Seafronts, castles and ports are among the locations in Kent set to receive a share of multi-billion pound government fund - with £45 million going to easing post-Brexit traffic at Dover.

Projects across Dover, Sheerness, Canterbury and Folkestone have been given a major cash injection as part of the second round of the Levelling Up fund.

The investment is said to benefit millions of people across the county by spreading opportunity and breathing new life into historically overlooked areas.

A total of 10 projects in the South East have been allocated a cash boost, six of which are in Kent.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.

“That’s why we are backing a number of projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities in the South East.

“By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.”

Projects in Kent awarded Levelling Up Fund grants:

£45 million has been allocated for Dover to improve the flow of traffic from the UK to the EU – with more border control points and a new exit route to help the port operate more efficiently and reduce congestion on local roads.

Another project in the area plans to build on the brownfield land and will receive more than £18 million for a new campus offering training opportunities in creative and digital industries.

Sheerness town centre will receive £20 million to transform the Beachfields seafront into a community hotspot.

They plan to include a new café, outdoor gym, soft play and adventure golf areas.

Funding will also expand the further education college and make space for new offices and studios for local businesses.

£19.9 million will be used to reopen Canterbury Castle, improve historic sites – including Clock Tower Square and Poor Priests’ Hospital – as well as building better green spaces and create new walking and cycling routes.

A major overhaul of Folkestone town centre is also planned with £19.7 million being allocated.

This will be used to improve shopping areas, an upgraded bus station and a new public green space to encourage businesses and visitors into the area.

The investment announced today follows the supply of £1.7 billion into 105 projects from round one of the Levelling Up Fund in 2021 – taking the total so far to £3.8 billion.

It has also been confirmed that there will be another round of the Levelling Up fund in the future.

Michael Gove, Levelling Up secretary, said: “We are firing the starting gun on more than a hundred transformational projects in every corner of the UK that will revitalise communities that have historically been overlooked but are bursting with potential.

“This new funding will create jobs, drive economic growth, and help to restore local pride.

"We are delivering on the people’s priorities, levelling up across the country to ensure that no matter where you are from, you can go as far as your talents will take you.”