Coastal Communities Revival Fund

The Portland’s Coastal Community Team, part of the Portland Community Partnership, successfully bid for £50,000 grant funding from the national Coastal Communities Revival Fund to use to regenerate this very important part of the island. The project arose from community feedback and surveys and is focussed on creating a sense of place for residents and visitors. Regeneration of this this beautiful area has been achieved by building on its rich heritage and attractive natural environment. Our waterfront is unique and the approach we have taken in showcasing its distinctive identity and charm attracting a greater footfall and residents' usage.

Over two days in March some 60 volunteers came along to clear the rubbish, scrub and weeds from the grass banks. New low maintenance Portland stone benches have been installed along with a lighting scheme, wall mounted Portland photographic boards as well as some new railings above.

Barbara Perry, owner of the Quiddles Café commented” This is our first season of running the café and we feel the works have made a great improvement to the whole area. The new lighting has meant we are able to stay open much later attracting many more customers”.

In additional to the grant funded work, two new boards are being designed showing the island’s unique flora and fauna and the life under the sea.

Around the island’s shores. This additional work has been sponsored by 0Three Ltd, Quiddles Café and the Portland Community Partnership.

The Portland Town Council has supported the project and it will be taking over the maintenance and running costs of the new installations.

This initial work is part of the wider business led and local authority supported Future Portland: Economic Plan recently launched and is the start of a very exciting time for Portland. Working with the private sector and community we aim to attract further substantial funding to address local needs as well as creating investment opportunities especially helping to retain and grow our existing businesses.

R Barton

Chairman Coastal Community Team Portland