Newhaven and Bognor will be given millions of pounds to boost the economy and improve public spaces.

Newhaven will receive £1.9 million and Bognor £1.65 million from the Coastal Communities Fund, a scheme to regenerate seaside towns and villages.

The Sussex towns secured the grants after successful bids by Lewes District Council and Adur District Council for a share of £27.7 million of funding for more than 50 projects across the UK.

In Newhaven the money will be spent on developing existing |Denton Island facilities including new Innovation Space at the Enterprise Centre, more nursery space, new training rooms and a café.

MORE:

Plans are being finalised after yesterday’s announcement and construction work may begin as early as Autumn 2014.

MP for Lewes Norman Baker said: “I am hugely delighted with this news. Newhaven is firmly on the way up and well set for the future.

“Too many coastal towns and villages have suffered from economic decline and neglect but I have always felt that Newhaven has huge potential to draw in and attract new industries and to diversify the local economy.”

Plans for improvements to Bognor town centre include renovating the area in front of the train station, creating a welcoming Station Square.

It will be a flexible space for music and performance, there |will be a neighbouring area for temporary art installations and exhibitions and there will be a |new cafe quarter in front of Morrison’s.

Mayor of Bognor Paul Wells said: “I am delighted that Bognor Regis has been awarded this funding as it will assist with the regeneration of our town centre to make it a more attractive place to visit and shop.”

The Coastal Communities Fund was set up in 2012 to direct funds from the Big Lottery fund, which in turn comes from the National Lottery. Bidding for the next round of funding is now open.

The current round is expected to support more than 4,000 jobs and create more than 1,000 apprenticeships and training places across the UK.