The grants are the first to be made as part of Sea Change, a new three year funding programme which aims to kick start wider economic regeneration in coastal areas through specific investment in culture and heritage.

The programme will invest £45m in coastal resorts which will be used for work on cultural infrastructure - improving historic public spaces such as high streets, promenades, harbours or gardens; constructing new buildings or converting existing ones for use as cultural centres; enhancing existing galleries, concert halls, dance spaces, theatres and arts centres.

The key criteria in choosing the resorts is that they are areas of social and economic deprivation in need of regeneration.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said:
"Our seaside resorts are much loved and an integral part of English culture. But some of them are looking a bit faded and no longer attract as many visitors as they did.

"Many hold hidden treasures and this money provides a much needed boost to the resorts. This year Blackpool, Torbay and Dover and a dozen other towns will benefit, and by the end of the programme in 2011 the regeneration of many of our coastal resorts will be firmly underway."

In addition, the Sea Change programme includes up to 12 smaller grants of £200,000 to £1,000,000 via an open application programme. Any coastal resort with a cultural project that would be a catalyst for regeneration can apply for this funding. The deadline for applications for 2008 is June.

CABE chair, Sir John Sorrell, commented:

"CABE believes that investment in design and culture can trigger the regeneration that England's much-loved seaside resorts need. We want to see exciting and innovative projects which build on the strong identity these towns enjoy and give them the best opportunity to recapture their original flair. Sea Change will be a catalyst for a brighter future through well-designed buildings, spaces and places."