Annex B
CASE STUDY: HASTINGS & BEXHILL
SEEDA Written Evidence to the South East
England Regional Select Committee Inquiry into the South East
England Development Agency and the Regional Economic Strategy
THE REGENERATION
OF HASTINGS
AND BEXHILL:
THE FIVE
POINT PLAN
Contributes to the strategy for the Coastal
South East.
RES 2006-16 Regional objective of Smart Growth and
also Sustainable Prosperity.
Contributes to all six of the Smart Growth Targets
and actions and additionally Sustainable Communities under
the Sustainable Prosperity objective.
In addition contributes towards four of the
Transformational Actions:
— Education Led Regeneration.
— Raising Economic Activity Rates.
— Next Generation Broadband Coverage.
The Hastings & Bexhill Task Force was formed
in 2002 by SEEDA, bringing key local partners together for the
first time. They they created a 10-year programme to revitalise
a failing local economy characterised by: a historic lack of private
sector investment and a strong reliance on public sector employment;
low economic activity, wages, business survival rates and skills;
and deep-rooted deprivation.[46]
The Task Force was set up as a direct outcome of the Government
seeking a comprehensive regeneration for the local economy. SEEDA
has resourced and led the delivery of this regeneration.
Key Results
So far, average earnings in Hastings have risen
from 68% of the regional average to 82%;[47]
office rents have risen from £6 to £12.50 per square
foot; workshop rentals have increased from £4 to £8
per square foot;[48]
commitment for 1,000 net jobs (355 net jobs currently have been
created or safeguarded);[49]
and VAT registrations have improved. Figures show more start ups
than de-registrations and a better business survival than average
for the South East.[50]
Total GVA impact is estimated to be £24.7 million each year,
with a range of £20-40 million.[51]
STRATEGIC ADDED
VALUE ACHIEVED
Leadership and synergy
SEEDA's marshalled key, disparate stakeholders
behind a shared vision: the Five Point Plan for regenerating the
area through specific outcomes for urban renaissance, business
support, educational and skills development, broadband and transport.
This received Government support of £38 million, with SEEDA
itself committing a further £30 million subsequently. SEEDA's
Chief Executive chairs a Steering Group comprising three councils,
HCA, GOSE and the two local MPs. SEEDA's Compulsory Purchase Order
powers have enabled it to assemble land to facilitate comprehensive
redevelopment in the area and deliver early impact.
Influence
SEEDA has influenced partner organisations to take
action at a regional and national level. It has led to major commitments
from key national bodies: for example, the national LSC decision
to overhaul 16+ education in the area and build two new college
campuses and HEFCE's 2009 decision for a major increase in assisted
student numbers at University Centre Hastings.. Also, major improvements
to the road infrastructure between Hastings and London have been
prioritised by the Regional Transport Board and ministers at SEEDA's
behest. "The achievements to date have come about through
the direct involvement of SEEDA and would not have been deliverable
by the local authorities alone"—Chief Executive, Hastings
Borough Council
Leverage
The Five Point Plan has acted as a catalyst for attracting
public funding, including £112 million from the LSC, £7
million from HEFCE, £9 million from ERDF, £15.1 million
from EP, £9 million from Network Rail, £21.7 million
from local authorities and £21 million from the PCT. East
Sussex County Council is leading delivery of the £89 million
Hastings & Bexhill Link Road. Private sector funding is vital:
£15 million of bank finance is being invested with up to
£120 million committed through a joint venture.
EARLY ACHIEVEMENTS:
(SEEDA LEAD FUNDED
PROJECTS)
— University Centre Hastings: an
innovative strategy for education-led regeneration to an ambitious
timescale; 750 students (2,500 with later phases) with an emphasis
on assisting hard to reach groups, exceeding targets. —
Creative Media Centre: 14,450 square feet of prestigious
managed business space for local start-ups, focus for business
support linked to the Broadband experience, eBiz and the Enterprise
Hubs, with 38 companies on board.
— Innovation Centre Hastings: 25,250
square feet of high quality serviced, flexible work spaces for
developing and expanding businesses—40 existing companies
in place.
— Priory Quarter: development of
a vibrant new business and education district with other mixed
uses. 37,000 square feet of office and retail space is complete,
with another 46,600 square feet shortly.
— Marina Pavilion: A year-round
seafront business, hospitality, conference and leisure venue in
the heart of St Leonards' disadvantaged community.
— Hastings Millennium Community:
In collaboration with EP, 610 eco homes and major education, health
and other community facilities.
— Enviro21 Innovation Parks: A series
of sustainable business parks for environmental technology firms,
with construction starting during autumn 2008.
46 Grant Thornton Report: "Sea Space: Evaluation
of Early Wins and Phase Two Projects" Aug 2008. Back
47
Earnings by Workplace 2002 & 2007-NOMIS-Official Labour Market
Statistics. Back
48
Dyer Commercial-Surveyors and Valuers, Hastings. Back
49
Grant Thornton Report: "Sea Space: Evaluation of Early
Wins and Phase Two Projects" Aug 2008. Back
50
BERR-VAT Registrations and De-registrations (2006). Back
51
Grant Thornton Report: "Sea Space: Evaluation of Early
Wins and Phase Two Projects" Aug 2008. Back
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