultant who offered climate change. the Integrated Regional support to East Lindsey District Strategy and other plans; Council on neighbourhood A number of the region’s coastal • support the development, management with deprived localities face regeneration consultation and communities along the coast. challenges. The Government implementation of Defra’s Office is involved in brokering coastal change policy; solutions to enable appropriate GO – East (GOE) • lead and participate in a development in areas at risk

Recognising the coincidence of high-quality assets, deprivation and physical change on the east coast, the East of England Coastal Initiative is an innovative, multi-agency project started by GOE and guided by a number of regional bodies. The initiative responds to a number of long-term challenges facing

In their own words 208 GO network of coastal resources, and their distance infrastructure to support leaders, giving feedback to from larger resources in cities. economic growth; Defra on the region’s views • growing, diversifying and and experiences. GO – North West enhancing the quality of the Fylde coast business base; GOYH have had discussions (GONW) • better developing people’s with Scarborough regarding skills and employment The Blackpool Task Force specific housing issues, such prospects; was formed in March 2007 as a transitional population, • tackling fundamental housing following a request from the people living in poor-quality issues. government to look into the rented stock, and high levels of long-term regeneration plans incomers who are elderly and GONW is in regular contact for Blackpool, in the wake of may require modifications to with the Office of Government the regional casino reversal. properties. A mini regeneration Commerce (OGC) to discuss Blackpool had hoped to attract pathfinder approach to opportunities for governmental substantial private sector areas of Scarborough will be relocations to Blackpool. investment to the town. incorporated into the new North Yorkshire Housing The Victoria & Albert (V&A) GONW is negotiating a Multi Strategy. trustees made an offer to Area Agreement (MAA) with Blackpool to provide a Lancashire, Blackpool, Wyre Following a GOYH approach, frequently refreshed V&A and Fylde to cover the three the Home Office held a exhibition for 10 years in geographic authorities of the national Seaside Violent a new building that will be Fylde coast and around a third Crime Conference in April branded V&A@Blackpool on of a million people. The MAA 2009. Seaside towns were the Tower Headland. GONW objectives include: targeted owing their relatively will continue to work with high levels of violent crime, the DCMS, Blackpool and the • securing the commitment which are based on a number V&A to support this initiative. of government to helping of factors: high numbers of Capital costs are around £20 Blackpool to scale the visitors and concentrations million and revenue costs £1.9 socioeconomic challenges of of confined accommodation; million. Blackpool has already the resort town; tensions between ‘locals’ and committed £1.1 million to • improving the transport visitors, the capacity of custody revenue.

Big Lottery Fund

The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) health, education and the currently open can be found at is the largest distributor of environment. BIG is committed www.biglotteryfund.org.uk, or Lottery money, responsible to bringing real improvements phone 0845 410 20 30. for giving out half the money to communities, and to the raised by the National Lottery lives of people most in need. Reaching Communities is an for good causes. This money BIG has a range of programmes England-wide programme goes to community groups that organisations can apply to. that gives grants of more than and to projects that improve Further details on programmes £10,000 and up to £500,000,

209 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 including a maximum of work with a small group of deprived wards in north £50,000 for capital grants. young vulnerable people Somerset. The organisation Projects can be funded for up aged 13–18 who criminally services a population of to 5 years. An overall maximum offended or were at risk of approximately 16,000. It project size has been set at offending, who were offers an outlet in the town £750,000, with a maximum of referred through youth centre and at service points £200,000 for the total capital support agencies. The throughout the area, element. project enabled the young offering a service to people people to share experiences disadvantaged through poor Awards for All is another in a safe environment and credit ratings or other England-wide programme learn new skills such as factors restricting their ability that provides funding to help photography and film- to access mainstream improve local communities making. After four months banking facilities. and the lives of people most the group produced a in need. Awards for All gives short film that will be used The Money Advice Centre grants of between £300 and as a teaching resource. is a unique partnership £10,000 for new or developed between the Credit Union, projects. An application form The 10-minute film is the local Citizens Advice and guidance notes can be accompanied by a short Bureau and the local downloaded from www. teaching resource for registered social landlord awardsforall.org.uk. teachers in the subject North Somerset Housing. areas of art and design, film Doorstep lenders in the The Big Lottery Fund supports and media studies, area had been offering £100 many projects around the citizenship, health and loans that required £165 to coastal areas of England, social care and be paid back, while the Wales, Scotland and Northern humanities. The film Credit Union would charge Ireland. BIG’s regional and explores various themes just £6.50 on top of the country teams work with local relevant to young people initial £100. Since stakeholders to understand the including identity, conflict, December 2006 when the needs and issues facing each isolation, stereotypes, service started, CAB local coastal area. The teams communication and making advisers have helped 1031 are part of local networks and choices. people, and the Credit partnerships that regularly run Union has given out 300 events for groups looking for • Case study: Weston-super- loans totalling £72,000. funding in these areas. Mare In addition, North Somerset Housing’s rent arrears have • Case study: Brighton Weston-super-Mare & reduced by 9 per cent and District Credit Union has the number of people in Borders and Boundaries, two service points located in more than £1000 worth of funded by BIG, used Central and South wards, debt has fallen. photography and film to which are the two most

In their own words 210 British Holiday & Home Parks Association The British Holiday & Home caravan holiday homes, of residential home park Parks Association (BH&HPA) lodges and chalets for letting pitches in the UK. There is the national trade body and caravan holiday homes are 304 residential parks representing owners that are sold as second homes near the coast in BH&HPA and operators of holiday, with a pitch that is let for an membership; the 14,742 caravan and chalet parks and annual fee. residential park homes residential home parks in within 5 miles of the coast the UK. The membership Over nine hundred BH&HPA house approximately 22,000 owns and manages around member holiday parks were residents. 80 per cent of the ‘on-site’ located within two miles pitches on the estimated 3500 of the coast in July 2009, Residential parks provide the licensed holiday parks in the providing 192,061 pitches sole place of residence for UK – parks are geographically for caravan holiday homes park home owners who pay dispersed to the coastal (privately owned ‘second council tax in the usual way and rural areas that are homes’ or to let) , touring and live very much as part of attractive to holidaymakers. caravans and tents. Research the local community. They are The industry includes well- data leads us to conclude predominately older residents known brands, however, the that, around the UK, privately but with some parks providing majority of the businesses owned caravans and caravans affordable accommodation for in the sector are SMEs or ’to hire’ contribute £1507 key workers. micro-enterprises, usually million annually to coastal independently owned and economies. Understanding parks’ managed as a family concern. contribution to sustainable Park facilities (such as a communities Holiday parks swimming pool or local shop) Holiday parks in particular are are often open to the local The importance of parks often a significant presence community, ensuring the to coastal communities is in coastal communities provision of local amenities often underestimated. The where park owners that would not otherwise be accommodation provided by and operators make an available; parks are also users holiday parks is of fundamental important contribution to of local goods and services. importance to many local their economic, social and rural coastal economies, environmental sustainability. Residential parks providing facilities that allow Accommodation on BH&HPA families drawn from across members’ parks includes The Association’s membership all socioeconomic groups holiday chalets, caravan also owns or manages to enjoy traditional seaside holiday homes, lodges, residential parks, often known holidays at reasonable prices. touring caravans, tenting as ‘Park Home Estates’ and all types of self-catering or ‘Mobile Home Parks’ Contact: enquiries@bhhpa. accommodation. Parks offer accounting for 60 per cent org.uk www.ukparks.com.

211 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Chapter 16 The highlights, a checklist, and doing small things better By Patrick Browne This final section makes all organisations planning and suggestions to improve the involved in coastal demography. national coordination of regeneration. coastal regeneration activity, • Creation of a national highlights some of the main • Government funded small coastal points from our diverse range departments, GOs and intelligence team, such of contributors and concludes RDAs to nominate and as the CCA, to maintain with a facilitation checklist promote their coastal resort momentum and for local authorities designed resort specialists. to support coastal for you to pepper and season regeneration with your own experiences • Government practitioners and the and knowledge. departments to coastal topic groups. participate in the Despite the range of coastal workings of the • Promote the activities issues debated here, and XDWGCT and the RDA and membership of all particularly: the shortages of Coastal Network. coastal interest groups appropriate research in many and networks to areas; the concerns about • Clarifying national increase their impact political and funding timescales research is required into and capacity and to and priorities, and the looming the scale and disseminate their work. challenge of increased local importance of coastal authority responsibilities with tourism. Review the above decreasing resources, the proposals in January 2011. dominant messages from the • Research is also handbook are the need and required into the This book began with the desire to move from analysis barriers, opportunities affirmation that while coastal to action by employing new and support needs for resorts are in difficulties, thinking, new policy and new enterprise development these difficulties are far from leadership in maximising the in coastal areas. being terminal and that skills and the resources that are they are very much worth currently available to deliver • Maintenance of the preserving. However, there new futures for our coastal hughly popular is a recognition that new resorts. SeaChange thinking is now needed on how programme – the resorts can be regenerated for To support coastal regeneration morale and partnership the 21C. The new thinking practitioners in their work, boosting coastal will require national and the following actions are regeneration fund. local leadership and strong recommended: facilitation by local government • The establishment of to focus and unite the coastal • Recognise the problem! national topic groups regeneration “industry”. With National and local on coastal leadership, diminishing resources and government accept the management, research, increasing service demands, resort “dimension” and education, housing, the emphasis will be on lead on better enterprise, arts and creative partnerships, greater coordination between culture, worklessness, cooperation and cultural change

213 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 to revitalise areas and extend established problems. These There is also a need for more effectiveness. themes will re-emerge as we innovation in enterprise support review the more specific points in coastal towns. Despite the contribution of raised by our many authors, the SCI Coastal Towns report, starting with regeneration. As elsewhere, there is a limited many practitioners believe evidence base around the that greater engagement is Coastal regeneration specific nature of enterprise still required and that national development in coastal towns. policy-makers need a better Conventional regeneration is understand of, and engagement not working at the seaside, Without access to such with, coastal delivery issues, there are issues around evidence there is a danger that particularly in education, regeneration and deprivation, programmes are supply-led enterprise, worklessness and economic growth versus well- rather than demand led. health, and to evaluate the being, and about opportunity Traditional forms of business additional public sector costs versus need. support have generally failed in involved in coastal delivery. such areas. Coastal regeneration based on reviving and revitalising rather Allied to the need for greater Location, lack of critical than destroying and replacing, national awareness, is the masses, skills, seasonality and should generally be the order of concern, even frustration, at recruitment present a set of the day at the British seaside. the lack of co-ordination, and distinctive coastal enterprise Coastal regeneration needs to the disconnected impacts, of challenges. be conceived in a holistic way the many organisations with an – it is more than an economic interest in coastal regeneration. concept - it will be successful Heritage, Art and Greater outcomes could be if it maintains the positive Culture achieved, it is argued, if the distinctiveness of the area..... skills and resources of disparate Strong leadership at local forces were united behind There is the need for ‘coastal’ political level is required, allied agreed coastal visions. The to become as established a to a specific artistic vision for emerging “place-shaping” role category as ‘rural’ for policy an area connected with its of local government creates purposes. distinctiveness, and a genuine the framework for greater and broad engagement process. integration of effort through The challenge of minimising local leadership and facilitation ‘leakage’ from the local Regeneration practitioners in coastal regeneration. economy and spreading should explore ways in which the benefits of regeneration less expenditure-intensive Constant themes that emerged into local pockets, need approaches might be delivered throughout the handbook consideration by increased involvement of were the need for fresh cultural and educational bodies. visions on coastal resorts, for Enterprise better research, for stronger Cultural organisations should leadership, for innovative prepare for involvement in the There is a need for coastal partnerships and thinking, planning and direction of local towns to foster greater levels and for a more pro-actively delivery. of innovation in enterprise energising approach to development.

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 214 Health

There is a need for coastal towns to foster greater levels of innovation in enterprise development.

There is also a need for more innovation in enterprise support in coastal towns. Local delivery agencies should coastal assets and understand As elsewhere, there is a limited rethink ways of involving the ‘informal coast’ to underpin evidence base around the cultural and educational bodies the sort of regeneration that will specific nature of enterprise in planning and governance. enliven and not sterilise. development in coastal towns. Cultural and educational Economic Assessment projects should be encouraged Without access to such to participate in local business evidence there is a danger that The Economic Assessment networks. programmes are supply-led (EA) provides LAs with the rather than demand-led. opportunity to develop a Researching the Coast Traditional forms of business unique narrative about how support have generally failed in There are shortages of their coast works. such areas. appropriate research in many coastal issues, particularly The EA has the potential to Location, lack of critical tourism, enterprise and public provide a new impetus to masses, skills, seasonality and costs. joined-up thinking by the recruitment present a set of council and its partners, distinctive coastal enterprise Coastal quantitative analysis challenges. should start with the smallest The EA has the potential to units of statistical capture to re-energise commitments to maximise understanding. coastal regeneration from the Ageing Coast national tier downwards. Look critically and analytically Coast areas are at the forefront of demographic ageing, a trend at statistics and understand LAs should seize the that will become more marked how, when and why they were opportunity provided by “place- in future. gathered and classified. shaping” and the EA to renew and refocus their direction and Identify clusters or systems of Ageing is seen as a ‘pensions engage others in the coastal coastal towns which would and care’ issue in the UK, regeneration agenda. benefit from complementary with older people viewed development, and how this as dependent and a growing Not for the shelf! This import might work. burden on society. and timely opportunity will be Access information to evidence lost if the EA is allowed to sit on Research shows that older the distinctiveness and value of the shelf and gather dust. people, including those

215 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 approaching or over state These are a snap-shot of relevant for many seaside pensionable age, want to some of the issues raised in resorts given their tourism remain economically and the handbook. To join the popularity, their lack of access socially active. debate and share your coastal to resources and their size Demographic ageing represents experiences and knowledge and location. Facilitating such a tremendous opportunity please contact: patrick. outcomes is an important role for coastal areas to develop [email protected] for local government and this innovative and cutting-edge section contains a “checklist” products and services to deal Big Bang! or a hundred to assess how your authority with the trend. small things better? is structured for facilitating “a hundred small thing better!” Evidence suggests that older Much of the energy, funding people are more successful in and public face of regeneration The new LA powers of place starting and sustaining a new is focused upon the large -shaping and producing an business than their younger scale, the “iconic”, the Economic Assessment (EA) counterparts. transformational. This is can be positively employed in understandable given the addressing what can be one of Planning and the Coast hoped for outcomes from the barriers to coastal resort such projects, the objectives regeneration. As has been There is no specific planning of funders, the professional or illustrated, there are many policy guidance on coastal political desire to leave a mark, organisations whose products, regeneration. and the attraction of much services and findings impact vaunted media coverage. Yet to varying degrees on coastal Planning policy focuses on there are only so many totemic areas and communities. Local adaption and reshaping projects, conference/hotels, authorities that harness the settlements vulnerable to sea angels, greenhouses, celebrity activities of these disparate level rises and flooding. chefs and rich paternalists to organisations behind a clearly go round, and not just among agreed local vision for the The Local Development coastal resorts. area can maximise diminishing Framework is the vehicle for resources and develop more developing locally distinctive The less public faces of powerful holistic solutions for responses to the issues affecting regeneration are the hundreds resort problems. The following individual coastal resorts. of small things that are done checklist for reviewing your well by public and private facilitation role is based upon The Planning System faces bodies involved is some aspect the experience of Beacon challenges in providing housing of resort development and Councils in the September and business sites in areas of management. These include 2004 IDeA paper: “facilitating flood risk or in resorts providing quality services, the development of the rural hemmed-in by cliffs, agricultural sprucing-up existing assets, economy”. land AONBs. maximising the available skills, talent and resources, engaging A Coastal Facilitation Protecting and enhancing the communities, raising local Checklist built and natural environments pride, and increasing ambition are important planning services in small corners. This form of LAs need to structure in resort areas. regeneration is probably more themselves both internally and

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 216 externally to maximise their Getting the conditions right is on promises. Sometimes this impact on resort development. an important first step in being may mean accepting a level of This may be more pressing in able to demonstrate to other calculated risk (both material small coastal District Councils bodies that they should work and perceived) with which where resources, staff and with you for mutual benefit local government is often direct service delivery may be and to deliver the vision for the uncomfortable, and that may limited. area. lead to failure. Progressive coastal LAs highlight the Self-Assessment Effective Leadership. importance of the following: Checklist The delivery and effectiveness Political leadership that 1: Fit for purpose of LAs are maximised when signals clear priorities and underpinned by focussed style for the authority. Delivering effective facilitation political leadership and clear, in coastal areas is not an well understood management Political ‘management’ easy option. To be successful objectives. When this between elected members requires the necessary drive, leadership approach is coupled from different political ambition and appetite to with a commitment to parties that was driven meet the challenges. The first supporting coastal regeneration, by pragmatism and a checklist aims to help Local it empowers and gives consensual view about the Authorities consider whether confidence to local authority needs of the area. they are able to deliver effective management at all levels. It also facilitation. Answering the provides a strategic direction Positive relationships questions will enable you to which can bring partners between elected members appreciate the strengths and together and provide a focus for and officers offering a weaknesses of the authority, joint working. Relationships rely dynamic management and highlight areas for change. upon mutual trust built from a interaction. commitment to follow through

Self-assessment questions. How has the Council Is the commitment Do political leaders and demonstrated that it is reflected in the Corporate chief officers accept that committed to supporting Objectives? they will need to take coastal delivery? some calculated risks and are they willing to do so?

2. Enabling management initiative. The management Roles and responsibilities will culture within a LA will offer be allocated based on a clear ‘Enabling management’ is sufficient autonomy to all understanding of objectives characterised by a management stakeholders (both within and and resources. The focus is on style that gives freedom and outside the council) to allow achieving successful delivery responsibility, and fosters relationships to thrive. and using resources flexibly,

217 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 making changes to traditional ‘Enabling management’ can: Have the confidence to step structures and practices if it is Clarify operational back and let others take the necessary to do so. An enabling objectives for the authority lead. management structure is one and what is expected of which is prepared to back its staff in order to achieve Achieve a planning colleagues if things go wrong. them. process and communication mechanism A ‘can do’ culture gives Secure sufficient resources that is inclusive. confidence to local authority to give facilitation an management at all levels. effective critical mass. When these conditions Where external partners come together the capacity Establish management look for a strategic direction to get things done is protocols that exemplify it can bring partners together considerable. the approach to calculated and provide a focus for joint risk taking and decision working. making.

Self-assessment questions. How many ‘business Is there a commitment relevant business units units’ in the Local to work together? Are closer together? Authority are involved in communications between coastal service delivery? managers and lead Does the management Members frequent and style enable and empower Is there mutual trust open? staff to deliver the coastal between the ‘unit’ development objectives? managers, and lead Are structural changes Members? necessary to bring the

3. Resource generating construction management, A ‘can do’ culture is of finance and IT. significant value when seeking An ability to find the resources, out and securing resources. internally or externally. Having the right people in Proactive councils demonstrate the right places is a key to a willingness to approach Leadership and management success. Facilitation has worked the resourcing of activity in need to be backed up by the well where there has been a a creative way. This may be resources necessary to do strong officer commitment, an internal commitment to the job. Effective facilitation and this attitude appears to be funding valuable posts, or lateral requires officer time and self-generating as like-minded thinking prompting access other technical resources. people are attracted to posts to funding programmes that These may be available from a within such organisations. might not immediately seem variety of departments within appropriate. the authority e.g. planning,

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 218 This commitment is also Successful facilitators offer increase the value of a project evident in a council’s approach access to these resources to and so maximise the cash to the management of its own local delivery groups in order element in funding. human and technical resources. to get things done, but also to

Self-assessment questions. Have the corporate Do the council staff have Is there a willingness objectives led to a the skills and knowledge to learn from other prioritisation of council to access external authorities and resources for coastal resources? partnerships? facilitation?

4. Oil the wheels of responsibility for delivery of • Supporting the development participation core services, mean that often of autonomous delivery they cannot realistically deliver bodies. A willingness to develop everything themselves. They • Aligning expectations with delivery capacity. must instead identify the most regional strategy, and effective delivery vehicle, proposals with policy. Plans Facilitation of coastal support its development, build developed by local groups regeneration is all about the necessary capacity and then need to be consistent with enabling delivery by the local facilitate its delivery activities. the wider programme community (in whatever Only in this way can local context to gain support. form that might take). To do projects be fully sustainable, and • Supporting and enabling this successfully and achieve enjoy a life span that extends – helping with funding disproportionate outputs beyond any immediate funding applications, recruitment, relative to available resources programme. administration and requires a real commitment personnel management. to engage with external Councils have developed • Making connections – for organisations, groups and delivery capacity through: example with the work networks. Engagement and being done at other local consultation is the first step to • Learning about local authority levels. identifying those individuals and distinctiveness and • Sharing resource – using the groups who can play a more understanding the issues resources (human, technical substantial role in delivery. from a local and regional and physical) of the council perspective. to add value to projects and Effective local authorities • Reflecting back local project delivery. recognise that constraints expectations and priorities on resources, coupled with into local and regional plans.

219 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Self-assessment questions. Is there a willingness focussed on the customer? In two tier areas, do to build real working Does the ethos of the working partnerships relationships with local Council put customers exist between the County communities, businesses, at the centre of service and District to support voluntary and community delivery? local delivery groups? groups? Are there plans in place What evidence is there to get feedback from that the Authority is customers?

5. Make friends relationships that extend wherever possible. This beyond the superficial. They ensures that the coastal agenda A commitment to break down will challenge organisational maintains a voice in regional and barriers to partnership working. boundaries and methods of national policy making, and that working to break down cultural local strategies remain relevant. Where resources and barriers. capacity are thinly spread a The SNR and the Framework Successful facilitation strikes a commitment to partnership for Regeneration processes balance between the strategic working has been an essential are focusing regeneration and and local through pragmatic, pre-requisite to successful economic development on effective partnership. The key facilitation. Whether through the local delivery level and it to achieving this is establishing Local Strategic Partnerships/ will therefore be increasingly a representative partnership Local Area Agreements or important that all ‘business and ensuring effective through specific regeneration units’ of a Council are working communications between partnerships, good facilitation is together and moving in the partners. Strategic partnerships characterised by real working same direction. should include regional bodies

Self-assessment questions.

Would statutory and Are economic, social and Do changes need to non-statutory partners environmental issues be made to current agree that the Council is all taken into account structures to ensure that committed to collaborative through one partnership all the key players are partnership working? structure? represented? How do you know?

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 220 If the partnership is not Is the partnership set the LSP, does it dovetail up in such a way that with the LSP structures? it can ensure there is a link between local What role does the delivery organisations Council play in and the main partnership supporting the representatives? partnership?

Checklist 2: How to If where facilitation has been token. Nevertheless effective facilitate coastal delivery most successful there has been engagement can be done on a commitment to building long- a relatively modest scale by Local Authorities can rate their term engagement with coastal supporting communities to take leadership and delivery capacity communities. A continuing the lead. using the second checklist. dialogue enables local people Applying ‘effective leadership’ to see the decision-making Listening to customers can and ‘enabling management’ will and investment as legitimate. be measured by the tangible lead to a focus on the customer, Consulting communities difference made to the working through partnerships. regularly builds confidence and actions that are planned and Delivery can be assessed by thus the process strengthens implemented. The engagement examining the resources, skills effective governance. process should take the and quality of provision. opportunity to add value to Engaging communities can be proposals, and develop greater 1. Going interactive time consuming and resource ownership and responsibility. Engaging local communities, hungry and will be quickly listening to customers. seen through if it is in any way

Self-assessment questions. How successful are you How effective is your Are you effective at in building long term use of consultation to communicating the engagement? Does the influence the planning results of consultation? public trust the process? and delivery of services? Are you really reaching all Are there examples of groups of the population? feedback being used to change service delivery?

221 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 2. Policy development and Successful facilitation strikes the and actions with that of the reviewing strategies. balance between the strategic partnership. and local through pragmatic Local Authorities have an partnership. Establishing Some LAs consider that important role to play in the right representation their entire area is a enabling the partnership to and ensuring effective coastal economy, and have develop a Strategy or Action communications between subsequently aligned their Plan to guide their work. partners is key to achieving Corporate Plan with the Local strategies will need to this. Local authorities have the Strategy or Action Plan be in line with regional plans, knowledge, drawn in many prepared by the local if they are going to attract cases from their statutory partnership. Others have external resources. There will responsibilities and dedicated focused on a set of actions and increasingly be a requirement resources, to understand objectives as the priority and to ensure that plans are conditions at the local scale. have set out to deliver activity consistent with the sustainable They can use the EA to help on the ground that will support development framework. A all stakeholders build a shared the core objective (e.g. job broad based partnership will understanding of local issues. creation). be able to link economic, social Furthermore, the Council can and environmental plans and demonstrate its leadership policies. through aligning its own plans

Self-assessment questions. What is your involving partners and What is your experience understanding of and the local community? of using local intelligence involvement in regional to develop strategies? plans, and plans of What is your dedication Are there examples of stakeholders? to the local economy? innovative solutions to Are the authority’s own local problems? What are your skills to functions focused on facilitate the development finding new ways of of a shared vision, realising coastal revival?

3. Servicing the partnership upon the resources of a wide necessarily having to lead, have range of organisations operating developed local sensitivity for Partnerships are essential in locally, regionally or nationally. delivery of mainstream services, the activities of many LAs, and LAs have been responsible for and ensured maximum access not least in resort regeneration bringing those organisations to competitive funding regimes. where there are extensive together into mutually internal and external delivery reinforcing partnerships. In Local Authorities do not have organisations. Delivering coastal so doing, LAs have provided to lead partnerships or be seen regeneration increasingly relies strategic direction without to dominate their activities.

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 222 Nevertheless it is important • organising meetings and to the partnership to support the organisation maintaining records, • communicating activities and through guidance and • enabling members to successes to the partnership administration. Membership network and share • creating links with other criteria and the roles of information relevant strategic and members are often set out in • encouraging all stakeholders community partnerships a written constitution or other to take part form of agreement. • managing sensitivities between partners Servicing the partnership will • providing training and include: development to enable all partners to contribute fully

Self-assessment questions. What is your resource What is your with members on a availability to guide understanding of the continuing basis? and administer the responsibilities, history partnership? and aspirations of Is your support for the members? partnership through Can you support the sound procedures and What is your ability to structure long term? administration? Is communicate and network accountability clear?

4. Building local voluntary substantively influence value for Aspects of building delivery and community capacity. money. capacity include

Successful facilitation A vital pre-requisite is to • initiating new forums and organisations achieve greater apply the ‘can do’ culture action groups, and value for money when projects and encourage the delivery supporting local champions are delivered jointly with organisation to do the same. • assisting groups to identify other delivery agencies. These One committed officer their needs and priorities, agencies may be official bodies spending a few hours a week and understand options for (e.g. GOs, RDAs), a local forum supporting a specific project change (e.g. town centre partnership, can make a great deal of • encourage commitment and residents group or chamber difference. Similarly, investment involvement of trade), or a community in developing a local champion • brokering joint working group dealing with one issue can go a long way towards between groups (e.g. after school club, local developing the capacity of a charity or trust). The capacity community. of these partners to deliver will

223 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Self-assessment questions. What is your commitment What is your capacity groups, including the least to deliver through building skills to enable affluent or articulate? voluntary and community groups to hone their own Are there examples of organisations? Are priorities? Are delivery connecting with hard- you ready to work bodies encouraged to lead? to-reach-groups in your alongside volunteers? area? Are grants available for Have you expertise to administration? work with all target

5. Accessing and managing needs to remember, however, administrative role of fund that it is managing the funds on accountable body behalf of the project partners. • advising on or carrying out Local authorities can make Whilst in some cases it may tendering a significant contribution to legally own the assets, in other • bankrolling projects either financial management through cases it will not, and in all cases by managing activities the facilitation process. Councils it does not ‘own’ the project. through the Council’s have financial procedures and financial systems or by loans systems in place and valuable Accessing and managing funds which are repaid once expertise, for example, will include grants are received tendering, accountable body. • making use of external funds The capacity to run projects • making applications for to employ project staff through local authority accounts programme funds which • using internal mainstream and make use of technical can be distributed locally funds to support projects expertise can be essential to a to projects, including and develop assets project’s success. The authority carrying out the

Self-assessment questions. What is your knowledge preparedness to manage and tendering tasks? of funding programmes project accounts? Can Would the Council do this and success in making they produce the right even if it didn’t own the bids? Have external funds information to meet claim, asset? been used to support monitoring and audit development officers? requirements? What is your readiness to bankroll or make loans to What is your finance What is your willingness community-led projects? departments’ to take on lease, purchase

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 224 6. Organisation, delivery commitment, and is by nature • sharing knowledge of and project implementation a long-term investment. exemplar projects However, it is very often • training and development Extending the delivery capacity directly aligned with the • building or project of partner organisations ranges council’s obligations to deliver management from something that can add core services, and is necessary value to particular projects to to inform the development of a Practical assistance may be being absolutely fundamental valid Community Strategy. given through grants for to a facilitation organisation’s administration, arranging chances of success. Very Facilitating project delivery training, enabling groups to often the relationship that will ensure that the local make use of external funding emerges between council group understand that the streams, and commitment officers and local groups is one responsibility for action and of officer time to carry out of mutual respect and moral delivery lies with them. specific tasks. Facilitating LAs commitment. This is especially Continuing guidance and have understood that the true in rural coastal areas, and support may be required on: better equipped their delivery where elected members take partners, the greater and more an active part and support the • administration and financial sustainable the outputs and officers within the Council. management return on investment. • grant claims and how to Developing community collect monitoring groups can be a substantial information

Self-assessment questions.

How does the council for the voluntary and What is Member deals with setbacks and community sector? Are understanding and finds solutions when you aware of national enthusiasm for facilitating problems arise with and regional bodies or coastal delivery? project implementation? local experts with this capability? Is there partnership What is staff availability commitment in all the and expertise to work with What is in two-tier areas business units of the communities? your willingness to authority? work in partnership to What is your experience maximise the strength of of development training both?

225 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 7. Local planning and a manner that scopes and periods. Exit strategies need to resource management manages expectations. Failure be in place to manage time- to grasp this nettle will lead to limited external funding. Councils will need to keep an a mutual lack of respect and Similarly, authorities can keep overview of projects, internal can materially prejudice local a lookout for new funding resources and funding to capacity to deliver. opportunities which will help to ensure that expectations can be meet identified needs. Councils fulfilled. It is inevitable when a Authorities may need to can bring them to the attention local authority formally engages reallocate resources if the of the local partnership and with a local community that regional or local partnership delivery bodies and make expectations can be raised. strategies change. Delivery speculative applications on their It is therefore important bodies may need specific behalf. that capacity is extended in support through transition

Self-assessment questions. What resources available What is your reliance What are your abilities to to continue to support upon time limited external spot and take advantage existing and planned funding? What measures of new funding or other activities? What are the are in place to ensure resource opportunities risks associated with the a smooth transition to exist? What examples are availability of staff time, sustainability? there in the authority? technical support and money?

8. Monitoring and • assesses how efficient ‘traditional’ indicators can give evaluation frameworks, service delivery has been a distorted picture; negligible maintaining an evidence • demonstrates what has unemployment rates can mask base changed to external a very low wage and seasonal bodies, funders and the economy, high property values Effective evaluation and local community and levels of car ownership monitoring is a key part of • benchmarks activities against might obscure a local problem successful facilitation. It informs other areas and initiatives. of access to affordable homes policy and prioritisation, and limited public transport. and demonstrates what has The consistent use of accessible Local measures provide a hard been achieved. An effective and relevant indicators, rather currency to inform partners and monitoring framework than reliance on ‘high-level’ stakeholders. themes which may be more • measures progress against appropriate to an urban area, objectives and outcomes provides a clearer picture of • measures the impact of the outcomes of activity. Even actions when recorded at ward level,

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 226 Self-assessment questions.

What is your What are your skills Research Observatory? understanding of the local in interpreting and Are they part of the economy? Is there a set of presenting the information partnership? local indicators that are to local partners and the relevant to the Strategy community? What are your processes or Action Plan of the to provide feedback partnership? What is your experience and measurement of of sharing information the experience and What are your processes and benchmarking with perceptions of customers to monitor the outcomes of similar organisations? and stakeholders? individual projects? Can you access expert advice from a local

Perceptions of the host community in respect of the socio- cultural effects of Casino Gambling in a Mediterranean coastal setting: the Case of Kyrenia, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC). Habib Alipour and Edwin M. Vughaingmeh Eastern Mediterranean University, Turkey

This study is an investigation of community participation in of casino gambling on local of the perception of a host the decisionmaking process. residents, (3) to identify community in respect of the To achieve this aim, a survey community concerns about social and cultural impacts questionnaire was applied to the presence of casinos in of casino gambling in the collect data from the Kyrenia their community, and (4) to major tourist destination of district (the develop a profile of Northern Cyprus, and main venue for casino respondents in respect which represents a vital gambling activities) in of their attitude towards source of income and Northern Cyprus (TRNC). gambling behavior. Findings employment for the area. The questionnaires were indicated that the respondents The study is also an evaluation analyzed in order to access: had a negative attitude of this perception within (1) the general attitude towards casino gambling. The the context of ‘tourism-host towards casino gambling, (2) socio-cultural impacts community’ interaction in to identify that were cited most respect of the general theory the social and cultural impacts frequently were crime

227 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 and domestic violence, processes, connected to zone management (ICZM) prostitution, threat to the exposing and subjecting their in place which ‘emphasizes traditional way of life, social environment to specific types the integration of systems, values, diminishing the of tourismparticularly e.g. co-ordination of policies and historic, aesthetic value of gambling. In respect of the institutions, management Kyrenia town, city’s coastal zones, many concerns, development and threatening the basis casinos have been planted objectives and stakeholder of family structure and on the coastal environment interests across the different life. Findings also revealed where numerous ecological landscapes of the coastal zone’ that tourism planners and issues can be raised regarding (Hope and Lekorwe, 1999 developers need to be aware the impact of the casinos on : 853). The community’s of the perceptions of the the health and concern in this respect was, community and of actively sustainability of the coastal at best, the lack of awareness encouraging their involvement areas. Study revealed that regarding this issue. in the any decision-making there is no integrated coastal for further information on this paper, please visit: www.tourism-culture.com

The sharing of indicators and While still scouring the horizon This is the end of the handbook performance information of hope for the Big Bang but not the end of the coastal between coastal resort councils solution, much can be achieved regeneration debate which will can provide both benchmarking in coastal resort regeneration continue on the CCA website and performance data for by doing a hundred small where an electronic version of the purposes of continuous things better. You can start that this publication now resides. improvement. Intelligence is process now by joining our If you wish to share your shared through partnerships, virtual topic groups and sharing facilitation checklist (above) member and officer networking your expertise, concerns and and/or the earlier “Barriers, and attendance at national and ideas with you fellow coastal opportunities and priorities” regional training and conference regeneration practitioners. questionnaire (page 49) with events. Also, coastal experience other coastal areas via the shows that speaking to the Not THE END website, please send to: patrick. customer and getting a first- [email protected] hand view of delivery at regular intervals can

be a more powerful form of evaluation than hard statistics.

The highlights, a checklist, and doing a hundred small things better 228 Notes to the chapters Notes to the Introduction

1. Helen Carter and Steven Morris, ‘Home occidentale du XVIIIe siecle a nos jours and away in “staycation” UK’, The (Paris: Presses de l’Université Paris- Guardian, 18 July 2009, p. 11. Sorbonne, 2008), pp. 233–59. English 2. Peter Walker, ‘Better off at home – era of language text available from the author. the “staycation” dawns as Britons abandon 12. John K. Walton, ‘Seaside resorts and foreign holidays’, The Guardian, 14 August maritime history’, International Journal of 2009, p. 3. Maritime History 9 (1997), pp. 125–47. 3. Laura Barton, ‘Barton’s Britain: Skegness’, 13. Select Committee of the Office of Guardian G2, 7 April 2009, p. 5. the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, 4. Mary O’Hara, ‘Weathering the storm’, The Local Government, Planning and the Guardian, 12 September 2007. Regions, Coastal Towns, Minutes of 5. “When it’s sunny it’s glorious”: the reality Evidence, Annexe 1, memorandum by of holidays in Britain’, Guardian G2, 18 David Lloyd, 18 April 2006. August 2008. 14. Report of the Select Committee on ... 6. John K. Walton, The British Seaside: Coastal Towns (London: The Stationery Holidays and Resorts in the Twentieth Office, March 2007). Century (Manchester University Press, 15. Lincolnshire Coastal Action Zone: National 2000), ch. 1. Coastal Futures, Report of Symposium at 7. BBC2: Coast, series 4, programme 5, the Royal Renaissance Hotel, Skegness, ‘Anglesey to Blackpool’, first broadcast 11 18–19 July 2006. August 2009. 16. Government Response to the 8. John K. Walton and Jason Wood, Communities and Local Government ‘Reputation and regeneration: history and Committee Report on Coastal Towns the heritage of the recent past in the (London: The Stationery Office, May re-making of Blackpool’, in L. Gibson and J. 2007). Pendlebury (eds), Valuing Historic 17. House of Commons, Communities and Environments (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2009), Local Government Select Committee pp. 115–37. on Coastal Towns: the Government’s 9. J. Demetriadi, ‘The Golden Years’, in A. Second Response. First Report of Williams and G. Shaw (eds), The Rise and Session 2007–8 (London: The Stationery Fall of British Coastal Resorts (London: Office, November 2007). Cassell, 1997), ch. 5. 18. M. Parkinson et al., The Credit Crunch and 10. C. Beatty and S. Fothergill, The Seaside Regeneration (Department for Economy: the Final Report of the Seaside Communities and Local Government, 30 Towns Research Project (Sheffield Hallam January 2009). University: CRESC, 2003). 19. A. Brodie and G. Winter, England’s Seaside 11. John K. Walton, ‘Whitby: une station Resorts (Swindon: English Heritage, 2007). balnéaire, du XVIIIe au XXe siecle’ 20. Fred Gray, Designing the Seaside (London: [Whitby: a seaside resort from the Reaktion, 2006). For more work in this eighteenth to the twentieth century], in Y. vein, see John K. Walton, ‘Architecture, Perret-Gentil, A. Lottin and J.-P. Poussu history, heritage, and identity: built (eds), Les villes balnéaires d’Europe environment, urban form and historical

Notes to the chapters 230 context at the seaside’, International Journal 23. David R. Green to Lincolnshire County of Regional and Local Studies, Series 2, 3 Council, 11 August 2009. (2007), pp. 65–79. 24. European Parliament, A6-0442/2008, 21. Tom Dyckhoff, ‘Let’s move to ... Report on the Regional Development Eastbourne’, Guardian Weekend, 25 July Aspects of the Impact of Tourism on Coastal 2008, p. 63. Regions (2008/2132 INI), 12 November 22. Report of the Casino Advisory Panel, 30 2008. January 2007, p. 31. For a historical 25. See also European Parliament, Policy perspective on ‘redevelopment’ and Department B: Structural and Cohesion ‘urban renewal’ from the vantage point of Policies, The Impact of Tourism on the early 1980s, see M. S. Gibson and Coastal Areas: Regional Development M.J. Langstaff, An Introduction to Urban Aspects, PE.397.260, IP/B/REGI?IC/2006- Renewal (London: Hutchinson, 1982). 166-Lot 01-C03-SC01, 15 April 2008.

Notes to Chapter 1

1. For ‘Fordism’, see for example Waleed Creative Foundation, Folkestone’, Hazbun, Beaches, Ruins, Resorts University of Sussex, April 2008, pp. (Minneapolis: Minnesota University Press, 14–17. 2008), ch. 1 and p. 243, note 7. For a case 7. Ibid., p. 11. study of the individuality of a ‘Fordist’ resort, 8. Colin Ward and Dennis Hardy, Arcadia for see Charles Wilson, Benidorm: the Truth All (London: Mansell, 1984). (Comunitat de Valencia, 1999). 9. Fred Gray, Designing the Seaside (London: 2. J. Urry, ‘Cultural change and the seaside Reaktion, 2006). resort’, in G. Shaw and A. Williams (eds), 10. John K. Walton, The English Seaside Resort The Rise and Fall of British Coastal Resorts (note 3), pp. 54–69. See also J. K. (London: Cassell, 1997), pp. 102–13. Walton, ‘The seaside resorts of England 3. John K. Walton, The English Seaside and Wales, 1900–1950: growth, diffusion Resort: a Social History 1750–1914 and the emergence of new forms of coastal (Leicester University Press, 1983); also tourism’, in A. Williams and G. Shaw (eds), The British Seaside: Holidays and Resorts The Rise and Fall of British Coastal Resorts in the Twentieth Century (Manchester (London: Cassell, 1997), pp. 21–48. University Press, 2000). 11. Seaside Watering Places (London: L. Upcott 4. Xing Ruan and Paul Hogben (eds), Gill, 5th edn, 1885). Topophilia and Topophobia: Reflections on 12. Maurice Hope, Castles in the Sand: the Twentieth Century Human Habitat (London: Story of New Brighton (Ormskirk: Hesketh, Routledge, 2007). 1982). Harry Cameron is working on the 5. See also C. Beatty, S. Fothergill and fate of post-war New Brighton for a PhD I. Wilson (for DCLG), England’s Seaside thesis at Leeds Metropolitan University. Towns: a Benchmarking Study, 13. For ‘rurban’, see (e.g.) M. Pacione, Urban Department of Communities and Local Geography: a Global Perspective (London: Government, 3 November 2008. Routledge, 2001), ch. 30. See also Colin 6. Fred Gray, ‘Folkestone in context: a Pooley, ‘Mobility in the twentieth century: briefing paper on seaside towns, for the substituting commuting for migration?’,

231 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 in D. Gilbert, D. Matless and B. Short 24. John K. Walton, ‘Marketing the imagined (eds), Geographies of British Modernity past: Captain Cook and cultural tourism (Oxford: Blackwell, 2003), ch. 4. in North Yorkshire’, in Rhodri Thomas 14. Office of National Statistics, A Review of (ed.), Managing Regional Tourism: a Case Urban and Rural Area Definitions: Project Study of Yorkshire, England (Ilkley: Great Report, August 2001, pp. 14–15 and Table Northern Books, 2009), pp. 220–32. 2.1. 25. Whitby Gazette, 12 May 2006, 12 June 15. For what follows, see especially C. Beatty et 2007 and 24 April 2008; Catherine Mack, al. (note 5). ‘Checking in: La Rosa Hotel, Whitby’, The 16. Torquay and Ilfracombe are compared Observer, 11 January 2009. historically in N. Morgan and A. Pritchard, 26. Steve Fothergill, England’s Coastal Towns, Power and Politics at the Seaside (University report for NCRA panel, 2008. of Exeter Press, 1999). 27. John K. Walton, ‘Whitby: une station 17. John K. Walton, Blackpool (Edinburgh balnéaire, du XVIIIe au XXe siecle’ University Press, 1998). [Whitby: a seaside resort from the 18. C. Beatty and S. Fothergill, The Seaside eighteenth to the twentieth century], in Y. Economy: the Final Report of the Perret-Gentil, A. Lottin and J.-P. Poussu Seaside Towns Research Project (Sheffield (eds), Les villes balnéaires d’Europe Hallam University: CRESC, 2003), p. 16. occidentale du XVIIIe siecle a nos jours 19. For a historical context, see Laura Chase, (Paris: Presses de l’Université Paris- The Creation of Place Image in Inter-war Sorbonne, 2008), pp. 233–59. An English Clacton and Frinton, PhD thesis, University language version is available from the of Essex, 1999. author. 20. Ian Carter, Railways and Culture in Britain 28. John K. Walton and Jason Wood, (Manchester University Press, 2001); ‘Reputation and regeneration: history and Alastair J. Durie, Scotland for the Holidays: the heritage of the recent past in the a History of Tourism in Scotland, 1780–1939 re-making of Blackpool’, in L. Gibson and (East Linton: Tuckwell Press, 2003). J. Pendlebury (eds), Valuing Historic 21. Kathryn Ferry, Beach Huts and Bathing Environments (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2009), Machines (Oxford: Shire Publications, pp. 115–37. 2009); Laura Chase, ‘Public beaches 29. Lynn F. Pearson, The People’s Palaces: and private beach huts: a case study of Seaside Pleasure Buildings 1870–1914 inter-war Clacton and Frinton, Essex’, (Barracuda, 1991); also Piers and Other in John K. Walton (ed.), Histories of Tourism: Seaside Architecture (Oxford: Shire Representation, Identity and Conflict Publications, 2nd edn, 2008). (Clevedon: Channel View, 2005), pp. 30. Janet L. Smith, Liquid Assets: the Lidos 211–27. and Swimming Pools of Britain (Swindon: 22. John K. Walton, The British Seaside: Holidays English Heritage, 2005). and Resorts in the Twentieth Century 31. Anna Minton, Ground Control: Fear (Manchester University Press, 2000), and Happiness in the Twenty-first Century pp. 1–3; Bill Bryson, Notes from a Small City (Penguin, 2009); Jonathan Glancey, Island (London, 1995), pp. 124–5. ‘Cities of the damned’, Guardian Review, 1 23. See above, notes 5 and 11; also Steve August 2009, p. 7. Fothergill, England’s Coastal Towns, report 32. John K. Walton, Tourism, Fishing and for NCRA panel, 2008. Redevelopment: Post-war Whitby, 1945–

Notes to the chapters 232 1970 (Cambridge: Wolfson Lectures, 37. K. Lindley, Seaside Architecture (note 2005). 35), pp. 23–6; J. K. Walton, ‘Blackpool 33. J. Urry, ‘Cultural change and contemporary and the varieties of Britishness’, in S. holiday-making’, Theory, Culture and Society A. Caunce, E. Mazierska, S. E. Sydney- 5 (1988), p. 44; J. Bale, Landscapes of Smith and J. K. Walton (eds), Relocating Modern Sport (Leicester University Press, Britishness (Manchester University Press, 1994). 2004). 34. John K. Walton, ‘Tourism and architectural 38. R. Butler (ed.), The Tourism Area Life Cycle heritage in context: Whitby, North (Clevedon: Channel View, 2006), 2 vols. Yorkshire’, The Georgian, autumn/winter 39. John K. Walton, The Blackpool Landlady: 2004. a Social History (Manchester University 35. K. Lindley, Seaside Architecture (London: Press, 1978); also The English Seaside Resort Hugh Evelyn, 1973), p. 19; R. Shields, (note 3), ch. 4; The British Seaside (note 3), Places on the Margin (London: Routledge, chs 5 and 6. 1991). 40. John A. Hassan, The Seaside, Health and 36. Fred Gray, ‘Folkestone in context’ (note 6), Environment in Britain since 1800 p. 18. (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2003).

Notes to Chapter 4

1. This chapter is in broad agreement with the Benidorm: the Truth (Valencia: Comunitat recent English Heritage report on de Valencia, 1999); V. Balducci and S. Regeneration in Historic Coastal Towns, Bica, Architecture and Society of the Holiday which should ideally be read in conjunction Camps: History and Perspectives (Timisoara: with it: www.helm.org.uk/upload/ Editura Orizonturi Universitare, 2007); V. pdf/Coastal-Regeneration.pdf (accessed 13 Orioli, Cesenatico: Turismo Balneare tra Otto December 2009). e Novecento (Firenze: Alinea, 2008); M. B. 2. Andrew Tallon, Urban Regeneration in the Stofik,Saving South Beach (Gainesville: United Kingdom (London: Routledge, University of Florida Press, 2005). 2009). 6. Neil Lee, Distinctiveness and Cities: Beyond 3. T. Edmans and G. Tarifa, The Regeneration ‘Find and Replace’ Economic Development Maze (London: King’s Fund, 2001). (The Work Foundation, October 2007). 4. L. Porter and K. Shaw (eds), Whose 7. J. Karn, Narratives of Neglect: Community, Urban Renaissance? An International Regeneration and the Governance of Security Comparison of Urban Regeneration Strategies (Cullompton: Willan, 2007). (Abingdon: Routledge, 2009). 8. The practical, continuing importance 5. See (e.g.) Y. Perret-Gentil, A. Lottin and of seasonality in coastal economies, which J.-P. Poussu (eds), Les villes balnéaires is emphasised elsewhere, is underlined by d’Europe occidentale du XVIIIe siecle a Ray Drury of the Prince’s Trust, who nos jours (Paris: Presses de l’Université points out the difficulties it generates for Paris-Sorbonne, 2008); B. Simon, start-up businesses, which need to do well Boardwalk of Dreams: Atlantic City and enough in their first summer to survive the the Fate of Urban America (New York: lean months that follow: Ray Drury to Oxford University Press, 2004); C. Wilson, Patrick Browne, 29 October 2009.

233 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 9. R. Paddison and S. Miles (eds), Culture-led of the Business Panel on Future European Urban Regeneration (London: Routledge, Union Innovation Policy. 2006), especially chapters by Miles and 18. Cahal Milmo, ‘How the battle of Whitstable García. became a struggle for the soul of seaside 10. John K. Walton, The British Seaside: Holidays resorts’, The Independent, 15 October and Resorts in the Twentieth Century 2007; also see www.handsoffourharbour. (Manchester University Press, 2000), ch. co.uk (accessed 5 November 2009). 7; also The English Seaside Resort: a Social 19. Richard Samuel, chapter 5 in this Handbook. History 1750–1914 (Leicester University 20. ‘Screening will show how much Thanet Press, 1983), ch. 6; N. Morgan and A. has lost’, Thanet Star, 30 October 2009 Pritchard, Power and Politics at the Seaside (http://thanetstar.com, accessed 31 (University of Exeter Press, 1983). October 2009). 11. M. Gottdiener, The Decline of Urban Politics: 21. Jason Wood, ‘From port to resort: art, Political Theory and the Crisis of the Local heritage and identity in the regeneration State (London: Sage, 1987). of Margate’, in P. Borsay and J. K. Walton 12. M. Loughlin, M. D. Gelfand and K. Young (eds), Resorts and Ports: European Seaside (eds), Half a Century of Municipal Decline, Towns since 1700 (Bristol: Channel View, 1935–1985 (London: George Allen & forthcoming 2010). Unwin, 1985); Tony Travers, The Decline 22. Nick Evans, Dreamland Remembered and Fall of Local Democracy: a History (Whitstable, 2003). of Local Government Finance (London: Policy 23. J. F. Porter, ‘Arlington House: eyesore or Exchange, 2003). icon’, Margate Civic Society Newsletter 342, 13. Tom Symons and Chris Leslie, Capital spring 2006, p. 2. Contingencies: Local Capital Finance in an 24. V. Orioli, Cesenatico: Turismo Balneare tra Era of High Public Debt (New Local Otto e Novecento (Florence: Alinea, 2008). Government Network, 2009). 25. Gibson and Pendlebury (eds), Valuing 14. Mark Smulian, ‘The future of funding: Historic Environments. regeneration and renewal’, 12 September 26. Ann E. Murphy, Strategic Management for 2009. Tourism Communities (Clevedon: Channel 15. www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/ View, 2004), p. 149. blackpoolnews/Council-to-buy-Tower- 27. Exmouth Journal, 30 March 2005; also visit and.5880226.jp (accessed 13 December www.exmouthtownmanagement.co.uk 2009); and www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ (accessed 5 November 2009). Thanet’s article-1232990/Blackpool-Tower- Westwood Cross shopping mall also nationalised (accessed 13 December 2009). illustrates some relevant problems: http:// 16. John K. Walton, ‘Municipal government and thanetstar.com/article/thanet-s-reaction-to- the holiday industry in Blackpool, westwood-cross (accessed 31 October 1876–1914’, and R. Roberts, ‘The 2009). corporation as impresario: the municipal 28. Hastings, article in Chapter 5 in this provision of entertainment in Victorian and Handbook. Edwardian Bournemouth’, in J. K. Walton 29. Rachel Cooke, ‘Bugger Broadstars for and J. Walvin (eds), Leisure in Britain, another holiday’, and ‘Can art put new 1780–1939 (Manchester University Press, heart into our seaside towns?’, The 1983), pp. 158–85 and 137–57. Observer, 9 and 16 August 2009. 17. Reinvent Europe through Innovation, Report

Notes to the chapters 234 Notes to Chapter 6

1. Regeneris Consulting, LEGI: National 12. Doward, ‘Wealthy elderly turn backs on Baseline and Evaluation Feasibility – Scoping seaside havens’, The Observer, 26 July 2009. Report (Regeneris Consulting, London and 13. S. Bridge, K. O’Neil and S. Cromie, Manchester, 2007). Understanding Enterprise, Entrepreneurship 2. S. Fothergill, ‘England’s coastal towns: a and Small Business (Basingstoke: Palgrave short review of the issues, evidence base Macmillan, 2003), ch. 4. and research needs’, paper for the NCRA 14. A. Clegg and S. Essex, ‘Restructuring in Panel, CRESR, Sheffield Hallam University, tourism: the accommodation sector in a 2008. major British coastal resort’, International 3. R. J. Bennett, ‘Government and small Journal of Tourism Research 2(2) (2000), pp. business’, in S. Carter and D. J. Jones-Evans 77–95. (eds), Enterprise and Small Business: 15. A. A. Gibb, ‘Small firms training and Principles, Policy and Practice (Harlow: FT/ industrial competitiveness: building on the Prentice–Hall, 2006). small firm as a learning organisation’, 4. See note 1. International Small Business Journal 15(3) 5. S. Fothergill, England’s Seaside Towns: a (1997), pp. 13–29. Benchmarking Study (CRESR, Sheffield 16. W. Archer and J. Davison, Graduate Hallam University, 2009). Employability: What Do Employers Think and 6. F. J. Greene, K. Mole and D. J. Storey, Three Want? (London: Council for Industry and Decades of Enterprise Culture? Higher Education, 2008). Entrepreneurship, Economic Regeneration 17. C. Hartshorn and L. Sear, ‘Employability and Public Policy (London: Palgrave and enterprise: evidence from the North Macmillan, 2007). East’, Urban Studies 42 (2005), pp. 271–83. 7. Shared Intelligence. What Future for 18. L. Lloyd-Reason and L. Sear, Trading Places: England’s Struggling Seaside Towns? Si Policy SMEs in the Global Economy (Cheltenham: Roundtable (London: Shared Intelligence, Edward Elgar, 2008), ch. 12. 2008). 19. See note 3. 8. Chitty; see also www.enterprisegrowth. 20. M. Parkinson, T. Hutchins, T. Champion et co.uk. al. State of the English Cities (London: Office 9. Scarborough Renaissance Partnership, of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2006). European Enterprise Awards – Entry Form 21. J. Seddon, Systems Thinking in the Public (London: BERR, 2008). Sector: the Future of the Reform Regime ... 10. F. J. Greene, K. Mole and D. J. Storey, ‘Does and a Manifesto for a Better Way more mean worse? Three decades of (Axminster: Triarchy Press, 2008). enterprise policy in the Tees Valley’, Urban 22. SeaChange Initiative: see www. Studies 41 (2004), pp. 1207–28. whitehallpages.net/modules.php?op=mod 11. HM Treasury (with the Small Business load&name=News&file=article&sid= Service and Office for the Deputy 182828&mode=thread&order=0&tho Minister), Enterprise and Economic ld=0 (accessed 18 December 2009). Opportunity in Deprived Areas: a 23. See note 11. Consultation on Proposal for a Local Economic 24. See note 8. Growth Initiative (London: HMSO, 2005). 25. See note 3.

235 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 26. G. Allinson, P. Braidford, M. Houston and I. and entrepreneurship: from perceptions Stone, Myths Surrounding Starting and and preconceptions to concept and Running a Business (Sheffield: Small Business practice’, International Journal of Service, 2005). Entrepeneurship and Innovation, May 2004, 27. See note 3. pp. 121–7; see also note 8. 28. See note 7. 30 See note 7. 29. A. Atherton, ‘Unbundling enterprise

Notes to Chapter 7

1. This précis is based on an essay 3. Antony Gormley, Another Place (cast ‘What can arts and culture contribute in iron, 100 elements), situated at Crosby the regeneration of traditional English Beach, Merseyside, 1997. seaside resorts?’ © Lesa Dryburgh. 4. Folkestone Triennial: see www. For the Clore Leadership Programme folkestonetriennial.org.uk. with support from the Arts and 5. Creative Foundation, Folkestone: see www. Humanities Research Council, supervised creativefoundation.org.uk. by staff at Leeds Metropolitan University. 6. Turner Contemporary, Margate: see www. The full essay is available at www. turnercontemporary.org. cloreleadership.org/fellows_profile. 7. BBC1 South East, The Politics Show, ‘Time php?name=lesa_dryburgh. Lesa for Turner’, 23 November 2008. Dryburgh is a communications consultant 8. The Great Promenade Show, Blackpool: for the cultural industries and led the see www.greatpromenadeshow.co.uk. international communications for the 9. Michael Trainor, They Shoot Horses, Don’t Bathing Beauties® project conceived by They? (mirrored glass, GRP, galvanised steel, artist Michael Trainor. She can be contacted 47,000 mirrors), situated at Blackpool at [email protected]. South Shore Promenade, 2002. 2. The Contribution of Culture to Regeneration 10. Art Car Parade: see www.artcarparade. in the UK. Report compiled for the co.uk. Department for Culture, Media and Sport 11. Lincolnshire Bathing Beauties®: see www. (DCMS). bathingbeauties.org.uk.

Notes to Chapter 8

1. See (e.g.) D. Throsby, Economics and (London: eftec, 2005). Culture (Cambridge University Press, 2. This is, for example, a live issue in the 2001); National Economic Research politics of regeneration in Blackpool. For Associates, The Value of the Built Heritage some recent historical examples, see: John (2003), ch. 2; www.english-heritage.org. K. Walton, ‘Seaside politics’, in The British uk/heritage.counts.old/newpdfs/DATA2.pdf Seaside: Holidays and Resorts in the (accessed 18 December 2009; ‘eftec’, Twentieth Century (Manchester University Valuation of the Historic Environment Press, 2000), ch. 7; and Riding on

Notes to the chapters 236 Rainbows: Blackpool Pleasure Beach and its (Oxford University Press, 1970); Stephen Place in British Popular Culture (St Albans: Reynolds, A Poor Man’s House (London: Skelter, 2007), pp. 71–3. London Magazine Edns, 1980, first 3. Alastair Fairley, Bucking the Trend: the Life published 1908); George Meek, George and Times of the Ninth Earl De La Warr Meek, Bath Chair-man: By Himself (Bexhill: Pavilion Trust, 2001), pp. 33–42. (London: Constable, 1910); John K. 4. Fred Gray, Walking on Water: the West Walton, ‘Seaside economies’, in The British Pier Story (Brighton: West Pier Trust, Seaside: Holidays and Resorts in the 1998); also Designing the Seaside (London: Twentieth Century (Manchester University Reaktion, 2006); also see a letter from G. Press, 2000), ch. 6. Lockwood to S. Johnson at www.westpier. 11. T. H. MacDonald, Basic Concepts in co.uk/pdfs/letter16Feb04.pdf (accessed 18 Statistics and Epidemiology (Abingdon: December 2009). Radcliffe, 2007); Allyson Pollock et al., NHS 5. Nigel Morgan and Annette Pritchard, Power plc (London: Verso, 2005). and Politics at the Seaside (University of 12. Shalini Singh (ed.), ‘Introduction’, in Exeter Press, 1999). Domestic Tourism in Asia: Diversity and 6. List of MPs, All-Parliamentary Group on Divergence (London: Earthscan, 2009). Coastal Issues, Patrick Browne to John 13. David J. James, ‘Overview of STEAM’, GTS Walton, 16 July 2009; Leadership Centre (UK) Ltd, 24 March 2003. for Local Government, Joe Simpson, ‘Living 14. See Casino Advisory Panel: www.culture. on the edge: marginal and competitive gov.uk/Cap/proposals.htm (accessed 18 coastal communities’, Bournemouth, December 2009). 2009; North-West Coastal Forum and 15. See note 13. 4NW, ‘Understanding the Coastal 16. Articulated in the Allnutt Report in 2004’. Communities of the North-West’, June 17. Memorandum of Professors John E. 2009. Fletcher and Victor Middleton to the Select 7. John K. Walton and C. F. O’Neill, Committee on Culture, Media and Sport, ‘Numbering the holidaymakers: the January 2008. problems and possibilities of the June 18. This report can be found at www. census of 1921 for historians of resorts’, partnersforengland.com (accessed 26 Local Historian 23 (1993), pp. 205–16. August 2009). 8. John K. Walton and David Tidswell, 19. See (e.g.) www.local.communities.gov.uk/ “Classified at random by veritable finance/1011/swg/SWG-09-15.pdf illiterates”: the taking of the Spanish census (accessed 25 August 2009). of 1920 in Guipúzcoa province’, Continuity 20. John K. Walton, ‘Municipal government and and Change 20 (2005), pp. 287–313. the holiday industry in Blackpool, 1876– 9. Edward Higgs, A Clearer Sense of the Census 1914’, in J. K. Walton and J. Walvin (eds), (London: HMSO, 1996); Joan Scott, Leisure in Britain, 1780–1939 (Manchester Gender and the Politics of History (New University Press, 1983), pp. 158–85; John York: Columbia University Press, 1988), K. Walton, Blackpool (Edinburgh University ch. 6; L. Goldman, ‘Statistics and the Press, 1998). science of society in early Victorian Britain’, 21. This can be suspected, but not Social History of Medicine 4 (1991), pp. demonstrated: see (e.g.) J. Simmons, 415–34. The Railway in Town and Country, 1830– 10. Gareth Stedman Jones, Outcast London 1914 (Newton Abbot: David & Charles,

237 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 1986); and T. R. Gourvish, British Railways 28. See (e.g.) Tony Ray-Jones, A Day Off: an 1948–73: a Business History (Cambridge English Journal (London: Thames & Hudson, University Press, 1986), ch. 10. 1974); also Russell Roberts, Tony Ray-Jones 22. S. Billi et al., ‘Coastal tourism in Italy: best (London: Chris Boot, 2004); Martin Parr, practices, trends and models’, abstract The Last Resort, 2nd edn (Stockport: submitted to international conference Dewi Lewis, 1998); P. Garner, A Seaside ‘Resorting to the Coast’, in Conference Album: Photographs and Memory (London: Handbook, Centre for Tourism and Cultural Royal Pavilion Association, 2003); Val Change and Institute of Northern Studies, Williams, Martin Parr (London: Phaidon, Leeds Metropolitan University, at the 2002); and recent exhibitions at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 25–29 June National Media Museum, Bradford, the 2009, p. 20. Museum of Childhood, Victoria and Albert 23. Chris Bull and Steve Hayler, ‘The changing Museum, London, and the National role of live entertainment at English seaside Maritime Museum, Greenwich. resorts at the beginning of the twentieth 29. Most recently ‘Once Upon a Time in century’, Tourism Geographies 11 (2009), Revoe’, 2009. pp. 281–307. 30. C. Ward and D. Hardy, Arcadia for 24. See www.admissionallclasses.com. All (London: Mansell, 1984); A. Dowling, 25. John K. Walton and Jason Wood, ‘World Humberston Fitties (Cleethorpes: A. heritage seaside’, British Archaeology 90 Dowling, 2001). (Sept/Oct 2006), pp. 10–15. 31. See www.bbc.co.uk/photography/genius/ 26. See especially Allan Brodie and Gary gallery/jones.phtml (accessed 29 August Winter, England’s Seaside Resorts (Swindon: 2009). English Heritage, 2007). 32. Report of the Casino Advisory Panel, 30 27. L. Gibson and J. Pendlebury (eds), Valuing January 2007. Historic Environments (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2009).

Notes to Chapter 9

1. David Powell Associates with Fred Gray, City Council, Shepway District Council, South East Coastal Towns: Economic SEEDA, University of Chichester and the Challenges and Cultural Regeneration University of Portsmouth. The research (August 2009), a report funded by reviewed 30 indicators of local economic SEEDA and commissioned through the performance and deprivation/prosperity Creative Foundation on behalf of Arun over the period 2000 to 2008. Contact District Council, Creative Foundation, details: [email protected] and david. Margate Renewal Partnership, Portsmouth [email protected].

Notes to the chapters 238 Notes to Chapter 10

1. [Sub-National Review of Economic 6. [Houghton Review.] – “Tackling Development and Regeneration.] – Sub- Worklessness: A Review of the contribution National Review of Economic and role of local authorities and partnerships Development and Regeneration – HM - Final Report” Department for Treasury July 2007 Communities and Local Government 2. [The new proposals for Planning Policy March 2009. Statement (PPS) 4 point to a positive and 7. The Nomenclature of Territorial Units for more integrated way forward in this Statistics (NUTS, for the French context.] - Draft Planning Policy Statement nomenclature d’unités territoriales 4 – “Planning for Prosperous Economies” statistiques) is a geocode standard for – Department of Communities and Local referencing the administrative divisions of Government - May 2009 countries for statistical purposes. The 3. Matthew Taylor’s recent review of rural standard was developed by the European economies and housing ... about what Union. makes a settlement sustainable.] – “Living 8. [This work was prepared for evidence I Working Countryside – The Taylor Review gave to an All Party Parliamentary of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing” Inquiry into rural coastal deprivation.] All Department of Communities and Local Party Parliamentary Group Coastal Government July 2008 and Marine – Inquiry into deprivation and 4. Globe Regeneration (www.globelimited. disadvantage in coastal rural areas – 3rd co.uk) and Rocket Science (www. session 8 July 2009 House of Commons rocketsciencelab.co.uk). It can be – Chaired by Norman Lamb MP supported viewed on-line at www.communities. by Coastnet as the secretariat. gov.uk. DCLG guidance can be found at: 9. [rural–urban definitions developed by http://www.communities.gov.uk Professor John Shepherd for the 2004 Rural /publications/localgovernment/ Strategy.] – “Rural Strategy 2004. localeconomicassessments Department for Environment, Food and 5. [Transforming Place, Changing Lives: a Rural Affairs” July 2004 Framework for Regeneration, CLG July 2008.] – Nothing to add!!

Notes to Chapter 11

1. The Improvement and Development approach to health improvement across Agency (IDeA) have funded this chapter local government itself, and through as part of their work within the Healthy partnership working improve the impact of Communities Programme (see www.idea. LAAs and LSPs on the health and wellbeing gov.uk/idk/core). The programme aims to of the local community. Thanks are due build the capacity of local authorities to to Julia Sherfield and Liam Hughes (IDeA) tackle health inequalities, provide leadership and to Patrick Browne for comments to promote wellbeing, foster a joined-up on the draft text. Thanks to Paul Iggulden

239 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 for comments on the survey design. Thanks ‘Definition of a coastal resort’, 2009. to the Association of Directors of Public 12. HM Treasury, Department for Business, Health for assistance with the survey. Finally, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, thanks to all survey respondents and all and Department for Communities and those who contributed to the case studies. Local Government, Review of Sub-national 2. World Health Organization, Constitution, Economic Development and Regeneration, available at www.who.int/governance/ 2007. Available at www.hm-treasury.gov. eb/who_constitution_en.pdf (accessed 18 uk. December 2009). 13. Communities and Local Government 3. Comment of a respondent to the IDeA Committee. Coastal Towns: First survey. Report of Session 2007–8, HC 69.2007 4. HM Treasury and Department of Health, House of Commons; available at www. Tackling Health Inequalities: Summary of publications.parliament.uk. See also notes 5 the 2002 Cross-cutting Review (London, and 7. 2002); available at www.hm-treasury.gov. 14. John Walton, in his foreword to the coastal uk. futures symposium report (2006), argues 5. Further information on, and results from, that while traditional tourism has declined this survey can be found at www.idea.gov. since its heyday in the 1950s and 60s, it uk. continues to be a vital and important 6. C. Beatty and S. Fothergill, The Seaside industry that should not be overlooked. Economy, final report of the seaside 15. R. G. Wilkinson and M. Marmot, town project, Sheffield Hallam University, Social Determinants of Health: the Solid 2003; available at www.shu.ac.uk. Facts, 2nd edn (Denmark: World 7. Personal communication, D. Harrison, Health Organization, 2003). Available Deputy Regional Director of Public Health, at www.euro.who.int/InformationSources/ Department of Health North West, 2009. Publications/Catalogue/20020808_2 8. Communities and Local Government (accesed 18 December 2009). Committee, Coastal Towns: Second 16. Department of Health, ‘New Horizons: Report of Session 2006–7, HC 351.2007 Government consults on mental health House of Commons; available at www. and well-being’, DH website, 2009. publications.parliament.uk. Available at www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/ 9. C. Bambra, K. Joyce and A. Maryon-Davis, Recentstories/DH_103186. Priority Public Health Conditions, final report 17. H. Barton, ‘A health map for urban prepared on behalf of Task Group 8, 2009: planners: towards a conceptual model for Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in healthy sustainable settlements’, Built England post-2010 (Marmot Review); Environment 31 (2005), pp. 339–55. available at www.ucl.ac.uk/gheg/ 18. G. Dahlgren and M. Whitehead, Policies marmotreview. and Strategies to Promote Social Equity in 10. A. Costello, M. Abbas, A. Allen et al., Health (Stockholm: Institute for Future Managing the health effects of climate Studies, 1991). change, The Lancet 373 (2009), pp. 19. Commission on the Social Determinants of 1693–733; available at www.thelancet. Health, Closing the Gap in a Generation: com/journals/lancet/issue/ Health Equity through Action on the current?tab=pastwww.thelancet.com. Social Determinants of Health (World Health 11. Personal communication, Patrick Browne, Organization, 2008); available at

Notes to the chapters 240 www.who.int/social_determinants/final_ Centre. Information on the Mablethorpe report/en/index.html. Also see: Health Centre can be found at www. Department of Health (available at Marisco.GPsurgery.net. www.dh.gov.uk), Tackling Health 30. East Lindsey District Council, Council and Inequalities: a Programme for Action, 2003; Democracy: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/council. Tackling Health Inequalities 10 Years On: 31. Mablethorpe Imagineering Workshop press a Review of Developments in Tackling Health release: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/News/ Inequalities in England, 2009; Health media/media_releases/mabworkshop- Inequalities: Progress and Next Steps, 2008. 16022009.cfm. 20. Health Select Committee report on health 32. Case study: with thanks to Tim Allison, inequalities; available at www.publications. Director of Public Health, NHS East Riding parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/ of Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire cmhealth/286/28610.htm#a80 (accessed Council. Sources: D. Zenner and T. Allison, 18 December 2009). ‘Health of caravan park residents: a cross- 21. Communities and Local Government sectional study in the East Riding of Committee, Coastal Towns: First Yorkshire’, 2006; T. Allison, L. Gowland, Report of Session 2007–8, HC 69.2007 N. Belt and T. Hall, ‘Improving health on House of Commons; available at www. the coast’, PowerPoint presentation to publications.parliament.uk. East Riding Local Strategic Partnership, 22. Association of Public Health Observatories, 2009; D. Zenner and T. Allison, ‘Health Welcome to Health Profiles: available at in caravan park communities: a cross- www.apho.org.uk/defaultaspx?RID=49802. sectional study in the East Riding of 23. H. Walford and S. Brodhurst, ‘What makes Yorkshire’, PowerPoint presentation, 2006. coastal areas different? The facts and 33. Case study: with thanks to Tom Scanlon, figures’, PowerPoint presentation, 2007. Director of Public Health, NHS Brighton 24. M. Whitehead, ‘A typology of actions to and Hove, and Tim Nichols, Head of tackle social inequalities in health’, Journal of Environmental Health and Licensing, Epidemiology and Community Health 61 Brighton and Hove City Council. (2007), pp. 473–8. 34. 2020 Community Partnership, Reducing 25. See www.idea.gov.uk. Crime and Improving Safety: Alcohol, 2007; 26. Case study: with thanks to Jonathan Sexton, available at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ Consultant in Public Health, NHS Eastern & index.cfm?request=c1165405 (accessed Coastal Kent. 18 December 2009). 27. Canterbury City Council, Connecting Herne 35. Local Alcohol Profiles for England, ‘Profile Bay Area Action Plan: Preferred Options, of alcohol related harm – Brighton and CCCl Local Development Framework, Hove’, 2008; available at www.nwph.net/ 2008; available at www.canterbury.gov.uk. alcohol/lape. 28. L. Hovard, D. West, A. Cooke and 36. P. Iggulden, E. Ison and B. Cave, ‘Health D. Haywood, Health Impact Assessment: Impact Assessment of the introduction of Connecting Herne Bay (Herne Bay Area flexible alcohol hours in Brighton and Action Plan Preferred Options Document) Hove’, Ben Cave Associates Ltd for 2009, Public Health Resource Unit for NHS Brighton and Hove City Council and NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent. Brighton and Hove, 2009. 29. Case study: with thanks to Janet Goult, 37. Home Office,Explanatory Notes to Practice Manager, Mablethorpe Health Licensing Act 2003; available at www.opsi.

241 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 gov.uk/acts/acts2003/en/ HMSO); available at www.opsi.gov.uk. ukpgaen_20030017_en_1 (accessed 18 48. Royal Town Planning Institute, Delivering December 2009). Healthy Communities, RTPI Good Practice 38. Case study: with thanks to Steve Weaver, Note 5, 2009; available at www.rtpi.org.uk. Tim Coglan and Karen Smith at Blackpool See also NHS Healthy Urban Development Council and Steve Morton at NHS Unit, Health and Urban Planning Toolkit, Blackpool. 2007; available at www. 39. Visit Blackpool, Blackpool – Feel the Buzz: healthyurbandevelopment.nhs.uk. www.visitblackpool.com/site/things-to-do. 49. N. Cavill, Building Health: Creating and 40. Department of Health and Association Enhancing Places for Healthy, Active Lives. of Public Health Observatories, Health What needs to be done? (National Heart Profile: Blackpool, 2009; available at www. Forum, 2007); available at www. apho.org.uk. heartforum.org.uk. See also National 41. NHS Blackpool, ‘ALTN8: campaign to Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, crack town’s drinking culture’, available at Physical Activity and the Environment, www.blackpool.nhs.uk/index.php/ 2008; available at www.nice.org.uk/PH008 blackpool-life/altn8. (accessed 18 December 2009). 42. Health Select Committee, ‘Memorandum 50. Department of Health, Draft advice on of the Local Government Association assessing population and human health (AL 33)’, 2009: available at www. within Strategic Environmental Assessment publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/ European Directive 2001/42/EC. cmselect/cmhealth/368/368we34.htm Consultation document, 2007; available at (accessed 18 December 2009). www.dh.gov.uk. 43. Chartered Institute of Public Finance and 51. See note 23. Accountancy, Trading Standards Statistics, 52 S. Curtis, B. Cave and A. Coutts, ‘Is urban 2008; available at www.cipfastats.net. regeneration good for health? Perceptions 44. Case study: with thanks to Mike Studden, and theories of the health impacts of urban Regional Head of Environmental Hazards, change’. Environment and Planning C: Health Protection Agency. Information on Government and Policy 20 (2002), pp. the ‘Our coast and public health’ 517–34. See also H. Thomson, R. conference can be found at www.hpa- Atkinson, M. Petticrew and A. Kearns, ‘Do events.org.uk/hpa/frontend/reg/thome.cs urban regeneration programmes improve p?pageID=17107&CSPCHDx=00000000 public health and reduce health inequalities? 00000&CSPIHN=108058-108058:80&CS A synthesis of the evidence from UK PSCN=CSPSESSIONID&eventID=54 policy and practice (1980–2004)’, Journal of (accessed 18 December 2009). Epidemiology and Community Health 60 45. Office of National Statistics, Regional Profile (2006), pp. 108–15. See also C. Bambra, South West, 2009; available at www. M. Gibson, M. Petticrew et al., ‘Tackling statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1134 the wider social determinants of health (accessed 18 December 2009). and health inequalities: evidence from 46. Adrian Roper, SW Coast Path Team, systematic reviews’, Short Report 5 (Public ‘Our coast and public health’ conference Health Research Consortium, 2008, 2006. Environment Workshop: key points. available at www.york.ac.uk). 47. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 53. H. Thomson, ‘A dose of realism for healthy Local Government Act 2000 (London: urban policy: lessons from area-based

Notes to the chapters 242 initiatives in the UK’, Journal of 54. IDeA, Join Our Health Community of Epidemiology and Community Health 62 Practice, 2008; available at www.idea.gov. (2008), pp. 932–6. uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8988247 (accessed 18 December 2009).

Notes to Chapter 12

1. Economic and Social Research Council, pp. 461–80. Mapping the Public Policy Landscape: 12. J. Shepherd, A Typology of the Smaller Rural Demographic Aspects of Population Ageing Towns of England, 2009; available online at (Swindon: ESRC, 2006). www.rerc.ac.uk. 2. BBC News, ‘Population growth at 47-year 13. S. Baines, M. Lie and J. Wheelock, high’, 2009; available at http://news. ‘Volunteering, self-help and citizenship in bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8224520.stm (accessed later life: a collaborative research project by 18 December 2009). Age Concern Newcastle and the University 3. R. Baker, ‘Age discrimination and bio- of Newcastle upon Tyne’, 2004 medicine’, Speech to Council of Europe 14. European Policies Research Centre, Regions Ethics Committee Conference, Dubrovnik, for All Ages: the Implications of Demographic April 2005. Ageing for Regional Policy, final report 4. Commission for Rural Communities, The prepared by the European Policies State of the Countryside (Cheltenham: CRC, Research Centre, University of Strathclyde 2008). to the Regions for All Ages Research 5. Ibid. Programme (supported by the European 6. Commission for Rural Communities, The Older People’s Platform [AGE], Age State of the Countryside (Cheltenham: Concern England, Northern Ireland CRC, 2007). Executive Office, North West Regional 7. Ibid. Assembly and Scottish Enterprise, January 8. Countryside Agency, The State of the 2006. Countryside (Cheltenham: Countryside 15. ‘How Britain is coming to terms with Agency, 2004). growing old’, The Guardian, 17 May 9. J. Atterton, Ageing and Coastal 2009; available at www.guardian.co.uk/ Communities: Final Report for Lincolnshire uk/2009/may/17/ageing-population- Coastal Action Zone (Centre for Rural retirement-saga-housing (accessed 18 Economy Research, 2006); available online December 2009). at www.ncl.ac.uk/cre/publish/ 16. R. C. Cressy and D. J. Storey, ‘Small researchreports. See also note 6. business risk: a firm and bank perspective’, 10. For further information, see D. Vickers, P. SME Centre working paper 39, 1995. Rees and M. Birkin, ‘A New classification See also A. Green, ‘Employment and the of UK local authorities using 2001 Census older person in the countryside’, in P. Lowe key statistics’, University of Leeds working and L. Speakman (eds), The Ageing paper 03/03, October 2003. Countryside: the Growing Older Population of 11. C. Beatty and S. Fothergill, ‘Economic Rural England (London: Age Concern, change and the labour market in Britain’s 2006), pp. 94–118. See also R. seaside towns’, Regional Studies 38 (2004), Moreton, E, Malhomme, L. South and P.

243 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Taylor, Rural Lifelines: Older People and Rural 23. J. McLaren and M. Hakim, A Better Life: Social Enterprises (London: Plunkett Private Sheltered Housing and Independent Foundation, PRIME, Countryside Agency Living for Older People (London: McCarthy and Age Concern, 2004). Stone/HMSO, 2004); available at www. 17. A. Atherton and K. Frith, Lincolnshire’s mccarthyandstone.co.uk/pdf/ Future Entrepreneurial Economy: a Study of McCarthyStone_Final.pdf. See also K. the Significance and Potential of Business Croucher, Making the Case for Retirement Start-ups to the County’s Development, final Villages (York: Joseph Rowntree report on behalf of Lincolnshire Enterprise Foundation, 2006). and Lincolnshire Development, December 24. D. Brown and N. Glasgow, Rural 2005. Retirement Migration (New York: Springer, 18. See note 11. 2008); N. Glasgow and R. Reeder, 19. R. Baker and L. Speakman, ‘The older ‘Economic and fiscal implications of rural consumer’, in P. Lowe and L. nonmetropolitan retirement migration’, Speakman (eds), The Ageing Countryside: Journal of Applied Gerontology 9 (1990), pp. the Growing Older Population of Rural 433–51. England (London: Age Concern, 2006), pp. 25. D. Brown and N. Glasgow, Rural 119–32. Retirement Migration (New York: Springer, 20. M. Godfrey, J. Townsend and T. Denby, 2008). Building a Good Life for Older People in Local 26. Retirement Special, The Sunday Times, 30 Communities (York: Joseph Rowntree April 2006. Foundation, 2004). See also A. Green, 27. ‘How Britain is coming to terms with ‘Employment and the older person in growing old’, The Guardian, 17 May the countryside’, in P. Lowe and L. 2009; available at www.guardian.co.uk/ Speakman (eds), The Ageing Countryside: uk/2009/may/17/ageing-population- The Growing Older Population of Rural retirement-saga-housing (accessed 18 England (London: Age Concern, 2006), December 2009). pp. 94–118. See also N. Le Mesurier, ‘The 28. BBC News (2009), ‘Sunny side down’ contributions of older people to rural (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/ community and citizenship’, loc. cit., pp. magazine/7937086.stm); also ‘Weak 133–46. See also R. Moreton, E. sterling income sends ex-pats packing’ Malhomme, L. South and P. Taylor, Rural (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business Lifelines: Older People and Rural Social /7918723.stm). See also The Times Enterprises (Plunkett Foundation, PRIME, Online (2009), ‘The pain in Spain proves Countryside Agency and Age Concern, too much as expat Britons pack their bags’ 2004). See also Office for National (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/ Statistics, National Survey of Voluntary Activity pensions/article6297037.ece). Sites accesed 1997. 18 December 2009. 21. G. C. Wenger, ‘Help in old age: facing up to 29. K. O’Reilly, The British on the Costa del Sol a change’, a Longitudinal Network Study, (London: Routledge, 2000); C. Oliver, Institute of Human Ageing, occasional paper Retirement Migration: Paradoxes of Ageing 5 (Liverpool University Press, 1992). (London: Routledge, 2008). 22. K. Croucher, Making the Case for Retirement Villages (York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2006).

Notes to the chapters 244 Notes to Chapter 13

1. S. M. Hayler, ‘Live entertainment at the seaside’, Cultural Trends 13 (2004), pp. 41–75; see also S. M. Hayler and C. J. Bull, ‘The changing role of live entertainment at seaside resorts at the beginning of the 21st century’, Tourism Geographies 11 (Aug 2009). 2. S. M. Hayler, ‘Live entertainment at the seaside: how far a part of the cultural offer?’, Leisure Societies Association (2008), pp. 135–42. 3. L. Dryburgh, ‘What can arts and culture contribute in the regeneration of traditional English seaside resorts?’, School of Cultural Studies, Leeds Metropolitan University, 2009.

245 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Index A Action for Employment - 103 British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) - 6, 55 Admission All Classes - 127 Broadband access - 86 Ageing - 175ff Business ageing population - 43, 87, 176 development - 98 negative perceptions - 97, 181 incubation - 102 pyramid - 25 support - 98 structures - 177 Business Link - 103, 106, 206 Alcohol – 25, 51, 61, 62, 160ff Butlins – 133, 135 Allnutt Report 2004 - 125 Antisocial behaviour – 66, 89, 123, 162, 169 C Area Action Plans (AAPs) - 50, 194 Cambridge Economic Impact model - 119 Audit Commission – 86, 88, 102 Caravans - 38, 41, 42 , 87, 157, 159, 167 Care in the community – 25 B Casino Advisory Panel – 123, 127, 129 Baby boom – 176, 177 CCA – 36, 48, 49, 54, 56, 57, 61, 98 Barriers to regeneration – 43, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Bathing Beauties® - 115 Research (CRESR) – 29 Bathing machines - 188 Checklists: Bathing water quality - 120 coastal facilitation – 216, 219 Beach huts - 2, 19, 115, 116 188 self-assessment – 217-227 Beatty, see Fothergill Climate change – 33, 43, 44, 46, 50, 55, 59, Benefit claimants – 32, 35, 42, 43, 51, 53, 157 60, 91, 139, 153, 161, 16, 191, 192, 202, 208 Big Lottery Fund – 209, 210 CoaST - 60 Birkenhead - 14 Coastal Black economy - 123 authorities (map) - 31

British Resorts and Destinations Association erosion – 38, 91, 139, 153, 202 (BRADA) - 3, 6, 14, 34, 55, 115

247 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 facilitation checklist - 216 regeneration - 162 forces - 39 Demography – 7, 44, 123, 146, 147, 148, 150, 157, 213 regeneration questionnaire (response) - 49 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills resorts (map) - 30 (DBIS) – 200, 204 Coastal Action Zone project - 4 Department for Communities and Local Coastal Best Practice Network (RDA) - 37 Government - 7, 32, 33, 54, 65, 73, 94,145, Coastal Towns Commission - 67 203 CoastNET – 57-58 Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) – 110, 200 Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) - 6, 48, 52, 65, 128, 201 Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Areas (Defra) - 202 Communities – 4, 7, 14, 21, 23, 25, 26, 32ff, 43ff, 52, 65ff, 82, 87ff, 101ff, 111, 160ff, 174f, Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) - 192, 200ff, 210, 216, 215 32, 203 Coastal – 6, 36, 39, 46, 52ff, 67, 80, 98, 137, Deprivation – 33, 34, 91, 149, 154, 156, 157 160, 171ff, 191, 192, 200, 204, 208

Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) - 152 E Compulsory purchase - 194 East Midlands Development Agency – 4, 205 Core Strategy – 86, 192, 193, 194 Economic assessment (questions) - 147 Cost–benefit analysis - 120 Economic inclusion – 146, 150 Creative Foundation – 113, 135 Economic indicators – 9, 151 Cross-Departmental Working Group on Coast ‘Economic mass’ – 154, 155, 156, 157 Towns (XDWGCT) - 54 Education – 33, 38, 52, 136, 148, 161, 176, Culture-led regeneration - 109ff 200 barriers to – 111 English Heritage – 2, 4, 6, 7, 64, 65, 66, 70, 71, 76, 120, 126, 128, 137ff, 183, 196, 201, 202 D English Partnerships (formerly) – 42, 68, 76 De La Warr Pavilion – 23, 70, 121 English Tourism Information Partnership - 125 Definitions Enterprising the coast – 36, 44, 93 coastal resort - 162 Entertainment, live – 127, 128, 185, 186

Index 248 Entrepreneurship – 94, 97, 101, 104, 148 Framework for Regeneration – 40, 73, 74, 75, 220 Environment – 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, 14, 20ff, 41ff, 55ff, 72, 82, 91, 144ff, 164, 171, 191ff, 201ff, Future Jobs Fund – 52, 85 220

Built – 5, 6, 7, 20, 24, 59, 129, 163, 172, G 193, 194, 201 Government Offices (GOs) – 53, 207 Coastal – 10, 25, 60, 115, 228 Gross value-added (GVA) – 20 External – 95, 98, 99 Historic – 9, 137ff, 201 H Natural - 20, 163, 193, 194, 203, 208, 216 Hastings – 46, 71, 94, 189, 201, 205, 206 Environment Agency (EA) - 33 Health Impact Assessment (HIA) – 163, 164, EUROCOAST - 58 165, 168, 173, 174 European funds - 46 Health Protection Agency (HPA) - 172 European Regional Development Fund – 76, Health - 159ff 115 Healthy communities (IDeA) – 173, 174 European Union Innovation Policy - 6 Heritage Eurostat – 10, 127 initiatives - 53

F intangible - 13, 20 Heritage Champions - 137 Fairground culture - 186 Lottery Fund (HLF) – 138, 196, 202 Finance and funding - 100 Historical Environment Local Management Flood and Water Management Bill - 55 (HELM) - 65 Flooding HMOs – 33, 38, 41, 42, 51, 131, 140, 160, defences – 88, 139 161, 162, 164, 170, 171 risk – 44, 53, 88, 106, 149, 155, 191, 193, Home and Communities Agency (HCA) - 68 202, 216 Houses in multiple occupation, see HMOs Folkestone – 17, 65, 113, 114, 124, 133, 134, Housing - 31, 38 205 Fothergill (and Beatty) – 3, 4, 6, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 65, 94, 95, 120, 121, 177

249 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 I Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) – 76, 94, 101 Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) - 8, 58, 74, 145, 174 Local Government Act 2000 - 143 Inbiz - 103 Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) – 53, 145, 193, 208, 221 Incapacity benefit – 5, 6, 53, 54, 157, 162, 168 Indices of Multiple Deprivation – 33, 37, 82, 121 M Industrial Revolution - 13 Mablethorpe - 4, 33, 82, 111, 138, 158 In-migration – 33, 38, 160, 161, 162, 176 Margate - 24, 67, 78, 81, 108, 127 Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Marine and Coastal Access Act - 203 - 60, 192 Marine Conservation Society - 58 Inward investment – 36, 39, 43, 80, 81, 103, Mental health – 51, 160-162, 172 111, 204 Morecambe - 16, 17, 21, 24, 66, 67, 134 IT infrastructure – 84 Multi Area Agreements (MAAs) – 49, 74, 77, 78, 200ff J Jaywick - 7 N Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) – 173 National Performance Indicators for LAs – 144, 149, 152 L National Piers Society - 59 Life expectancy – 85, 149, 162, 170, 172 National Trust - 64 Linkages and flows – 148, 150, 152, 154 Natural England (Countryside Agency) - 192 Liverpool - 13, 117, 183 Neighbourhood Renewal Fund - 76 Local Area Agreements (LAAs) – 49, 53, 74, New Deal for Communities - 76 77, 173, 208 Night-time economy - 161 Local authorities – MAD - 29 North-West Coastal Forum - 121 Local Democracy, Economic Development and NYnet – 89 Construction Bill – 73-74

Local Development Frameworks – 151, 173, 192

Index 250 O Regional Planning Board (RPB) - 192 Office of National Statistics - 16 126 Regional Spacial Strategy (RSS) - 84, 164, 182 Out-migration – 176 Regional Transport Strategy - 191 Renaissance Partnership – 89, 96 P Renewable energy research – 53, 205 Parkinson, Michael (report) - 7, 76 Resorts (map) - 31 Partners for England Forum - 126 Retirees – 35, 42, 44, 145, 157, 177, 180 Penny arcades – 187, 188 Retirement villages - 180 Planning Advisory Service (PAS) - 145 Return migration - 181 Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) - 191 Roger de Haan Charitable Trust – 65, 135 Planning Policy Statement (PPS4) – 151, 191 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - 58 Politics of regeneration – 69, 121 Royal Town Planners Institute – 59, 62, 176 Pre-retirement model - 179 Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) - 106 Primary health care - 166 Rural Evidence ResearchCentre (RERC) – 178 Prince’s Trust – 70, 103 Private Finance Initiative – 68, 166 S Saga – 179, 184 R SAVE Britain’s Heritage - 128 RDA Coastal Network – 48, 54 Scarborough – 7, 22, 69, 88, 89, 90, 96, 183, Redcliffe Maud Commission - 143 193 Regeneration and the Historic Sea defences – 33, 44, 120, 139 Environment - 137 Sea levels – 50, 139 Regeneration, policy document - 8 SeaChange initiative - 7, 50-52 Regional Assemblies – 143, 191, 207 Seasonality – 32-39, 50, 66, 91, 92, 99, 214 Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) - 5, Select Committee Inquiry outcomes - 32 53, 94, 100, 193, 200, 201, 204 Self-assessment checklist - 217 Regional Economic Strategy – 85, 191 Sheffield Hallam University - 3, 29, 121, 122 Regional Environmental Strategy - 191

251 Coastal Regeneration in English Resorts - 2010 Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) – 149, community – 121, 134, 171, 185 173, 191, 202 economic – 120, 150, 226 Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) – 51, 83, environments – 151 196, 201 project – 116, 117, 135, 139, 140 Skills - 148 Sustainable Communities Act - 87 Social exclusion - 164 Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) - 157, Socioeconomic 183 database - 10 indicators - 20 T South East England Development Agency Taylor, Matthew (report) - 145 (SEEDA) – 6, 82-85, 133, 205 Thanet – 17, 18, 69, 70, 82ff Spatial definitions – 149, 151 ‘Topophilia’ – 14, 23, 71 Spatial strategies - 145 Tourism - 32 Special Interest Group (SIG) – 29, 55 and business - 40 St Ives Tate - 25 area life-cycle - 24 Standing Conference on Problems Affecting the Coastline (SCOPAC) – 58, 59 research – 40, 53 Starkey, Phyllis MP – 5, 6, 29 Tourism Intelligence Unit (ONS) - 126 STEAM model (GTS) - 124 Townscape Heritage Initiative (HLF) – 51, 138, 202 Stereotypes – 2, 13, 179, 210 Train to Gain – 103, 200 Strategic Development Initiative (SDI) - 195 Transforming Place, Changing Lives - 8 Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) - 173 Transient populations – 33, 35, 36, 50 Sub-National Economic Development and Turner Contemporary – 70, 85, 113, 133, 135 Regeneration (SNR) – 67, 73

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) - U 194 UK Beach Management Forum - 59 Sustainability UK Climate Impacts Programme - 59 business – 99, 100, 103, 201 UK Occupancy Survey - 124 coast – 59, 228

Index 252 UNESCO – 21, 104, 128 Unitary authorities – 49, 143

V Visit Britain - 124 Visitor numbers – 123ff Vulnerable people – 38, 210

W Wellbeing - 159ff Wolff, Heinz - 44 Work and Skills Plan - 150 Working Neighbourhoods Fund – 75, 85, 204 Worklessness – 35, 36, 39, 48, 54, 97, 149 World Heritage Sites - 128

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