Expression of interest
To participate in the programme
Best Practice Award
in regeneration of
Coastal Towns
Initiative promoted by Local Government Association (UK) and
implemented in cooperation with:
Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and
Centre of Expertise for Local Government Reform
Name of the local authority
Canterbury City Council
About your local authority (up to 200 words)
A bit about us
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149,000 residents.
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A heritage city, two coastal towns, 12 miles of coast line, rural landscape and villages.
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Main employers – public sector/public private partnerships (41%), education, retail and tourism.
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High proportion of 15 to 29 year olds and over 65 years.
A small council with big ambitions
Canterbury City Council has taken giant strides over the past five years, investing in major longterm improvements for our community.
Planning a different future in Herne Bay
The coastal town of Herne Bay suffered from many of the issues common to English seaside
towns. A community survey in 2004 showed that many of the residents did not use Herne Bay
town facilities as it had no relevance to them. The council formed a board to oversee the
regeneration process. A Regeneration Manager was appointed to deliver the following aims and
objectives:
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An area action plan.
A renewed town centre.
Dedicated facilities for youth and children.
Safe, walking routes connecting the seafront, shops and park.
A refurbished park with links to the town and seafront.
Easily accessible, centrally located community and recreational facilities.
A renewed Pier platform.
A one stop shop for public services.
The title of your best practice case study
Herne Bay Regeneration 2005 to 2012 and beyond
Short description of your best practice (up to 200 words)
We adopted an Area Action Plan through the Planning Inspectorate in 2009. This included
extensive public consultation, to identify projects that were relevant and deliverable. We worked
with partner organisations where ever possible to ensure that the projects delivered were efficient
and effective.
To date over £8m has been spent on the delivery of the following projects:
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Refurbishment of Beach Alley, and William Street 2005/6.
An innovative youth and children’s centre 2007.
A refurbished park 2008.
New playgrounds 2009.
A leisure centre for the town and a pioneering sports arena with the sports academy 2010/11.
The transformation of the pier 2012.
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The current projects include:
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An upgrade to the seafront facilities 2012.
The formation of the QE11 Coastal Park 2012/13.
The re-development of Beach Street 2013/14.
A Gateway building to house all public services under one roof 2013/14.
The delivery of a new town centre for Herne Bay 2014/15.
We work consistently with the community including:
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Setting up the Town Partners
Launching a discount card for the town
The Herne Bay Festival
Annual community and business exhibition
Community Panel
And many more
Person in charge of implementation
Ian Brown
Position in the unit of the local self-government
Head of Planning and Regeneration
Contact
Patrick Rynne, Senior Projects Manager
Phone: 01227 862 329
E-mail: patrick.rynne@canterbury.gov.uk
Mobile: 07776 184 745
Please send your expression of interest to: dgII_coastal_bp@coe.int latest by 29 February 2012
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