TWO linked projects which could create up to 80 jobs have received a cash boost in a bid to regenerate coastal communities.

The creation of a catering academy and the restoration of the walled gardens at the Kirkleatham Estate in Redcar are set to become a reality after £900,000 was secured from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

The ambitious scheme, organised by Redcar and Cleveland Council, was successful in its bid to attract the funding, which helps local communities across the UK rebuild and regenerate their local economy.

Councillor Olwyn Peters, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The Kirkleatham Estate in Redcar is one of the area’s most prized assets and this funding announcement is fantastic news because it represents the first step in bringing back the site back to its former glory.

“The Council and its partners can now start to realise the vision for Kirkleatham and return the historic walled garden to its former glory as well as creating a catering academy and exhibition space.”

The next stage of the project will be to draft detailed design work and appoint partners to deliver the plans.

As part of the wider vision for Kirkleatham and following the completion of the work in summer 2016 it is envisaged that the site could be developed further with other funding support to provide an even better visitor experience and more employment opportunities.

Councillor Mark Hannon, cabinet member for economic development, said: “This is wonderful news for Kirkleatham and the area as a whole because the plans will not just develop the site as a visitor attraction but create much needed employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities for local people.

“The project will create 80 jobs as well as provide 300 training and 64 apprenticeship opportunities – this is a great example of improving a cultural asset and developing it so it becomes an economic asset for the area as well.”

The walled garden is a 3.5 hectare, Grade Two listed area of land, uncultivated for a generation.

The catering academy is expected to be in the Bellamy Pavillion area.

Several organisations expressed interest in the draft proposals, including local catering and hospitality establishments, voluntary and community sector groups, training providers and employment agencies.

The announcement of the funding was also welcomed by Redcar MP Ian Swales.

He said: “Just two weeks ago I urged the Government to consider Redcar and Cleveland’s bid very carefully given that a lot of its money is generated here through projects like the offshore wind farm. It is great to see our area getting what it deserves.”