East Suffolk Council
Improved beach access ramp installation scheduled for late summer
Work is set to begin at the end of the summer season on the installation of a replacement ramp to improve beach access in Felixstowe.
The ramp will provide a safe escape route in the event of the sea wall gates being closed in bad weather.
Planning permission has already been granted to replace an existing ramp over the sea defence wall, linking the pavement along Sea Road and Orford Road to the beachfront.
The site is located within Flood Zone 2, southeast of the newly constructed Martello Café, positioned to the northern extent of Martello Park, south-west of 'Orford Shelter'.
The replacement structure will be about 1.5 to 1.6 metres wider, with the addition of steps from the beach, increasing the overall length to approximately 13m, including a landing area within the mid-section along the Martello Park side.
Slip resistant material will also be added to the construction, which currently includes only timber to galvanised posts, Iroko rails, and marine ply decking.
Recent global supply chain issues have led East Suffolk Council to suspend the launch of on-site construction work until after the peak summer visitor season in order to limit the impact on local businesses, nearby beach hut owners and other members of the public.
Craig Rivett, East Suffolk's Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development, said:
“This important project is among a number of improvements planned for this area of Felixstowe and will provide an enhanced means of accessibility to and from the promenade and Martello Park.
“The steel structure has been built off-site ahead of a planned 10-week site build, requiring the movement of construction vehicles and the positioning of a temporary compound on Sea Road carpark.
“The installation stage will be put back so as to have the least possible impact during the busy summer season.”
The on-site work is scheduled to begin immediately after the school holidays at the beginning of September 2022.