REGENERATION projects across Essex and Suffolk have been given a major boost after �12million of funding was unveiled yesterday.

James Hore

REGENERATION projects across Essex and Suffolk have been given a major boost after �12million of funding was unveiled yesterday.

It is hoped the Government's “growth point funding” money will help to generate more than �300million of development and has been widely welcomed.

The announcement came from The Haven Gateway Partnership, an organisation set up to try to improve the fortunes of the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich, Mistley and surrounding areas.

Its chief executive, David Ralph, said he hoped the money would help with the aims of providing long-term sustainable economic and housing growth.

Investments unveiled for the region included:

n �1.2 million has been earmarked for a flood defence scheme on the River Orwell.

n �500,000 towards the development of the “Knowledge Hub” at Innovation Martlesham.

n �2.1million for Harwich, Clacton and Jaywick to assist with improvements to public space and car parking.

n A total of �455,000 for Colchester town centre transport improvements in the St Botolph's and cultural quarter areas.

n A total of �632,500 during the next two years has been set aside for Sudbury town centre

The partnership said it hopes the investment will help towards the creation of 13,510 new homes dwellings and 16,200 new jobs within the area within the next 12 years.

Richard Atkins, in charge of planning and economic development at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “This further round of growth point funding is more good news for Ipswich and the Haven Gateway.

“It confirms that our approach of working with organisations like the Haven Gateway and Regional Cities East pays dividends and will help to bring further jobs and investment - showing that Ipswich is indeed fighting back against the Credit Crunch.”

David Lines, leader of Tendring District Council, said: “The allocation approved today recognises the need to invest in the key regeneration areas of Tendring.

“It will lead to a step change in our delivery capacity and our ability to attract private sector investment. This in turn will create new employment opportunities.

Anne Turrell, leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “This funding means that we are able to put in place measures that support the long-term sustainable growth of Colchester, to ensure it continues to be a place people really want to live.

“With funding also being allocated to support projects that will open up access to some of our unique heritage sites and provide new and improved areas of public open space for residents and visitors alike, this is an exciting time in the development of Colchester.”

james.hore@eadt.co.uk