Development of a new seaside leisure site has reached new heights with the opening of its activity park area, featuring climbing walls, sports equipment and games.
The new activity park – open in time for the school holidays – forms part of a wider project to regenerate an area of land between Sea Road and the Promenade, in Felixstowe.
When fully complete, the Seafront Village will also 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 accessible beach chalets, for hire.
The area will be entirely re-landscaped, with ramp access and fully accessible public conveniences with changing facilities.
As well as a cluster of climbing walls, the new activity park features concrete table tennis tables, pétanque piste, accessible picnic benches, chess tables and an outdoor space for workouts. Free table tennis coaching sessions are also set to take place from 4pm-5pm every Thursday and Friday throughout August, led by Xtra Time Sports Development.
Cllr Katie Graham, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, said:
“I’m delighted to see this exciting and unique attraction open in time for the school summer holidays.
“It’s the perfect spot, not just for children, but people of all ages and abilities, to enjoy fun and engaging activities in the most impressive seaside setting.
“There can’t be many other places where you can work out while watching the sun rise over the sea, before scaling a climbing wall overlooking a chess match.”
Cllr Seamus Bennett, Mayor of Felixstowe, as well as assistant cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism at East Suffolk Council, said:
“On behalf of Felixstowe Town Council, I’m delighted to see the opening of our new activity park on the South Seafront.
“This exciting new facility will enhance our Blue Flag beach area and add an innovative new dimension to Felixstowe’s great seafront attractions.”
Beach huts currently under construction at the Seashore Village development are now available to purchase.
New Seashore Village beach huts now available to buy
East Suffolk Council is working with Scott Beckett Estate Agents for the sale of the new beach huts, which will be primarily set around a central ‘fish-shaped’ lawn, created by Plaice Design architects.
Work is being carried out by Gipping Construction and overseen by Hollins Architects, with the beach huts purpose-built by PJ Spillings Ltd before being assembled on site.
Huts are available on a long-lease arrangement and full details are available from Scott Beckett by calling 01394 338000 or emailing enquiries@scottbeckett.co.uk.
Five of the beach huts, designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, will be available for short-term hire.
The development forms part of wider investment in the South Seafront area, where the Martello Park has delivered new homes, a play area and new car parking facilities, while East Suffolk Council also invested in the development of an award-winning contemporary café, the refurbishment of two public shelters, the long-term maintenance of an historic Martello Tower and improved access linking the pavement along Sea Road and Orford Road to the beachfront.