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New and improved beach access ramp unveiled at Felixstowe seafront
New and improved beach access ramp unveiled at Felixstowe seafront
Local residents and visitors to Felixstowe can enjoy improved access to the seafront following completion of a new ramp.
Work began in autumn to install a replacement ramp at the South Seafront, linking the pavement along Sea Road and Orford Road to the beachfront, over the sea defence wall.
Located within Flood Zone 2, to the northern extent of Martello Park, the ramp will also provide a safe escape route in the event of the sea wall gates being closed in bad weather.
Cllr Craig Rivett, East Suffolk Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development, said:
"I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to improve access to this part of the beach at Felixstowe.
“It’s important that we do all we can to ensure that our beaches are accessible to all residents and visitors.”
Wider by about one-and-a-half metres and longer by about five-and-a-half metres, the ramp also features the addition of steps from the beach on the southern elevation and a landing area within the mid-section along the Martello Park side, as well as slip resistant material and railings.
Designed by Framlingham based architect, Hollins, the main structure was built off-site in Great Blakenham by Elliston Steady & Hawes (Building) Ltd, before installation began on-site in September – overseen by local authority commercial partner, East Suffolk Norse.
Eastern Felixstowe councillor and assistant cabinet member for Economic Development, Steve Wiles said:
“This is a great addition to the beach and another example of the many improvements taking place along the seafront.”
The development forms part of wider ongoing investment in the South Seafront area, where the Martello Park has already delivered new homes, a play area and new car parking facilities, while East Suffolk Council has also invested in the development of a contemporary café, the refurbishment of two public shelters, and the long-term maintenance of an historic Martello Tower.
Fellow Eastern Felixstowe councillor, Mark Jepson added:
“Felixstowe is the town where everyone is welcome and I’m sure this ramp will be especially well used during the summer season.”
Meanwhile, work continues on a new Seashore Village and activity park further north along Sea Road.
The site will eventually feature 27 traditional-style beach huts, provided by East Suffolk Council, as well as a single-storey accessible hut, built from self-insulating panels and capable of being split into smaller rooms or pods for hire.
The area will also be entirely re-landscaped, with ramp access installed from Sea Road and the Prom, where new fully accessible public conveniences will also be added and open year-round.
A new activity park is set to include a climbing wall, concrete table tennis tables, pétanque piste, accessible picnic benches, chess tables and an outdoor space for workouts.
Further along the East Suffolk coast, at Lowestoft’s South Beach, a new boardwalk was completed earlier this year to provide year-round access for people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, as well as people with pushchairs.