Background
In September 2004, the Coastal West Sussex 21st Century Partnership approved the 5 Town Network Project. This project, funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) established a Network of regeneration practitioners across the towns of Selsey, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Worthing and Shoreham by Sea. A part-time project officer was appointed to develop the 5 Town Network as a mechanism for sharing experience, knowledge, skills and best practice across the West Sussex coastal strip. The Network seeks to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the long-term regeneration and vitality of the 5 Towns.
A Management Group was established to oversee the project, which operates to take forward priorities under the Revitalising Towns Objective in the Coastal West Sussex Area Investment Framework Document. This Group now sits beneath the Coastal West Sussex Infrastructure Task Group and reports directly to it. The Group comprises representatives from Adur, Arun, Worthing and Chichester Councils as well as SEEDA, the West Sussex Economic Partnership and West Sussex County Council
The Network Manager arranged an initial meeting of key regeneration personnel from across the 5 towns on 18th November 2004. This event brought together possible Network participants in order to discuss how best to work towards the following objectives:
- A more co-ordinated approach to urban regeneration and town centre management across the coastal strip
- A forum to share information, best practice and lessons learned
- Increasing the skills base of regeneration, economic development and planning practitioners in the 5 Towns
- A sequenced approach to accessing SEEDA (AIF) funding
Joint Working
The Network through initiating a number of joint projects has a well-established culture of joint working on common priorities and challenges within Coastal West Sussex and beyond. Colleagues from across the 5 Towns have also begun to create linkages and share experiences across a range of specialist subjects. The wider network consists of over 90 members from across Portsmouth to Brighton re-enforcing the cross boundary working and adding value.
Contact Details
For further information please contact Gemma Warr, 5 Town Network Manager on 07894 588711 or gemma.warr@westsussex.gov.uk
Or alternatively log on to our website:
http://www.adur.gov.uk/policy/5-town-network.htm