Read on to find out about more about these areas, the amazing projects that have happened there so far and how you can benefit from our support as you develop an application.

In the past, we’ve had fewer applications for funding from some places and communities. That’s why we’ve adopted some of them as Priority Development Areas. In the South East, there are four – coastal West Sussex, South East Hampshire, East Kent and North Kent – spanning a total of 13 local authorities.

The development officers for South East England, made up of Joseph Minden and Graeme McKirdy, work especially hard to support great applications from these areas and are always keen to meet with potential applicants to discuss their ideas.

Exciting project examples

There have been some incredible projects funded so far:

• In Worthing (coastal West Sussex), Community Interest Company Creative Waves received £19,000 for their recent project, Post to the Coast. They worked with local children to explore the area’s seaside heritage through old postcards and make a trail along the coast. Find out more on the Creative Waves website.

• In Ramsgate (East Kent), a grant of £84,500 allowed an amazing network of tunnels beneath the town to be opened to the public for the first time in years. The project has been a runaway success, and Ramsgate Tunnels is now in TripAdvisor’s top ten things to do in Kent. Read more on the Ramsgate Tunnels website.

• In Sittingbourne (North Kent), Swale Borough Council received a grant of £112,400 to gather local residents’ memories of Milton Creek’s paper and brick-making industries, and record them on a website designed by local students as part of the wider regeneration of the area.  Learn more on the Milton Creek Memories website.

• In Gosport (South East Hampshire), a recent first round award will breathe new life into Priddy’s Hard, an old military site dating back to 1777. The final project to restore the abandoned ordnance depot will contribute to the regeneration of the whole area, providing new facilities for Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower, new homes and jobs, and the ideal site for a local brewery’s relocation.

Whatever your heritage idea – and wherever you’re based – we’re keen to hear from you. Come along to one of our information sessions or surgeries based both in London and across the region, or get in touch with Joseph or Graeme directly to start the conversation!