East Suffolk Council
New ‘VIP’ venue for Felixstowe
East Suffolk’s newest Visitor Information Point (VIP) has opened its doors on Felixstowe seafront.
Known as ‘The Fisherman’s Hut,’ the new volunteer-run venue takes its name from a fishmonger’s business which formally occupied the site, just north of Felixstowe Pier, on the Promenade.
The new purpose-built venue, provided by East Suffolk Council after fire destroyed the vacant former building in 2019, will offer visitors a range of promotional literature and information relating to the town of Felixstowe and the immediate surrounding area.
The Fisherman’s Hut will be open seven days a week, weather permitting, from 11am to 3pm, operated by volunteers in support of Visit Felixstowe, the official tourism brand for the town, managed by the Felixstowe Business Improvement District (BID).
Two smaller volunteer-run huts have stood on the prom, opposite the Town Hall, since 2016.
Cllr Katie Graham, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: “It’s great to see the opening of this new facility ahead of the school summer holiday period and I’m sure it will be well used by visitors to Felixstowe.
“Its presence on the Prom is testament to the appeal of the town and its many attractions.”
Cllr Seamus Bennett, East Suffolk’s assistant cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, as well as Mayor of Felixstowe (pictured left with Visit Felixstowe Volunteers including co-ordinator Marilyn Hingley, second left, and assistant co-ordinators Catherine Buchanan, centre right, and Heather Carpenter, right), said: “This is a really welcome addition to the seafront and will provide a valuable source of information to visitors.
“It’s both eye-catching and in keeping with the seafront scene, giving new purpose to the site of the old Fisherman’s Hut.
“Our thanks go to the dedicated local volunteers for their commitment to its future success.”
Marilyn Hingley, one of around 18 Visit Felixstowe Volunteers, said: “It was an exciting day when our co-ordinator was handed the keys to the purpose-built Felixstowe Visitor Information Point.
“The Visit Felixstowe Volunteers are passionate about promoting the town and look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors and those who reside more locally.”
Visitor Information Points can also be found in Aldeburgh, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Leiston, Lowestoft, Oulton Broad and Southwold.