Graham Burgess

Head of Regeneration

What is Regeneration?

“Securing the livelihoods and working lives of local people both now and for the future.”

(Local Govt. Information Unit)

England’s seaside towns Deprivation Ranking(Low is worst)

Worst English Average

16,242

Best

Penzance 6,758 Sidmouth 23,464

Skegness 7,004 Whitley Bay 22,642

Great Yarmouth

7,898 Swanage 18,980

Bexhill 14,019

Hastings 9,313

Image & Labels

City of Love?

ParisThe Big Apple?

New York

Surfer’s Paradise?Newquay

English Riviera?

Torquay

London by the Sea?Brighton

Costa Geriatrica?Bexhill

God’s Waiting RoomEastbourne

Costa del Dole

Margate

Economic Regeneration Strategy 2010 - 2015

InnovationEncouraging enterprise to flourish

Business Support

Tourism

Transport & Communications

Business Premises

Knowledge-based Industries

Town Centres

Inclusion Improving opportunities for all

Education & Skills

Barriers to Work

Housing

Isolation & Deprivation

Inspiration Leadership, communication and

confidence

Promotion & Image

Raising Awareness of Opportunities, Aspiration

Influencing Decisions

How is Regeneration Delivered?

Hastings and Bexhill Taskforce – ‘Five Point Plan’ Local authorities’ capital projects (Corporate Plan) Other statutory agencies (County Council, Job Centre, SEEDA

until now) Housing Associations Schools, Colleges, Universities Voluntary Sector

Co-ordinated through private, public, voluntary partnerships

(Local Strategic Partnerships, Task Force Steering Group)

The Council’s Role

As an Advocate As a Service Provider and Legislator As a Partner and Enabler As an Employer As a Deliverer of Projects

Rother DC Corporate Plan 2006 - 2016

Sets the priorities for the Council over 10 years

4 Key Aims Safer, Stronger, Communities Working in Partnership Delivering Value for Money Putting Customers First

Short-term: Heritage Shopfronts Eyesores & dereliction

Medium term: Sidley Goods Yard Marley Lane, Battle Egerton Park

Long term: North East Bexhill Bexhill Town Centre

Executive Priorities (Corporate Plan)

Elva Business Centre – Decision-making process

2005 -2006 Regeneration Sites Working Group 2006 Sidley Goods Yard included in Corporate Plan 2006-7 Feasibility and design work July 2007 Report to Cabinet – budget included in Capital Programme 2008-9 Detailed design and contract tender Feb 2009 Cabinet approval to let contract April 2009 Contractors start on site June 2010 Practical Completion July 2010 First tenant takes occupation

Elva Business Centre, Sidley

Before Now

Bexhill Opportunities

Achieved or underway:

De La Warr Pavilion Sidley Goods Yard (Elva

Business Centre) Seafront & Colonnade Bexhill Museum Egerton Park Sure Start Bexhill High School

Work in progress:

Town Centre Hotel – no firm proposals Link Road – awaiting decision New Leisure Centre

Bexhill Town Centre

Corporate Plan Priority – Long Term

Planning Framework will be central Public Realm Partner investment – e.g. Network Rail, University Private sector – consumption offer – comparison & convenience

Next Steps Town Centre Steering Group – RDC, ESCC, Chamber Project team to lead on delivery Communication and Consultation

The Future

“If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change”

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa – ‘The Leopard’

Talking ‘bout My Generation

Future Trends

Average age increasing

Over 50’s have 80% of wealth

‘Baby boomers’ retiring Consumer generation More active, fitter, live longer,

wealthier Pension changes Prepared to work beyond

retirement

‘Have Nots’ Low income Limited assets Poorer health Dependant on the State

Bexhill has its share of both

Could go either way

What will the wealth generators of tomorrow expect ?

Work Opportunities

Amenities –Culture, Leisure, Sport

Safe, clean environment

Vibrancy and Vitality

Young town for older people (and for all people)

Thank You