A new 20,000 capacity performance space, a revitalised Napoleonic fort and improved facilities at a world class heritage site will all go ahead in England's coastal towns following the award of over £10m from the Government's Sea Change programme.

Details of the projects to be funded in Blackpool, Dover and Torbay were announced today by Culture and Tourism Minister Margaret Hodge.

The DCMS scheme aims to boost regeneration in coastal areas through investment in culture and heritage. These are the first grants to be awarded in the three year programme, which will give £45m to coastal resorts and is being led by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).

Blackpool will receive £4 million to create a 20,000 capacity outdoor performance space to showcase cultural events on the central seafront, enhancing its reputation as the capital of dance. In addition, the streetscape from the Tower to the Headland will be redesigned and enhanced.

Plans for a possible cable car at a heritage site in Dover from the Western Dock to the Castle will be developed after just over £3.8 million was awarded to the city. Improvements around the historic castle, including updating the secret wartime tunnels, will allow new presentations of its history and heritage. The Bleriot Monument, which commemorates the first cross channel flight will also be refurbished.

Torbay is the third seaside resort to benefit from a large grant with just over £2.2m being awarded to develop two projects in their English Riviera Geopark. Artistic regeneration is at the heart of the plans with the creation of ten new studios as well as gallery space and a refurbished visitor centre.