Key Visitor Economy Developments

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £2.78m to the Tyne to Tees, Shores and Seas Partnership scheme (SeaScapes). The grant has allowed the exciting £5 million North East coastal project to begin, which will benefit communities in Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Hartlepool over the next four years.

SeaScapes focuses on the undervalued Magnesian Limestone seascape between the rivers Tyne and Tees in North East England. This coastline is characterised by its unique geology and is largely designated as Heritage Coast. It is rich in maritime, wartime and natural heritage, although much of this is out of sight.

Through 23 projects, the SeaScapes scheme will improve access to beaches, explore shipwrecks and habitats beneath the waves, improve biological recording through citizen science, construct a coastal conservation centre, tackle marine litter and create opportunities for local people and visitors to enjoy being on and in the sea. The scheme aims to take a community-led approach from the beginning, engaging coastal communities and sea users throughout development and delivery.