Coastal regeneration in practice: turning investment into lasting change

Britain's coastal communities are returning to the centre of the regeneration agenda. Through the £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme, government is directing significant investment towards towns that have often been overlooked by traditional funding models.

At UKREiiF 2026, we brought together political leaders, local authorities, investors and regeneration specialists to discuss a critical question: how do coastal communities turn funding and policy ambition into lasting change?

Putting local communities at the centre

Local ownership was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Jess Asato MP spoke about the principle underpinning the Pride in Place programme: communities should play a central role in shaping their own future.

With £20 million available for each community over ten years, the programme provides a significant opportunity. However, as Jess highlighted, funding alone is not enough. Successful regeneration also depends on trust, community engagement and a clear understanding of local priorities. Coastal communities have a strong sense of identity, meaning there can be no one-size-fits-all approach.

She also drew comparisons with Canary Wharf. While places such as Lowestoft face very different circumstances, the lesson remains relevant: successful regeneration requires patient investment, long-term thinking and a vision that can endure over time.

Recognising the unique challenges of coastal places

The discussion built on conversations we have been holding with coastal stakeholders over the past year, including a dedicated roundtable at UKREiiF 2025. One point I raised during the session was that many coastal towns face challenges that do not fit neatly within conventional funding frameworks.

In my view, policy must do more to support coastal housing, local economies and the UK's growing blue economy. Investment in waterfronts and public spaces can generate significant returns while strengthening civic pride.

This is why I believe regeneration partnerships need to be structured for the long term. Public-private collaborations should provide continuity beyond electoral cycles and funding windows, creating the stability needed to deliver meaningful change.

Our partnership with Torbay Council operates over a ten-year timeframe, providing certainty for long-term regeneration.

Building partnerships for delivery

Partnership was another key theme.

Stuart Harris, Chief Executive of Milligan, highlighted the opportunities emerging across coastal communities, particularly around offshore energy and bio-renewables. He also identified a familiar challenge: balancing investor expectations with the realities of long-term place-making.

While investors often seek short-term returns, transformational regeneration can take a decade or more. For Stuart, governance is therefore critical.

He also stressed the value of external expertise and partnerships where private sector teams feel embedded within councils rather than operating at arm's length.

Sheila Oxtoby, Chief Executive of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, reinforced Stuart's point about the importance of partnership. Speaking from a public sector perspective, she highlighted the need for strong local leadership and shared objectives, emphasising that successful regeneration depends on all partners working towards long-term outcomes for communities rather than focusing solely on individual projects.

Reimagining the future of coastal towns

David Carter, Director of Regeneration at Torbay Council, argued that successful regeneration requires leadership, vision and strong storytelling.

Many coastal destinations are now competing with international visitor destinations. As David explained, regeneration starts with understanding residents' priorities and articulating a compelling vision for the future. Investment in cultural assets can then become a powerful driver of growth.

Chris Williamson, President of RIBA, built on this point by stressing the importance of high-quality design and placemaking. He highlighted the value of creating distinctive places and recognised the progress being made in locations including Torquay and Brighton.

Jacob Taylor, Deputy Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, outlined Brighton's ambition to create the UK's leading seafront destination. Investment in major cultural attractions, including a new international-standard art gallery, is helping position the city alongside leading European coastal destinations. Community consultation remains central to that approach.

From ambition to delivery

Successful coastal regeneration requires far more than funding. It depends on strong partnerships, long-term commitment, effective governance and a vision rooted in local identity.

The contributions from Jess Asato, Stuart Harris, David Carter, Chris Williamson and Jacob Taylor reinforced one principle: no two coastal communities are the same, and each requires a strategy shaped by its own strengths and aspirations.

As the Pride in Place programme begins to take shape across the country, the focus must now be on translating investment into delivery, ensuring coastal communities can create places that are not only revitalised, but resilient, distinctive and prosperous for generations to come.