Where has all that EU money gone? An Overview of in Kent Introduction: Organisations in Kent secured some 100 million in EU funding from mainstream Structural Funds programmes in the last programming period 2000 2006, These included Interreg, Objective 2, Urban; Leader, European Social Fund (ESF) and EQUAL. This figure, however, excludes projects supported under the Pan-European programmes such as FP6 (Framework for Research). With the 2007-2013 programming period now well underway, additional EU funding is continuing to be sought in support of KCC and Kent priorities, including those within Towards 2010 and KCC s Framework for Regeneration 2009-2020. The purpose of this document is to provide examples of projects that have been implemented under each of the main EU funding programmes in order to answer the question: Where has all that EU money gone and what has it achieved? This includes projects led by the County Council as well as its partners including the districts and universities. EU Funded Projects: A number of EU programmes and projects support the exchange of best practice, staff exchanges and training and new ways of achieving better outcomes for local people. By their very nature such initiatives are perhaps less tangible than, say, infrastructure projects but are no less valuable nonetheless. There are also a large number of projects that are more immediately visible and have also brought about concrete benefits for Kent over the last few years. These range from support for Fastrack infrastructure in North Kent to the creation of new educational facilities and office space in Thanet. Examples of successful EU funded projects in Kent have included the following which are also detailed in annex 1: The KCC-led Pride: Side by Side Tourism project, part funded by the Interreg IIIA programme ( 388K) which included activities to promote the Tour de France in Kent in 2007, the first Big Day Out in Kent and a training programme aimed at Kent tourism businesses and residents. KCC s Urban project ( 470K) to refurbish The Old Rectory Business Centre and bring it into use as state of the art office space in North Kent. Shepway DC s Town Centre Renaissance project ( 860K) which implemented physical improvements to Folkestone s main shopping area in the town centre (see photos below):
Further details of the main achievements and impacts of a number of EU funded projects have been detailed in annex 1 to highlight some of the benefits brought about by EU funded projects in Kent. The list of projects is far from exhaustive as it would be impracticable to include them all. For example, under the Thames Gateway Urban II programme, some 88 projects within Dartford and Gravesham (11 led by KCC) were approved between April 2002 and June 2007. As regards the Interreg IIIA Cross-border programme, over 140 projects were delivered by organisations in Kent and Medway (KCC submitted 31 successful Franco-British projects bringing 8 million to the authority) representing 59% of the total number of projects worth 24 million in European Regional Development Funding (ERDF). Current & Future Activity: In addition to those projects mentioned in the annexes, KCC and other organisations in Kent will continue to submit applications for EU funded projects under the 2007-13 Funding programmes such as Interreg IVA.
Annex 1a: Interreg IVA 2 Seas (England-France-Flanders-Netherlands) Project Information Value of EU Related 2010 Grant Target(s) Interreg IVA is an EU funding programme which aims to promote joint working and cross-border co-operation between partner organisations on either side of a European land or maritime border during the period 2007-13. Interreg is part of the European Regional Development Fund. The 2 Seas programme can part-finance projects under three main priorities: supporting an economically competitive, attractive & accessible area, promoting and enhancing a safe & healthy environment and improving quality of life. The programme was launched in 2008 and a number of projects involving Kent partners have already been approved. Interreg IVA 2 Seas (England- France-Flanders- Netherlands) Cross-Border Observatory to Optimise Public Service Delivery: (KCC, Conseil Général du Pas de Calais, all Kent districts, Medway Council) The project aims to improving the delivery of public services and will involve the Gateways on the Kent side. Customer profiling techniques will be developed, targeted at the less well off and those living in rural areas. It will include the development of a customer service delivery framework which will show how services can be tailored to fit the needs of different groups. The results of the project will also help to inform decisions about the location of Gateway services to ensure good links between the needs of the population and the Gateways. Total (Fr-UK) 1,570,000 of which Kent partners will receive 643,000 24 Find new and innovative ways of communicating with the public 120m 2007-13 Developing Best Practice in Promoting Enterprise: (Business Support Kent with the Chamber of Commerce in East Flanders) The main aim of the project is to develop an enterprise culture and promote entrepreneurship in disadvantaged areas so that individuals gain self-respect and a work ethic. Activities will include fostering an enterprise culture in schools and other training establishments, disadvantaged communities, rural areas and coastal towns. Key outcomes will include increasing the availability and quality of entrepreneurship education and training and bringing together the key players in this field. Total (Be-UK) 392,000 of which BSK will receive 142,000 1 Increase the number of new jobs by increasing the number of companies investing in Kent & the no. of businesses expanding Face2Face (Espace Croisé Turner Contemporary, Commissions East, Saison Vidéo, Artconnexion) The project is a programme of contemporary art tours that encourages tourists and local people to access high quality cultural activity via environmentally sustainable bike, boat, train, bus and walking routes. The aim is to encourage a wide variety of audiences, as well as artists and art professionals, to explore either side of the Channel. Key Outputs for Kent will include the creation of a number of cultural tours and Joint marketing and educational activities for the partner arts organisations. Total (Fr-UK) 857,000 of which Turner will receive 35,000 25 Promote Kent as a centre for the Arts www.interreg4a-2mers.eu
Annex 1b: Interreg IVA Channel (France-England) Project Information Value of EU Related 2010 Grant Target(s) Interreg IVA is an EU funding programme which aims to promote joint working and cross-border co-operation between partner organisations on either side of a European land or maritime border during the period 2007-13. Interreg is part of the European Regional Development Fund. The Channel programme can part-finance projects under four main priorities: Reinforce the sense of belonging to a common space of citizenship & raise awareness of common interests, building partnerships for cross-border economic development & centres of excellence, building an attractive region to live in & visit and ensuring a sustainable environmental development of the common space. The programme was launched in 2008 and a number of projects involving Kent partners have already been approved. Interreg IVA Channel (France- England) 124m 2007-13 Landscapes & Nature for All: (KCC - Kent Downs AONB, Parc Naturel Régional NPDC and local partners on both sides of the Channel) The project will deliver the following in the Kent Downs and Parc Naturel Régional areas: natural heritage enhancements, communication, education and awareness raising activities, strategic research and monitoring of protected landscapes and cross border co-operation and exchanges on the main areas of activity. NETFORCE: (Business Support Kent, Partners in Haute Normandie) This is a pilot project which aims to review the way that entrepreneurship is supported from a cross-border perspective and promoting entrepreneurship in Kent & Normandy. Activities will include a promotional campaign, research work, network development and the development of a wider project to implement the findings. Self-Efficacy: (Health & Europe Centre, Kent PCTs, Partners in Somme) This project builds on a previous Interreg 3A project investigating the causes of teenage pregnancy and working with young people on preventative measures. The new project will carry out research into how poor self image among young people can contribute to social exclusion and health problems. The findings of the project will lead to a larger project being developed. Total (Fr-UK) 1.3m of which Kent organisations will receive 806K Total (Fr-UK) 27K of which BSK will receive 19K Total (Fr-UK) 53K of which Kent partners will receive 17K 45 Protect & enhance Kent s ancient woodlands and improve access to the countryside 1 Increase the number of new jobs by increasing the no. of companies investing in Kent & the no. of businesses expanding 50 Introduce a hard hitting public health campaign targeted at young people www.interreg3.com/en/homepage.asp
Annex 1c: Urban II Thames Gateway Project Name, Partners involved & Outline Key Achievements Value of EU Grant Related 2010 Target(s) Urban II Thames Gateway Kent was a European Regeneration Development Funding (ERDF) initiative, covering 10 deprived wards in Dartford and Gravesham. The overall aims of the programme were to part finance individual projects which contributed to providing better local jobs and enhanced competitiveness for local business, improved access to learning and a better skilled workforce, support for vulnerable groups and improvements of green spaces and sustainable transport. The programme effectively delivered these objectives through supporting 98 individual projects from 2002-2008. KCC s International Affairs group lobbied the UK government and the Commission and other decision makers over a two year period to secure the only Urban programme awarded to South East England. Urban II Thames Gateway 8.2m 2000-2006 Urban Regeneration in Dartford & Gravesham Fastrack Route B Infrastructure (Kent County Council) Urban funding was secured to deliver updated Fastrack access points along the Greenhithe to Gravesend corridor. Employ Kent Thameside (KCC & other local partners) The project focuses on being a single point of contact for employers and residents, delivering three main services, namely job brokerage, training brokerage which seeks to link employers to existing training provision and commissioning new employer led training programmes. Upgrading 14 bus stops improved shelters improved lighting installation of electronic real time passenger information displays Improved kerb heights Placing 1,200 people into employment Training people up to NVQ level 2 in construction related courses. 400 employers signed up with the scheme to advertise and promote their vacancies 4,000 local people registered on project database. 485,000 419,098 34 Tackle urban congestion and reduce peak journey times 2 Concentrate on the regeneration of Kent s deprived areas and support business growth The 4S Swanscombe Schools Support Service Project (Kent County Council) The project was set up to provide preventative support to children and families in Swanscombe and had a number of aims including to improve educational attainment, behaviour and attendance, promote inclusion and increase the skills level of parents to support their child s education. Improved educational attainment levels and behaviour among young people Better parental engagement with schools Improved confidence in young people and their families 96,078 13 Offer and develop multiagency support to parents by helping them with the problems they and their children face in everyday life The Old Rectory Business Centre: (KCC) Refurbishment of state of the art 1 Increase the
The project brought back into viable economic use a vacant 15th Century grade 2* listed property in the Northfleet area as state of the art office space. office space. Since opening in April 2005, the workspace area has been full with the initial 70% of tenants being small start- up businesses from the Urban area. 470,000 number of new jobs by increasing the number of companies investing in Kent & the no. of businesses expanding www.urban-thames-gateway.co.uk
Annex 1d: Objective 2 - Thanet Project Name, Partners involved & Outline Key Achievements Value of EU Grant Related 2010 Target(s) The 2000-2006 EU Objective 2 programme was part of the European Regional Development Fund and aimed to support regeneration initiatives in areas suffering industrial decline across Europe. The South East Objective 2 programme (covering Thanet and Hastings) aimed to create a more dynamic economic environment with a particular emphasis placed on encouraging business creation and survival, improving the competitiveness of existing businesses and reducing the levels of deprivation in disadvantaged communities. The programme supported 75 projects in Thanet. Objective 2 Thanet - 26m 2000-2006 Areas Suffering Industrial Decline East Kent Spatial Development Plan: (East Kent Spatial Development Company) The project developed a pioneering scheme to unlock potential development for the area whereby this not for profit company has, with support from Europe, paid for a massive improvement to the local electricity infrastructure meaning that suitable infrastructure is now in place to enable new business development opportunities including relocation to Thanet. Thanet Campus Phase II: (Thanet Campus) The project was developed with the deliberate aim of providing a Higher Education Institute in the area to help raise the local employment skills base through the development of a site incorporating a new HE complex and innovation centre. A new electricity substation bringing additional capacity to Thanet Central Island Improvement to the local electricity infrastructure which will encourage further business development in the area 1000 students studying a range of degree and diploma courses with a business and technology bias. 3,207,852 700,000 1 Increase the number of new jobs by increasing the number of companies investing in Kent & the no. of businesses expanding 20 Build strong businesseducation partnerships that benefit employers and schools Thanet Innovation Centre: (Thanet District Council) The project funded the creation of the centre which opened in 2002 and aims to stimulate innovation and encourage entrepreneurship in local companies. Provision of 45 office spaces 100 people are now employed at the Centre, mainly in the knowledge based small business sector. 1,300,000 2 Concentrate on the regeneration of Kent s deprived areas and support business growth www.go-se.gov.uk/gose/eurofunding/objective2/
Annex 1e: Franco-British Interreg IIIA Cross-Border Co-operation Project Name, Partners involved & Outline Key Achievements Value of EU Grant Related 2010 Target(s) The 2000-2006 Franco-British INTERREG IIIA aimed to develop cross-border co-operation between eligible areas in South East England and Northern France including Kent and Nord-Pas de Calais. The aimed to strengthen cross-border co-operation and promote balanced spatial development through the promotion of an attractive and welcoming region. Over 140 projects were part-funded which involved organisations from Kent & Medway and partners in Northern France under a variety of fields including tourism, social cohesion, culture, education and economic development. Franco-British Interreg IIIA Cross- Border Co-operation 68m 2000-2006 Cross-Channel Greenways: (KCC) This project included the construction of the Tonbridge to Penshurst cycle route, work on the North Downs cycle route from Rochester to Canterbury and improvements to the Medway Valley path as well as more local improvements to public rights of way. Installation of the Tonbridge to Penshurst Cycle Route 1,100,000 48 Increase opportunities for everyone to take regular physical exercise Historic Fortifications Network: (KCC) A series of Interreg II and IIIa projects which have secured millions of pounds of investment towards the physical conservation of Kent s heritage sites. Activities included the restoration and refurbishment to sites including Dover Castle, Tonbridge Castle and the Castle Keep in Canterbury as well as producing brochures and guides such as Walking the Walls. Physical improvements to Dover Castle, Tonbridge Castle and the Castle Keep in Canterbury to improve accessibility 760,000 7 Fulfil Kent s potential as a premier tourist destination Pride: Side by Side (KCC, Comité Régional de Tourisme NPDC) The project aimed to promote the Transmanche area (including Kent) as a key tourist destination. This included activities to promote the Tour de France in Kent in 2007, the first Big Day Out for residents in Kent and a training programme aimed at Kent tourism businesses and residents. The project also aimed to strengthen Kent s reputation for hosting major events offering significant tourism development potential in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Year of the Cycle a year long cycling events and activities programme Development of the Pride programme a comprehensive training programme aimed at residents and tourism businesses London outdoor marketing campaign aimed at London visitors, residents and commuters to stimulate visits to Transmanche region 388,000 7 Fulfil Kent s potential as a premier tourist destination Installation of smart metering in a 190,000 42 Reduce the
Environmental Stewardship: (KCC) This project piloted a number of energy and resource saving initiatives in Kent schools and KCC buildings in an effort to demonstrate that financial savings can be made and carbon footprints reduced. number of Kent schools to enable real-time monitoring of energy usage Installation of lighting controls in Kent schools Pilot insulation techniques for boiler houses and water efficient taps in KCC buildings. impact of KCC s buildings and vehicles on the environment, including trialling the use of biofuels and other new technologies Town Centre Rennaissance (Shepway District Council, Ville de Boulogne) A joint approach to the regeneration of both Folkestone and Boulogne town centres including capital refurbishment works, exchanges on Town Centre Management and Basic Skill Training Courses. Physical improvements to the main shopping area in Folkestone (Sandgate Road and Guildhall Street, Rendezvous Street) 860,000 3 Support a programme of town centre regeneration www.interreg3.com
Annex 1f: European Social Fund Project Name, Partners involved & Outline Key Achievements Value of EU Grant Related 2010 Target(s) The 2000-2006 European Social Fund (ESF) was the EU fund aimed at supporting improvements in education, training and employment and contributed to developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the South East including Kent. European Social Fund ( 48m 2000-2006) Mentoring for Success: (Business Link Kent) The project aimed to improve the management skills of micro-businesses and SMEs through the provision of Mentors backed up by flexible training delivered on site. 150 people from 120 companies took part in the Mentoring for Success program 50 senior professionals were given the skills to develop their own mentoring capabilities. 344,000 1 Substantially increase the number of new jobs by increasing the number of companies investing in Kent and the number of businesses expanding Supporting Training and Employment in the SE Inclusion in Learning: (KCC, Medway Council) This project provided a programme of mentor training, mentoring and motivational activities for 13-16 year olds across Kent & Medway. The target group was young people who had dropped out of the education system and who had been identified as being at risk. The project helped to retain 5,000 at risk young people in the education system 1,000,000 15 Raise the expectations and aspirations of our young people Skills for all: (Kent Association of FE Corporations) The project aimed to improve access to community learning and to improve levels of progression to accredited and mainstream basic skills provision. It provided personal and learning support alongside community delivered, nonqualification based taster sessions and introductory courses. The project specifically targeted hard to reach individuals and was delivered in areas of deprivation. Over 725 beneficiaries involved in courses 74% of whom achieved a full part qualification 37% of whom progressed to further learning or employment 248,820 15 Raise the expectations and aspirations of our young people www.esf.gov.uk
Annex 1g: Mid Kent Leader+ Project Name, Partners involved & Outline Key Achievements Value of EU Grant Related 2010 Target(s) Mid Kent Leader+ was a 2m European Community funded initiative for assisting rural communities. The programme aims to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity in the local area. The focus is on developing and testing small scale and innovative projects to meet development needs in a sustainable way. The ran from 2002 to 2008 and funded 29 projects in mid Kent. Leader+ 2m 2000-2006 Rural Development in Mid Kent Wealden Wheels: Wealden Wheels is an innovative community transport initiative run across five rural parishes to solve access issues for those without easy access to a car. LEADER + funding has been successfully used to set up a community enterprise operating three minibuses to provide transport to after-school clubs, medical and other services. A community enterprise set up and three minibuses purchased to provide transport to after-school clubs, medical and other services 140,000 29 Continue to develop gateway one stop shops that give easy access to services provided by county and district councils and other public service bodies Mid Kent Food Trails: (KCC) 4 food themed tourist trails have been developed to raise the awareness of the links between landscape and local produce. These have promoted Kentish Apples, Wine, Beer and Romney Lamb and have been prepared in partnership with PROW, Produced in Kent and the KTA. The trails use existing right of way infrastructure to provide themed walks and cycle rides - thus adding value to the existing tourism offer and signposting Kentish producers. 4 food themed tourist trails have been developed to promote Kent produce. 28,000 4 Support rural businesses and communities to build a strong entrepreneurial culture Charing Library Rural IT Hub: (Charing Library) To develop a Rural IT Hub to provide a focus for IT based learning, with a particular focus on the over 50 age group and young people. www.midkent-leader.org.uk One rural IT hub created 18,000 26 Modernise the library service so it acts as a focal point for KCC services
Annex 1h: Interreg IIIb North West Europe Transnational Co-operation Project Name, Partners involved & Outline Key Achievements Value of EU Grant Related 2010 Target(s) The 2000-2006 Interreg IVB North West Europe was Financed under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and aimed to strengthen economic and social cohesion throughout the North West region of Europe, by fostering the balanced development of the continent through transnational cooperation in the field of territorial development. The programme part-financed 99 projects, of which 9 involved partners from Kent. Interreg IIIb North West Europe Transnational Co-operation ( 220m 2000-2006) HST (High Speed Train): (KCC and other European partners) The project aims to investigate and demonstrate the means by which HST stations and station area developments can serve local needs and development priorities. Actual investments include: environmental and urban design improvements in and around HST stations including Ashford and Ebbsfleet; improvement of public transport interchanges; creation of business passengers facilities; physical improvement of feedering stations. Planarch: (KCC and other European partners) Planarch aims to protect and enhance the historic environment and 26 archaeological heritage within the framework of spatial planning. The project is led by Kent County Council and brings together eight partner organisations from Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The project has four objectives: increase information about heritage sites, develop joint approaches to archaeology, integrate archaeology into spatial planning and raise public awareness on this issue. FINESSE: (KCC and other European partners) The FINESSE project entails research and practical preparations for sustainable, intermodal transport and logistical operations, in particular, by way of transferring freight onto rail-ferries between Dover and Calais, and shipping containers and trailers. www.nweurope.org Environmental and urban design improvements in and around HST stations including Ashford and Ebbsfleet Improvement of public transport interchanges Creation of business passengers facilities Physical improvement of feedering stations Joint methodologies for locating archaeological remains and establishing their value Development of an archaeological master plans will for the Thames Gateway Feasibility Study regarding reinstating rail freight in Dover Port strategy to underpin future Interreg projects including the above (HST) Total budget was 15.8m and split between 14 partners Total budget was 1.8m and split between 9 partners Total budget was 290,000 and split between 11 partners 35 Work with bus and train providers and lobby government to improve public transport services in Kent 45 Protect and enhance Kent s ancient woodlands and improve access to countryside, coast and heritage 42 Reduce the impact of KCC s buildings and vehicles on the environment, including trialling the use of biofuels and other new technologies