Coastal Opportunities Gateway (COG) project

What is the Coastal Opportunities Gateway (COG)?

The Coastal Opportunities Gateway (or COG) is a project helping to improve the tourism offer and business trading conditions in rural villages at risk from coastal change and climate change. The £475,000 project is funded by the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund and ran until at least 30 September 2017.

Who can benefit from the Coastal Opportunities Gateway?

The Coastal Opportunities Gateway (or COG) is designed to benefit the people who live, work or spend leisure time in undefended villages which are vulnerable to coastal change or climate change or both.  The project will achieve this by:

• introducing modest visitor infrastructure to villages including Skipsea, Aldbrough, Tunstall, Easington and Kilnsea (summer 2017)
  
• exploring the potential for new beach access points in areas at risk from coastal erosion (possible pilot schemes from spring 2017)
  
• delivering free walking events (see question below)
  
• engaging with businesses in coastal villages to improve the marketing and environmental resilience of local attractions and services (autumn 2015-winter 2016)
  
• encouraging a two-way flow of residents and tourists between village centres and clifftop/beach attractions and services (from spring 2016)
  
• enhancing a flood defence in Kilnsea (spring 2015). 

Please note: under the conditions set out by the project funder, the Coastal Opportunities Gateway cannot fund new coastal defences or issue grants to third parties.

Are there any free events taking place through the COG?

We delivered free guided walks with support from The Ramblers and Flamborough Head Management Scheme as part of the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Walking and Outdoors Festival September 2017.

Please visit this website in the coming months for details of future events.

Can I influence how the Coastal Opportunities Gateway invests in coastal villages?

Yes. We welcome ideas for improving links between village centres and the coast and preparing coastal communities for the opening of the England Coast Path.

We received suggestions during public events in Aldbrough, Skipsea, Tunstall/Roos and Easington during spring 2016. We are now working with local people and consultants to take forward the most desirable, practical and affordable options in 2017/18.

To put forward your own ideas for making the villages even better places in which to live, work or spend free time, please email cog@eastriding.gov.uk.

Can the Coastal Opportunities Gateway help my business?

Although the Coastal Opportunities Gateway project no longer employs a dedicated business adviser, you might qualify for free business support, advice or training from the Council.  For further information visit our business advice page.

Where can I find additional informationabout the Coastal Opportunities Gateway?

To learn more about the Coastal Opportunities Gateway (COG) project, please email cog@eastriding.gov.uk.