Councillors to discuss the pedestrianisation in Felixstowe
A car-free road and a resident parking scheme make up part of a council’s proposals for a town’s seafront.
East Suffolk councillors will be asked to support a development strategy for the Felixstowe seafront during Tuesday’s (7 October) cabinet meeting.
Cllr Tim Wilson, the lead for economic development, will seek approval to design several short-term projects to ‘create a beautiful, welcoming environment’ and support the local economy as well as residents and businesses.
His report says: “These developments will help to secure a continuing viable tourism destination and make the seafront and the Felixstowe area a desirable place to live work and visit all year round.”
The projects include lighting enhancements along the promenade and in the four historic seafront shelters, new signage to help visitors navigate the area, and improvements to the route between the promenade and Manor Terrace.
Designing these is expected to cost the council £60,000.
Once complete, the projects are expected to be delivered by the end of the 2027/28 financial year.
Further plans are being drawn up to trial the pedestrianisation of Sea Road, with the aim of making it permanent either fully or partially in the future.
The report says: “The continued vitality of the businesses in this area is compromised by the poor streetscape and the dominance of vehicles, both parked and moving. “
Meanwhile, East Suffolk Council is looking for funding to create a heritage attraction at the Martello Tower P, dating back to the 19th century as coastal defence during the Napoleonic Wars.
The strategy document also outlines longer term projects including new uses for the Edwardian gardens, enhancements to Martello Park and a resident parking scheme for the seafront.
These would need to be delivered by the new unitary authority covering the area, whatever shape it takes, after 2028.