The UK government has come up with a £36m (US$47.2m, € 42m) fund to help develop and improve tourist attractions, create jobs and promote socio-economic growth around the British coast.

70 projects in coastal areas of Britain will share the pot, which has been allocated to new museums, heritage sites, historic buildings and innovative businesses.

The money has come from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund and its Coastal Revival Fund, which have already invested a combined £180m (US$236m, €210.1m) in more than 350 projects so far across the UK.

£1.8m (US$2.4m, €2.1m) has been awarded under the scheme to deliver a museum on the site of the former Sands venue in Blackpool, Lancashire – Britain’s first museum telling the story of Blackpool and its role in the development of British popular entertainment and the great British seaside holiday.

A further £1.1m (US$1.4m, €1.3m) was awarded to a project to improve visitor infrastructure, facilities and activities along the coast of Cumbria in the north of England to "create new visitor demand and enhance the coastal destination offer", according to a statement.

"I am determined to support investment into and the development of our coastal communities and create an economy that works for everyone as we prepare for Brexit and beyond," said communities secretary James Brokenshire.

"All of the ambitious projects receiving funding were designed and developed by local people who know what will make the biggest difference to their areas.

"The sheer range of ideas demonstrates the potential of our coastal communities and will create good jobs, boost growth and improve people’s lives now and in the future."

Coastal communities minister Jake Berry added: "This is an investment in the future of our coastal communities which builds on their rich heritage and huge potential.

"The world-class attractions and innovative businesses supported by the Coastal Communities Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund will increase tourism, encourage investment and ensure people thrive up and down the Great British coast."