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Friday 15 Aug 2003

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, JOHN PRESCOTT LAUNCHES NEW PHASE IN £400 MILLION INVESTMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE REGENERATION OF HASTINGS AND BEXHILL

Region & Route:

| Southern

Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott launched a major new phase in the 10-year investment programme for the regeneration of Hastings and Bexhill by digging the first shovel of earth from the site of the new Hastings station. The project to rebuild Hastings Station is being led by Network Rail and is seen as an important element in the regeneration of the town of Hastings. Due to the high cost of necessary repair, the decision was taken to construct a new modern station building. The scheme has been developed in close partnership with Connex, Hastings Borough Council and SEEDA. The £8.6 million redevelopment of the station by Network Rail, which includes a £750,000 contribution from SEEDA for enhancement works to the forecourt and bus interchange, will herald the development of a £50 million spend on the adjacent station yard. This will comprise business space, the second phase of the University Centre, Hastings and over 120 new homes. The government announced last year its commitment to a £38 million spend to “kick start” the regeneration of Hastings and Bexhill and funds are allocated through the South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA). Further government money was committed through the Millennium Communities initiative funded by English Partnerships. Geoffrey Osborne Limited will carry out the work to Hastings Station on behalf of Network Rail. The project started in July 2003 and should be completed by the end of October 2004. The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott said “Today’s start of the Hastings’s Station redevelopment is a symbolic start to the regeneration of Hastings and Bexhill and underlines the Government’s commitment to bringing investment, jobs and new buildings into the heart of the community”. Local MP, Michael Foster added: “The Government has set out the means for local partners to work together in the regeneration of their community by establishing the Hastings and Bexhill Task Force and providing these significant funds which will allow a momentum of development to be maintained”   Dave Ward, general manager, Network Rail said, “We are delighted to work with local partners in a project that will deliver significant benefits to both passengers and the town of Hastings, ensuring they have the first class station they rightly deserve.”