Seaside towns are to benefit from £36m investment in the biggest round of cash awarded from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund so far.

The money will be used to boost economic growth in 36 seaside towns, supporting projects to create nearly 3,000 new jobs and 1,500 apprenticeships and training places.

The successful projects include £2m to improve Blackpool’s illuminations, £2.7m to refurbish Scarborough’s historic market and £3.8m to extend the Tate St Ives art gallery.

Coastal communities minister, Penny Mordaunt, said: ‘Backing our coastal towns so they can rise up and drive forward their local economies is a key part of our long-term economic plan to secure a brighter future for Britain. This money will help create jobs, boost skills and open up new business opportunities, benefitting hardworking people in coastal communities across the country.

‘These fantastic projects demonstrate the creativity, enterprise and passion needed to help seaside towns become year round destinations that people are proud to live and work in.’

The Coastal Communities Fund was created in 2012 to help drive economic growth and reduce unemployment in seaside towns.