Eastbourne MP secures £1m funding for derelict buildings in the town
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has confirmed the town has been awarded £1 million in Government funding to help tackle derelict buildings.
The town is one of 60 local authorities across England set to benefit from the Government’s £125 million Derelict Buildings Fund, which aims to support efforts to bring disused and neglected buildings back into use.
Of the £125 million funding, £120 million is allocated directly to 60 local authorities, with £5 million retained to provide specialist support, guidance and technical assistance to participating authorities.
Local authorities were selected based on employment deprivation and then receive a proportionate share of the funding, relative to their population, with funding capped at no lower than £1 million and no higher than £3 million per authority.
Mr Babarinde has been campaigning in Parliament for greater Government support to tackle derelict buildings, which he says have been holding back Eastbourne.
In a statement, the Lib Dem MP said: “I’m delighted to have secured £1 million in Government funding for Eastbourne through the Derelict Buildings Fund.
“Over the last two years, I’ve worked hard to push for action on the derelict buildings blighting our town – from Debenhams to the old BT building on Moy Avenue.
“This funding is a welcome step forward for Eastbourne.”
One of the town’s most notable vacant buildings – the former Curzon Cinema in Langney Road – was thrust into the spotlight recently.