Herne Bay is putting the pandemic behind it with new investment and community projects which will boost the look of the town and help improve services for local people.
Most recently, Canterbury City Council has been successful in its bid to Government for a half-million £ grant to kick-start the regeneration of the Beach Street and Tivoli area. The first demolition preparations will start in April, allowing this eyesore on the high street to be turned into something which the community can be proud of.
This comes hot on the heels of other recent successes for Herne Bay:
- Opening of the new sports hub on the former golf course site, allowing dozens of local football, hockey, cricket and tennis teams to benefit from this multi-million £ investment
- Funding from the Department for Transport to support the expansion of the 20mph zone, as well as and cycling walking improvement through the town
- Upgrades to Herons leisure centre, including to the gym, changing rooms and disabled toilet provision; last month the new Hat Hats café opened onsite.
Looking ahead, even more investment is planned for the Bay:
- A new secondary school in Greenhill in the new Local Plan, relieving the pressure on Herne Bay High and allowing children to go to school locally rather than having to travel to Canterbury
- Upgrade to Herne Bay strain station; a disabled access lift and other improvements, with the initial works underway
- Improvements to Memorial Park including the playground and pond (as well as a further bid to the Levelling Up Fund, alongside the Kings Hall renovations).
Local councillor Dan Watkins, says:
‘I’m really pleased to see the Council achieve new investment to enhance community facilities across the town. We have shown that we can obtain funding from the Government, developers and our own coffers for the benefit of our residents.
Given the chance, I hope we will be able to continue our work beyond the May elections, so Herne Bay can continue its upward trajectory as a great place for residents and tourists alike.’
